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Summary of all flashcards of the course PSPEU
Treaty of Rome (1957)
Created the European Economic Community (EEC) and Euratom, establishing a common market and customs union. It aimed to promote economic integration among member states, facilitating trade and cooperation.
Empty Chair Crisis (1965-66)
France boycotted EEC meetings, opposing supranationalism, leading to the Luxembourg Compromise.
Single European Act (1986)
Aimed to complete the single market by 1992, expanded qualified majority voting, and increased Parliament’s role.
Treaty of Maastricht (1992)
Founded the European Union, introduced the euro, and formalized justice, security, and monetary union policies. It also established the three pillars of the EU: the European Communities, Common Foreign and Security Policy, and Justice and Home Affairs.
Treaty of Lisbon (2007)
Treaty where EU institutions were streamlined, the European Parliament was strengthened, and competences between the EU and member states were clarified.
Jean Monnet
A founding father of European integration, architect of the ECSC, and advocate for supranational cooperation.
Robert Schuman
French Foreign Minister whose 1950 declaration led to the creation of the ECSC and laid the groundwork for the EU.
Konrad Adenauer
The first Chancellor of West Germany who promoted Franco-German reconciliation and European integration.
Margaret Thatcher
British Prime Minister who championed the single market but opposed deeper EU integration, including monetary union.
Subsidiarity
The principle that decisions should be made at the most local level possible unless they can be better handled at the EU level.
Supranationalism
A system where power is transferred to an authority above national governments, such as the EU institutions.
Differentiated Integration
The concept that not all EU member states participate in all policies, such as the eurozone or Schengen Area.
EU Enlargement
The process of expanding EU membership from the original 6 to 27 countries, spreading its political and economic model.
Single Market
Allows free movement of goods, services, capital, and people among EU member states, fully implemented in 1993.
Cohesion Policy
EU efforts to reduce economic disparities among regions through structural and cohesion funds.
the Lisbon Strategy
A plan to enhance EU competitiveness and adaptability in a globalized economy.
Council of Ministers
Represents member states’ governments; adopts EU laws and coordinates policies. Ministers meet in configurations depending on the policy area.
European Court of Justice
The judicial authority ensuring the uniform application and interpretation of EU law across member states.
High Authority (ECSC, 1951)
The executive body of the European Coal and Steel Community, responsible for overseeing coal and steel production and ensuring compliance with ECSC regulations. A precursor to the European Commission.
Common Assembly (ECSC, 1951)
An advisory body made up of representatives from national parliaments, later evolving into the European Parliament.
European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC, 1951)
The first supranational European organization, pooling coal and steel resources among six founding members (France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) to prevent war and foster economic cooperation.
European Economic Community (EEC, 1957)
Established by the Treaty of Rome to create a common market, promote free trade, and foster economic integration among member states.
TEU
Treaty on European Union
TFEU
Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union
Article 1 of TEU
Establishes the EU and its objectives: promoting peace, upholding European values, enhancing citizens' well-being, and integrating member states into a single political entity.
TEU article 4
The Role of Member States:
Competences not conferred are for MS
Respect and equality among MS
Essential state functions and national security are for MS
Duty of sincere cooperation
TEU Article 5
General principles:
Conferral of competences
Subsidiarity
Proportionality
TEU Article 13
Key EU institutions (EP, EUCO, Council, COM, CJEU, ECB, Court of Auditors)
European Parliament
One of the key institutions of the EU, representing EU citizens and participating in the legislative process.
European Council
The key institution that defines the EU's overall political direction and priorities. It consists of the heads of state or government of the EU member states and a President.
Council of the European Union
Key EU institution where government ministers from member states meet to negotiate and adopt legislation.
European Commission
The executive body of the EU responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and managing the Union's day-to-day operations.
European Court of Justice
The court that ensures EU law is interpreted and applied consistently across member states.
European Central Bank
Central bank for the eurozone, managing the euro, conducting monetary policy, ensuring price stability, and regulating banks in EU member states using the euro.
Court of Auditors
The institution that oversees the EU's finances, ensuring accountability and proper use of funds.
TEU Article 15
Defines the role and decision-making procedures of the European Council, crucial for guiding the EU's political direction.
TEU Article 16
Defines the role of the Council of the European Union
Qualified Majority Voting (QMV)
A voting system in the Council of Ministers where decisions require a specified majority, reducing the need for unanimity. 55% of majority of MS and 65% majority of the EU population.
