European Union Structure and Treaties

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the structure, treaties, and institutions of the European Union.

Marshall Plan

A U.S. program in the late 1940s that encouraged European countries to cooperate and use aid effectively.

ECSC

European Coal and Steel Community, formed in 1952 to foster cooperation among European nations.

EEC

European Economic Community, established in 1958 by the Treaty of Rome to promote economic integration.

Treaty of Rome

Signed in 1957, it created the EEC and the European Atomic Energy Community.

Maastricht Treaty

Signed in 1992, it laid the foundation for the modern EU.

Enlargement

The process of expanding the EU membership, notably in the 1980s with Greece, Spain, and Portugal.

Euro

The official currency of the Eurozone introduced in 1999 electronically and in banknotes and coins in 2002.

Three-Pillar Structure

A framework established by the EU featuring the European Community, Common Foreign and Security Policy, and Justice and Home Affairs.

Brexit

The United Kingdom's exit from the EU which was formally completed on January 31, 2020.

CJEU

Court of Justice of the European Union responsible for upholding EU law and interpreting treaties.

European Commission

The executive body of the EU responsible for proposing legislation and policies.

Council of the European Union

Body representing member governments, adopting EU laws, and coordinating policies.

European Parliament

The directly elected legislative body of the EU that passes laws and holds democratic oversight.

European Central Bank (ECB)

Responsible for managing the euro and conducting EU economic and monetary policy.

European Court of Auditors

Ensures that EU funds are correctly collected and used, aiding financial management.

Court of Justice

Part of the CJEU that deals with cases brought by EU institutions or member states needing clarification of EU law.

General Court

Part of the CJEU which rules on actions for annulment and deals mainly with competition law and state aid.

Inter-governmental

A cooperative approach to policy-making between member states, typical in areas like foreign policy.

Supranational

Authority transcending national governments, often seen in areas like economic and social policy.

Legislative Function

The role of the European Parliament and Council in passing laws based on proposals from the European Commission.

Supervisory Role

The ability of the European Parliament to oversee and hold EU institutions accountable.

Budgetary Responsibilities

The power of the European Parliament to establish and approve the EU budget.

Direct elections

Elections in which citizens directly vote for their representatives, such as those in the European Parliament.

European Union’s legal order

The hierarchy of laws in the EU, with the Founding Treaties at its peak.

Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)

The second pillar of the EU, focused on the external relations and security issues.

Treaty of Amsterdam

Signed in 1997, it amended the Treaty on European Union and other primary treaties.

Treaty of Lisbon

Signed in 2007, it aimed to streamline EU decision-making and enhance its democratic legitimacy.

Census Voting

The method of voting within the European Council, primarily based on consensus among member states.

Consensus Decision-Making

A process where decisions within the European Council are made based on agreement among all members.

Legislative Proposals

Initiatives put forward by the European Commission to create new laws in the EU.

Legitimacy

The legal and political justification for the actions of EU institutions, generally supported by democratic processes.

Financial Management

The planning, organizing, directing, and controlling of financial resources in the EU framework.

Policy Area

A specific field of EU governance which corresponds to distinct institutional responsibilities.

National Interests

The priorities or goals that are deemed most important for individual member states.

Global Representation

The role of the European Commission in advocating EU interests on the international stage.

Political Legitimacy

The acceptability of EU actions and decisions derived from democratic processes and representation.

Audit Reports

Documents produced by the Court of Auditors that review the EU's financial practices.

EU member states

Countries that are members of the European Union, subject to its laws and regulations.

Value for Money

An assessment of the efficiency and effectiveness of the use of EU funds.

Taxpayer Representation

The role of the European Court of Auditors as the advocate for EU citizens regarding financial spending.

Multiannual Financial Framework

The long-term budget of the EU designed to outline spending priorities.

Directly Elected

Refers to representatives chosen by voters, such as Members of the European Parliament.

Council of Europe

An organization separate from the EU that focuses on human rights, democracy, and rule of law in Europe.

Heads of State

Leaders of member states in the European Council who define the political direction of the EU.

Executive Board

The governing structure of the ECB responsible for implementing monetary policy.

External Representation

The Commission's role in ensuring the EU's interests are represented in international agreements.

Terms of Office

The duration and conditions under which members of various EU institutions serve.

Political Dynamics

The interplay of political forces within the EU member states that influences governance.

Geopolitical Challenges

Difficulties faced by the EU in dealing with international relations, especially with major powers.

Inter-institutional cooperation

Collaboration among different EU bodies, such as the Commission, Parliament, and Council.

Common Policies

Shared objectives undertaken by EU member states, often coordinated through treaties.

Majority Voting

A voting system used within the Council to pass certain EU laws, requiring over half of the votes.

Citizens' Petitions

Requests made by EU citizens to the European Parliament to initiate discussion on specific issues.

European Integration

The process of unifying European nations under shared laws and governance structures.

Social Affairs

Policies aimed at improving the welfare of EU citizens, including health care and education.

Economic Stability

The goal of maintaining economic balance and preventing volatility within the eurozone.

Agricultural Policy

EU regulations and guidelines designed to support and manage agriculture and rural development.

Funding Allocation

The distribution of financial resources by the European Commission to member states and projects.

Eurasian Relations

Interactions between the EU and countries in Asia, particularly countries like China and Russia.

Member State Rights

Entitlements and obligations of countries that are part of the EU framework.

Intergovernmental Cooperation

Method of governance in which member states cooperate on issues without relinquishing sovereign authority.

EU External Policy

Actions taken by the EU to promote its interests and values abroad.

Regulatory Framework

The system of rules and regulations that governs EU operations and member states' compliance.

Judicial Safeguards

Protections established by the CJEU to uphold the rule of law within the EU.

Cohesion Policies

Funding strategies aimed at reducing disparities between regions within the EU.

Civil Society Participation

Involvement of citizen groups and organizations in the policymaking process in the EU.

Market Competition Law

Regulations enforced by the CJEU that ensure fair competition within the EU market.