Introduktion till EU

Study Notes

Introduction to the EU

The European Union (EU) is a political and economic alliance of 27 European countries.
It has its own institutions with powers delegated by member states.
The EU seeks to promote peace, values, and improve the living standards of its citizens.

Key Institutions

European Parliament: Represents the citizens of the EU. Members are directly elected. Plays a crucial role in legislation.
European Council: Composed of Heads of State or Government from each member state. Defines the EU's overall political direction and priorities.
Council of the European Union: Composed of government ministers from each member state. Approves laws discussed in the European Parliament.
European Commission: The EU's executive body. It proposes legislation, manages EU policies, and enforces EU law. Operates independently of member state interests.
Court of Justice of the European Union: Interprets EU law and ensures its application across all member states. Has the power to settle legal disputes between member states and institutions.

Key Functions and Powers

Legislation: The EU creates laws that apply to all member states. These laws cover various areas, including the single market, environmental protection, and social policies.
Budgetary Control: The EU has a budget that is financed by member state contributions and used to fund various programmes and policies.
Common Policies: The EU has developed common policies in a variety of areas including agriculture, fisheries, competition, and environmental protection.
Justice and Home Affairs: The EU coordinates member states' work in these areas, addressing challenges like crime and immigration.
External Relations: The EU has a role in international relations, negotiating trade agreements and representing its members in global forums.

The EU's Single Market

A key pillar of the EU is its single market.
This allows for the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people across most EU member states.
The elimination of trade barriers fosters economic growth and integration within the EU.

Membership and Expansion

Membership in the EU involves fulfilling certain criteria and negotiating the terms of accession.
The EU's enlargement over the years has significantly increased its size and scope of influence. This process remains complex.
Continued membership requires adherence to existing laws and regulations.

Challenges and Criticisms

Ongoing debates exist involving the EU's structure and effectiveness.
Variations in opinions exist among member states regarding certain policies or decisions.
Issues like economic disparities between member states, immigration, and sovereignty debates continue to influence opinions.

EU's Influence on Member States

EU membership often impacts national policies and political decision-making within member states.
The need to align with EU regulations and standards impacts national laws and administrative structures.
The coordination of common policies among member states can affect regulatory frameworks within each country.

EU's Future Prospects

Challenges to the EU's continued success include maintaining economic stability, managing varied interests among member states, and navigating evolving political landscapes.
Member state participation and integration remains crucial for continued effectiveness and the development of common goals.
Maintaining public support and addressing concerns across member states is a continuous process.

Description

Detta quiz ger en översikt över Europeiska unionen och dess viktigaste institutioner. Du kommer att lära dig om Europaparlamentet, Europeiska rådet, Ministerrådet, Europeiska kommissionen och EU:s domstol. Quizet utforskar deras roller och betydelse i EU:s funktion.