Ordinary Legislative Procedure (OLP)
Gives equal weight to the European Parliament and Council in passing laws
TEU Article 48
Treaty Change: The Government of any Member State, the European Parliament or the Commission may submit to the Council proposals for the amendment of the Treaties.
TEU Article 49
Enlargement: sets out the procedure for countries to join the EU, sets out that prospective member states must be committed to promoting EU values and meet the so-called 'Copenhagen criteria'
TEU Article 50
EU-exit: provides for a mechanism for the voluntary and unilateral withdrawal of a country from the European Union (EU).
Intergovernmental Bargaining
Refers to the negotiation process among member state representatives to reconcile national interests and reach agreements on EU legislation, policies, or decisions.
Supranational Institutions
Organizations that operate above the level of individual member states, often involving shared decision-making and governance.
EP
European Parliament, the directly elected legislative body of the EU that exercises legislative and budgetary functions.
Economic and Monetary Union
An agreement among EU member states to use a common currency, the euro, and coordinate economic policies.
European Elections
Elections held every five years where EU citizens elect Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).
Interinstitutional Relations
The relationships and collaborative mechanisms between various EU institutions such as the Commission, the Parliament, and the Council.
Directorates-General
Departments of the European Commission responsible for specific policy areas and implementing EU legislation.
Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF)
The long-term budgetary framework for the EU, setting limits on expenditure for multiple years.
TEU article 3
European Union aims to:
promote peace
establish an internal market
concentrate on sustainable development
combat social exclusion
provide justice and security
uphold a global role
TEU article 17
Role of the European commission: The Commission promotes the EU's general interest, proposes legislation, ensures EU law is applied, manages policies and the budget, and represents the EU internationally.
TEU article 14
Role of the European parliament: Exercises legislative, budgetary, and supervisory powers, elects the Commission President, and is composed of directly elected representatives of EU citizens.
Special legislative procedure
Under this procedure, the European Parliament either approves or is consulted on legislation, while the Council of the EU plays the primary role in adopting laws. This procedure is used in specific cases outlined by the EU treaties.
TEU article 2
Foundational values: The Union is founded on values like respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. These values are shared across Member States, fostering a society with pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity, and gender equality.
Regultatory Framework
Operates as a regulatory system bound by EU directives and regulations like REACH and GDPR. The Council and European Parliament co-legislate, the Commission enforces, and the CJEU adjudicates unresolved disputes involving EU legislation.
TEU article 7
Mechanisms to adress Rule-of-law breaches: Includes steps such…
Risk assesment
Serious Breach determination
Sanctions
Reversal of sanctions
TFEU article 67
Area of Freedom, Security, and Justice: Promotes common policies about…
Border control and immigration
Security Measures
Judicial access
Schengen Area
Originating from a 1985 treaty, it was integrated into EU law in 1997 via the Treaty of Amsterdam. It removes internal borders and maintains a common visa policy, supported by agencies like EUROPOL and FRONTEX.
TEU Article 19
Role of the Court of Justice of the European Union: Mandates the CJEU to ensure EU law is upheld in treaty interpretation and application, offering legal protection across fields governed by EU law, and delivering preliminary rulings on EU law interpretations and validity.
European Political Cooperation (EPC)
A framework for EU member states' foreign policy coordination from 1970-1993, preceding the CFSP.
Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)
EU policy for coordinating foreign policy and security matters, focusing on diplomacy, mediation, and strategies without binding obligations for member states.
Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP)
A part of CFSP focusing on military and civilian crisis management, capacity-building, and peacekeeping operations.
European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP)
A policy aimed at fostering stability, security, and prosperity in countries close to the EU's borders.
Key Areas of Tension in EU Foreign Policy
Includes:
Conflicts between external/internal objectives
Transatlantic solidarity vs European integration
Civilian vs military power approaches
Intergovernemental vs supranational methods
Normative vs interest-driven power
Key Features of EU Foreign Policy
Defined by:
Being non-exclusive and non-all-encompassing
Multifaceted nature
Multi-method Approach
Multilevel/multilocation implementation
Conferral of Power
The principle that the EU can act only within the competences delegated by its Member States, ensuring a legal basis for foreign policy actions.
Non-exclusive and Non-All-Encompassing (Feature)
Reflects the EU's role as an international organization, not a state, with limited competences in foreign policy.
