Speech on the Future of Europe

An international organization established after World War II to promote international peace and cooperation. Permanent members of the Security Council have veto power, which can hinder decision-making.

A significant economic aid program launched by the United States after World War II to rebuild Europe, devastated by the war. The plan aimed to revitalize European economies and create a larger market for US goods.

The period following World War II characterized by global tension and competition between the US and the Soviet Union. The ideological and geopolitical rivalry had a significant impact on international relations and global politics.

A significant aspect of the Cold War, the integration of European nations to foster economic and political cooperation. It aimed to promote reconciliation among nations, preventing future conflicts, and building a stronger collective identity.

A speech delivered by Winston Churchill in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1946, advocating for a closer union of European nations to prevent future conflicts and promote unity. His speech heavily influenced the development of the European Union.

The concept of a united Europe with shared values, interests, and a common identity. It transcends individual nations and focuses on a collective European spirit.

A significant element of European integration, the process of bringing European nations closer through shared goals and cooperation. It aims to create a more peaceful and unified Europe by promoting economic, political, and social integration.

A significant objective of European integration is to prevent future conflicts by fostering reconciliation among nations, fostering a sense of shared history and values. It aims to create a more peaceful and stable Europe by addressing historical grievances and promoting unity.

A call for a united Europe, built upon cooperation and partnership, to prevent future conflict. This vision emphasizes peace, security, and freedom for all European nations. It envisions a 'United States of Europe' as the ultimate goal.

The speech stresses the importance of reconciliation between France and Germany, viewing it as the crucial first step in achieving a united Europe. The idea suggests that a strong partnership between these nations would serve as a foundation for the future of Europe.

The speaker acknowledges the end of war and devastation but warns of continuing danger. This emphasizes the need for vigilance and proactive measures to prevent future conflicts. It highlights the importance of peacebuilding and conflict resolution beyond just ending the immediate fighting.

The speech promotes a hopeful outlook for the future, suggesting that Europe can overcome its past and construct a brighter future. It encourages proactive actions to build a peaceful, safe, and free Europe for all. This positive outlook underscores the importance of looking ahead and working towards a better future.

The speech emphasizes the need to learn from past aggression and prevent similar conflicts from occurring again. It advocates for a peaceful approach to international relations and emphasizes the importance of building a united and cooperative Europe.

A federalist theorist who advocated for a supranational European Union to prevent future wars and overcome the destructive force of nationalism.

The idea of a united Europe governed by a shared constitution and institutions, where member states give up some sovereignty to a central authority.

A manifesto advocating for a European constitution and supranational federation, written by Altiero Spinelli and other prisoners during WWII on Ventotene Island.

The core argument in the Manifesto of Ventotene, highlighting that a federal European Union is the only way to ensure lasting peace and cooperation between European countries.

The process of bringing European nations together through shared goals and cooperation to promote economic, political, and social integration, often seen as a response to the destructive forces of nationalism.

The idea that European nations need to transcend their individual identities and embrace a shared vision for a stronger and united Europe.

The central element of Spinelli's vision for a federal European Union, emphasizing a common constitution that establishes a supranational authority above the individual nation states.

The key to achieving peace and cooperation in Europe, according to Spinelli, by creating a new political structure based on supranational integration, above individual nation-states.

EU enlargement aims to welcome new members, while consolidation focuses on strengthening existing structures and institutions.

The EU attempted to balance enlargement with strengthening existing institutions, but it faced difficulties in achieving both simultaneously.

The lack of public support for a European constitution in 2004 shows the complex political challenges the EU faces.

The failed attempt to create a constitution, and the reliance on treaties, demonstrates the EU's limited supranational power.

The EU aimed to clarify its structure, competences, and legal framework with the proposed constitution.

The EU's attempt to create a constitution aimed to replace existing treaties with a single, overarching document.

The EU Constitution attempted to revise existing treaty provisions to improve its organization and decision-making processes.

EU directives and regulations, when passed, were considered as law and directly applicable within member states.

A system introduced in 1972 to limit exchange rate fluctuations among European currencies, allowing them to move within a specific range, or "snake", to maintain stability without fully fixing rates.

A system launched in 1979 aiming to create more stable exchange rate mechanisms among European countries. It included the European Currency Unit (ECU), a composite currency used for transactions, serving as a modest version of fixed exchange rate pegs.

A period characterized by a combination of economic stagnation and inflation, challenging traditional Keynesian economic solutions and leading to the rise of monetarism.

A concept that suggests economic policies cannot control inflation indefinitely, as it may occur regardless of economic policies.

A report proposing a common monetary union for European countries. It led to the introduction of the SNAKE and later the EMS as less ambitious steps towards monetary integration.

A composite currency launched in 1979 within the EMS. It was used for transactions between European countries and served as a steppingstone towards a single currency.

Direct election of the European Parliament (1979)

The increasing influence and empowerment of the European Parliament since its direct election in 1979, giving it a substantial voice in European decision-making.

A political theory explaining European integration through a gradual process of cooperation, where increased interdependence between member states leads to a transfer of power to supranational institutions, sometimes against the will of individual governments.

A political theory explaining European integration as a result of negotiations and agreements between sovereign member states, where governments remain the primary actors and retain control over the integration process.

The core difference between neo-functionalism and intergovernmentalism lies in the role of member states and their control over the integration process. Neo-functionalists argue that integration possesses a self-reinforcing momentum, even potentially against the wishes of member states, driven by supranational institutions and dynamics.

Neo-functionalists acknowledge that governments are still important actors in the European integration process. However, they emphasize that the process goes beyond government control, involving other actors and forces, creating a dynamic they cannot fully control.

The main rivalry in explaining European integration comes from two contrasting models: the neo-functionalist and the intergovernmentalist approaches.