European Integration History

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Questions and Answers

What was the main motivation behind the start of European integration after World War II?

To prevent future conflicts and promote economic cooperation (correct)

To strengthen global influence

To promote economic competition among European nations

To create a federal European state

Which treaty established the European Union and introduced a single currency?

The Schuman Declaration

The Lisbon Treaty

The Maastricht Treaty (correct)

The Merger Treaty

Which integration theory suggests that cooperation in one area leads to cooperation in others?

Socialism

Federalism

Intergovernmentalism

Neofunctionalism (correct)

What is the primary responsibility of the European Commission?

Proposing legislation and overseeing policy implementation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a benefit of European integration?

Economic growth and stability Signup and view all the answers

What is a challenge of European integration?

Balancing national sovereignty with EU decision-making Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the European Council?

Highest-level decision-making Signup and view all the answers

Which treaty reformed the EU's institutions and decision-making processes?

The Lisbon Treaty Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of the Single Market?

Removal of tariffs, quotas, and other trade barriers Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of the European Central Bank (ECB)?

Controlling inflation Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of the Monetary Union?

Reduced transaction costs Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of Supranationalism?

EU institutions have power to make binding decisions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of the Enlargement Policy?

Expanding EU membership to new countries Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of the Enlargement Policy?

Enhanced EU's global influence and competitiveness Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of the Single Market?

Mutual recognition of standards and certifications Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of Supranationalism?

Promotes EU-wide policies and coordination Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

History of European Integration

Post-WWII: European integration began as a response to the devastation of World War II, aiming to prevent future conflicts and promote economic cooperation.
1950: The Schuman Declaration proposed the creation of a European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), which eventually led to the formation of the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957.
1967: The Merger Treaty created a single commission and council, leading to the European Community (EC).
1992: The Maastricht Treaty established the European Union (EU) and introduced a single currency, the euro.
2007: The Lisbon Treaty reformed the EU's institutions and decision-making processes.

Integration Theories

Neofunctionalism: Integration is driven by functional spillover, where cooperation in one area leads to cooperation in others.
Intergovernmentalism: Integration is driven by national governments' self-interest and bargaining.
Federalism: Integration aims to create a federal European state.

Pillars of the European Union

European Commission: The executive branch, responsible for proposing legislation and overseeing policy implementation.
Council of the European Union: The legislative branch, composed of ministers from member states.
European Parliament: The directly elected representative body, involved in the legislative process.
European Council: The highest-level decision-making body, composed of heads of state or government.

Benefits and Challenges of Integration

Benefits:
- Economic growth and stability
- Increased competitiveness
- Improved standard of living
- Strengthened global influence
Challenges:
- Balancing national sovereignty with EU decision-making
- Managing economic and social disparities among member states
- Addressing migration and security concerns
- Maintaining democratic legitimacy and accountability

History of European Integration

Post-WWII European integration began to prevent future conflicts and promote economic cooperation.
1950: The Schuman Declaration proposed the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), leading to the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957.
1967: The Merger Treaty created a single commission and council, forming the European Community (EC).
1992: The Maastricht Treaty established the European Union (EU) and introduced the euro currency.
2007: The Lisbon Treaty reformed the EU's institutions and decision-making processes.

Integration Theories

Neofunctionalism: Functional spillover drives integration, where cooperation in one area leads to cooperation in others.
Intergovernmentalism: National governments' self-interest and bargaining drive integration.
Federalism: Integration aims to create a federal European state.

Pillars of the European Union

European Commission: The executive branch proposes legislation and oversees policy implementation.
Council of the European Union: The legislative branch is composed of ministers from member states.
European Parliament: The directly elected representative body is involved in the legislative process.
European Council: The highest-level decision-making body is composed of heads of state or government.

Benefits and Challenges of Integration

Benefits:
- Economic growth and stability through integration
- Increased competitiveness among member states
- Improved standard of living
- Strengthened global influence of the EU
Challenges:
- Balancing national sovereignty with EU decision-making
- Managing economic and social disparities among member states
- Addressing migration and security concerns
- Maintaining democratic legitimacy and accountability within the EU

Single Market

Creates a unified economic area with four fundamental freedoms:
- Free movement of goods
- Free movement of services
- Free movement of capital
- Free movement of people
Key features of the single market:
- Removal of tariffs, quotas, and other trade barriers
- Harmonization of laws and regulations
- Mutual recognition of standards and certifications
Benefits of the single market:
- Increased competition
- Improved efficiency
- Greater consumer choice
- Creation of jobs and growth

Monetary Union

Establishes a single currency (Euro) and a single monetary policy
- Euro as the official currency for 19 EU member states
- European Central Bank (ECB) responsible for monetary policy
Key objective of monetary policy:
- Inflation control
Benefits of monetary union:
- Reduced transaction costs
- Increased price transparency
- Promotes economic integration and stability

Supranationalism

Decision-making process where EU institutions have authority over national governments
- EU institutions (Commission, Council, Parliament) have power to make binding decisions
- National governments may be required to implement EU policies
Key feature of supranationalism:
- Encourages cooperation and coordination among member states
Benefits of supranationalism:
- Promotes EU-wide policies and coordination
- Enhances EU's global influence
- Fosters a sense of shared identity and community

Enlargement Policy

Expands EU membership to new countries
- Accession process involves meeting EU's political, economic, and acquis communautaire criteria
- Candidate countries must adopt EU laws and policies
- Negotiations and accession treaties formalize the process
Benefits of enlargement policy:
- Promotes peace, stability, and prosperity in Europe
- Encourages economic growth and cooperation
- Enhances EU's global influence and competitiveness