Multifaceted (Feature)
Involves various policy fields like trade, development cooperation, CFSP, and internal policies with external dimensions.
Five Dimensions of multifaceted features
External action
External dimensions of internal policies
CFSP
CSDP
Interaction with member states' foreign policies
Multi-method Approach (Feature)
Combines the community method (supranational) and intergovernmental method, depending on the policy area.
Community Method
A supranational approach where the EU has competence, involving legislative proposals by the Commission and decision-making by the Council and Parliament.
Intergovernmental Method
Cooperation where decisions are made by consensus among Member States without transferring competence to the EU.
Multilevel and Multilocation (Feature)
EU foreign policy operates across various levels (sub-national, national, EU, global) and locations, involving coordination with NATO, the UN, and other organizations.
Operational Missions of the CFSP & CSDP
Includes:
Peacekeeping
Conflict prevention in regions like the Sahel
Sanctions and responses to crisis
Anti-piracy operations
Successes of EU Foreign Policy
Examples include:
The enlargement process
ENP initiatives (strengthened ties with bordering regions)
Sanctions on Russia and Iran
Challenges of EU Foreign Policy
Includes:
Lack of consensus among member states that wich limits action
Competition among global powers wich challenges the EU’s influence
Reliance on Member States' contributions
Varying degrees of involvement among countries
Economic and Monetary Union (EMU)
A framework for economic integration in the EU, aiming at coordinating economic policies, establishing a common monetary policy, and adopting a single currency, the Euro.
The European Central Bank (ECB)
The central bank of the Eurozone responsible for monetary policy, maintaining price stability, and authorizing the issuance of the Euro.
1999
The year the euro was introduced as an accounting currency
2002
The year the euro was introduced as physical coins
The European Semester
A framework for coordinating EU Member States' economic policies, focusing on fiscal surveillance and promoting convergence.
No debt mutualization
EU policy ensuring Member States are individually responsible for their debts, except for specific joint projects.
Monetary policy integration
The process of aligning monetary policies across the Eurozone to ensure consistency and price stability.
Governing Council of the ECB
The decision-making body of the ECB, comprising the Executive Board and the governors of national central banks of Eurozone countries.
Executive Board of the ECB
A body within the ECB responsible for implementing monetary policy, consisting of a President, Vice-President, and four other members appointed by the European Council.
Eurosystem
The monetary authority of the Eurozone, including the ECB and the national central banks of Eurozone countries.
TFEU Article 140
Monetary policy convergence criteria: requirements for joining the Eurozone, including:
Price stability
Sustainable government finances
Exchange rate stability
Interest rate stability
Principle of central bank independence
Ensures that the ECB operates without political interference, focusing on its primary objective of maintaining price stability.
Stability and Growth Pact
An agreement to ensure fiscal discipline in the EU by limiting budget deficits to 3% of GDP and debt levels to 60% of GDP.
Werner Plan
A 1970 proposal outlining steps towards economic and monetary union in Europe.
Delors Report
A 1989 report proposing a three-stage process for achieving EMU, leading to the Maastricht Treaty.
TARGET2
The Eurosystem's real-time gross settlement system used for processing large-value payments in Euros across the Eurozone.
TIPS
A Eurosystem service that enables instant payments in Euros 24/7, settling transactions in real-time.
Net Contributor
A member state that pays more into the EU budget than it receives back in funding, reflecting its higher economic capacity
Net Recipient
A member state that receives more funding from the EU budget than it contributes, typically aimed at supporting economic development, infrastructure, and social projects.
Single Supervisory Mechansim (SSM)
Eurosystem mechansism responsible for the prudential supervision of banks to ensure the safety and soundness of the European banking system and to increase financial stability.
Single Resolution Mechanism (RSM)
Eurosystem mechanism that manages the of failing banks to minimize the impact on the economy and public finances, ensuring the stability of the financial system.
Treaty of Paris (1951)
Treaty that established the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), creating a shared market for coal and steel among six nations to promote economic cooperation and prevent war, laying the foundation for the European Union.
Treaty of Amsterdam (1997)
Treaty that amended the EU's founding treaties, enhancing the role of the European Parliament, expanding areas of EU competence (e.g., employment, social policy), and incorporating the Schengen Agreement into EU law. It aimed to improve efficiency, transparency, and prepare for future enlargement.
