Week 3: A union of member states

TEU article 1

the european union starts with member states, as the EU itself is a contract between member states to pursue objectives that they agree on. They do that by transferring specific policy areas to the commission. The treaty also states that there is a process of creating an ever closer union, but doesn’t state exactly what that means. At the same time, member states agree that w eshould bring european people together while still being as close to the citizens as possible.

TEU article 4

the role of MS. All policy responsibility not explicitly conferred to EU via treaties remain with member states. All member states are equal in a legal sense and the treaties have to recognize this equality but also respct national identities. National security will remain the responsbility of MS

TEU article 5

1) Conferral. EU needs to only act within the limits of its competences. 2) Subsidarity. Politics should be organized at the lowest level possible. So EU should only come to play when there are advantages with the scale and the level of effect. 3) proportionality. EU action is acceptable when MS sees it as necessary to achieve objectives.

European council

head of state or government + presidents (EUCO, COM, HRVP). EUCO defines the general political directions and priorities of the union and meets 4 times a year. Full ananumity is needed to make decisions. EUCO is not only a spokesperson for European political cooperation but also a global player throigh developing a coordinated foreing policy. Originally, the council presidency was aimed at maximizing the representation of national interest and pride and at counterbalancing the Commission. After Lisbon, the focus on national preferences is less emphasized

Council of the EU

aka council of ministers. There is one minister per MS + 10 different configuarations per year. Decisions are made with QMV as it needs to vote for all laws coming forward and there is a 6-months rotating presidency.  

Coreper II:

committee let by the permanent representatives (the ambassadors themselves). Works on genreal affairs, justice and home affaris, economic and financial affairs. Have gained more power in recent years after COVID. The ambassadors’ rise also represents a broader power shift in the EU in recent years, away from the European Commission and toward the bloc’s member governments. Permanent representatives generally have a direct link to their prime minister or president, unlike other ambassadors who report to their foreign ministries.

Coreper I

committee let by the permanent representation but doesn’t have to be the ambassador herself. Can be negotiations on agriculture, competitiveness, education etc. So handle topics that are considered more technical and nitty-gritty

Intergovernmental bargaining

) Lowest common denominator pattern, where the political outcome becomes what they can all agree on. 2) threats of exclusion. There is a big social pressure to conform (especially if only a few MS are against). 3) Linking multiple dossiers. An idea of balancing things out by supporting x and you support y.

Qualified majority voting:

under the Lisbon Treaty, 55% majority of MS if Commission/HR proposal (or 72%) and Representing 65% majority of population

TEU art 48, treaty change

how the EU works is considered foreing policy for MS and they therefore have to be the ones to change treaties (EUCO).