B4L3: EU Policy making in a wider context: external policies, other forms of regional integration

Why is policymaking in the EU considered complex?

Because it involves multi-level compromises, different instruments for different policy areas, and varied roles for institutions.

Name two ways the EU integrates beyond its borders.

Through foreign and security policy, and through trade policy.

How does the EU participate in global structures?

By cooperating with organizations like the United Nations and addressing global issues like climate change.

What are the key aims of the EU in acting beyond its borders?

Exporting stability and values, promoting rule of law, and engaging in development and global cooperation.

When does the EU have the strongest influence on a country?

Before the country joins the EU, during the accession process.

What is Article 49 of the TEU about?

It defines the open nature of EU integration, allowing any European state respecting EU values to apply.

What tensions exist in EU enlargement?

Between geopolitical and integrationist logic, and between "deepening" and "widening" of the EU.

What does the EU accession process require?

Unanimous agreement from all Member States at multiple stages, including the conclusion of an Accession Treaty.

What is the EU's focus during the accession process?

Rule of law and institutional capacity to align the candidate country with EU standards.

What is the "absorption capacity" in EU enlargement?

The EU's readiness to accommodate new members institutionally and politically.

How do geopolitics affect EU enlargement?

Geopolitical changes, like the situations with Turkey and Ukraine, influence the enlargement process.

What issues have slowed progress in the Western Balkans?

Political instability and external influences, such as Russian interference.

Which treaty articles define the EU’s foreign policy framework?

Articles 21-46 of the TEU and Articles 205-222 of the TFEU.

What role does the Council play in foreign policy?

The Council is central to decision-making, particularly through its unanimity requirement for many actions.

What values underpin EU external actions?

Democracy, human rights, solidarity, and cooperation.

What is the aim of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)?

To progressively frame a common defense policy that may lead to a common defense.

What are restrictive measures in EU external actions?

They are sanctions targeting countries, organizations, companies, or individuals to enforce foreign policy goals. They are considered as essential in the European Foreign Policy

What governance structure supports EU sanctions?

The Council adopts sanctions via qualified majority voting, based on proposals from the High Representative and the Commission.

Who are the main stakeholders in EU external actions?

EU Member States, the Commission, non-EU countries, NATO allies, civil society, and regional organizations.

What role does the European Parliament play in external actions?

Limited, but it has important oversight of the budget and can request information from the High Representative.

What is the role of the European Commission in EU trade policy?

It formulates proposals, negotiates agreements, and aligns member states' interests with EU objectives.

How does the EU use trade policy to advance human rights?

By embedding labor rights, environmental protection, and human rights clauses in trade agreements.

What is the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP)?

An initiative offering reduced tariffs to developing countries in exchange for compliance with international conventions.

How does the EU compare to other regional organizations?

The EU is unique in its depth of integration but collaborates with organizations like Mercosur, ASEAN, and the African Union.

What are some of the EU’s regional cooperation instruments?

Trade agreements, multilateral partnerships, and joint policy development.

What is the key relationship between the EU and the Council of Europe?

Both share common values, such as human rights and democracy, and cooperate on setting standards.

What legal challenge exists between the EU and ECHR?

The EU has a treaty obligation to join the ECHR, but legal complexities have delayed its accession.

What is a major difference between the AU and the EU?

The AU focuses on sovereignty and territorial integrity, while the EU emphasizes supranational integration

What are the funding sources for the AU?

Two-thirds of the AU’s budget is financed by external partners, including the EU.

What is Mercosur’s primary goal?

To establish a free trade zone with aspirations toward a single market

How does the EU contribute to the UN?

It is the largest contributor to the UN budget and participates actively in missions and programs.

Who represents the EU at the UN Security Council?

France, the only EU member with a permanent seat, represents EU interests while consulting other members.

What is the EU's "democratic deficit"?

The perception that EU decision-making lacks transparency and sufficient democratic accountability.

How does politicization impact EU policymaking?

It increases contestation over EU decisions and fosters the rise of Euroscepticism.

What factors are likely to shape the future of EU policymaking?

Globalization, challenges to the Western economic model, and the rise of Euroscepticism.

What is the strategy of European enlargement ?

European enlargement is the central element of European external relations, it uses the neighbourhood strategy to enlarge

How is a new state entering into the EU legally?

All MS need to make a treaty with the new MS and ratify it, it shows the intergovernmental nature of the EU since those treaties can lead in changes in European treaties

What are the different policies of EU external action?

• common commercial policy (decided with OLP)

• development cooperation policy (OLP)

• International agreements (EP consent)

• Foreign/security policy (special procedure)

What is the central role of the Council and European Council in EU external action?

They set the strategic direction for EU external actions and make decisions on foreign and security policies, often requiring unanimity.

What is the "double-hatted" role of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy?

The High Representative is both the Vice President of the European Commission and the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Council, also overseeing the European External Action Service (EEAS).

What is the role of the Political and Security Committee (PSC) in EU external actions?

The PSC, composed of ambassadors from EU Member States, provides advice, manages crises, and oversees the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

What influence does the European Parliament have in EU external action?

The European Parliament has limited decision-making power but influences through budgetary oversight and by receiving updates from the High Representative.

What challenge arises from the unanimity requirement in EU external action decision-making?

The unanimity requirement can slow down decision-making, as it allows individual Member States to use vetoes or blackmail to negotiate unrelated demands.

What is the concept of Differentiated Integration in EU external actions?

It allows some Member States to participate more actively in certain areas, like Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) on defense, while others opt out.

What is the Council of Ministers’ role in EU Trade Policy?

It approves mandates for negotiation and and strategic directions, but also finalises the trade agreements

How is the EU a normative power in matters if trade policy?

It promotes its core values, Human Rights and Multilateralism

How is the EU a geopolitical player in matters of trade policy?

It uses economic coercion, sanctions and trade restrictions to address economic threats

How do the Council of Europe and the EU cohabit?

The EU has a delegation in the Council of Europe and the CoE has a liaison office in the EU.

What are the areas of cooperation between the EU and the AU?

Both unions work together on:

• Green Transition

• Digital Transformation

• Sustainable Growth

• Peace, Security

• Migration and Mobility

When was Mercosur created and what is its structure?

It was created 1991 and is an intergovernmental organization with 5 permanent MS and 6 associated mbs

What are the main challenges of the EU today?

• enlargement and heterogeneity

• politicisation

• democratic deficit

• transparency and accountability

• implementation and enforcement