European integration summary.docx

Block 1: European integration in a long-term historical perspective. Immanuel Kant The formation of the state: The first stage is the formation of the state: it monopolises force and subjects individual arbitrariness to law Perpetual peace: Peace is the end of all hostilities and not the suspensi...

Block 1: European integration in a long-term historical perspective. Immanuel Kant The formation of the state: The first stage is the formation of the state: it monopolises force and subjects individual arbitrariness to law Perpetual peace: Peace is the end of all hostilities and not the suspension of hostilities between two wars Peace cannot be obtained on the balance of powers must be built by the creation of a legal order that guarantees it: extension of law to all social relations, including international relations World federation ensures perpetual peace: Founded on a power capable of regulating relations between states and preventing the use of violence to resolve conflicts The choice to join the federation must be free. The states that make up the federation must be republican Basic principles of the federalist theory Internationaln anarchy prevents the consolidation of peace, democracy and justice Proudhon’s federalism Was actually confederalism Central authority is subordinate to MS Municipality is main centre of organization of collective life rejects the presence of a state because he considers it an absurd institution, aimed simply at the exploitation of others’ labour by a few men Mazzini’s thoughts Struggle for Italian unification, but idea of European unity and also entire human race Strong idealisation of the concept of the nation: vehicle for achieving freedom and universal brotherhood The unitary nation-state remained the highest form of organisation of society, on this point he differs significantly from Proudhon who rejects the presence of a state Cattaneo’s federalism Denounces the illiberal and authoritarian limits of the unitary nation state Federal solution applicable both for Italian unification and for peace in Europe Federalist institutions Subordination of a plurality of independent states to a superior but limited centre of power Real freedom only by limiting political power: within states with regional decentralisation and in international relations by subordinating states to a supranational government The Ventotene Manifesto For a free and united Europe: Main figures constitution the Ventotene Manifesto: Ernesto Rossi Altiero Spinelli These figures were imprisoned during the Mussolini administration in Italy and were oponents to the fascist regimes First draft in 1940-1941 Content of the Manifesto Preface by Colorni The Crisis of Modern Civilisation (Spinelli) Post-war tasks European unity (Spinelli) Post-war tasks. The reform of society (Rossi) Starting point for reflection: how to avoid further fratricidal wars in Europe? Through: Overcoming the nation state (whose maximum degeneration is totalitarian regimes) through a European federation Overcoming traditional parties: a revolutionary movement capable of mobilising the popular forces of all countries would make the goal of European supranational democracy possible. Block 2: European integration in a long-term historical perspective part 2 Jean Monnet (1888-1979) Jean Monnet: French economist and public official Secretary general of League of Nations In 1949: he realized dangerous extents for the control of Ruhr, it was necessary to concentrate the Franco-German coal and steel resources under the control of a European Government.  European integration process: History of the ECSC Started from an idea from Jean Monnet and got proposed by Robert Schuman Lead to the Schuman decleration on 9 May 1950 6 states: Belgium, Netherlands, France, Germany, Luxembourg and Italy European Defence community (EDC) Defence problems in Europe Afetr WWII Dunquerque Treaty, 1947 Brussels Treaty, 1948 North Atlantic Treaty, 1949 German rearmament Pleven Plan, 1950 1952: the Treaty was signed 1954: French Assembly voted against the Plan Jean Monnet resigned as president of the common high authority of the ECSC after rejection of the EDC History of the European Economic community: Treaties of Rome, 25 March 1957 6 states (originally): France, West Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg Objective: creation of a single market without internal customs barriers: Free movement of goods. Free movement of workers. Free movement of services. Free movement of capital. Block 3: European integration The story of European communities The 1950 Schuman Decleration Franco-German production of coal and steel under a common high authority. (open to participation of other countries) War between France and Germany unthinkable and impossible Aim of contributing to raising living standards Modernization of production and improvent of the quality Identical terms to the supple of coal and steel No costom duties or transport rates on coal and steel between member countries Essential principles and undertakings based on a treaty Common high authority Composed of indepenent persons, appointed by governments Equal representation Decisions will be enforceable UN representative accredited to the authority Economic but also Peace project France: anticipating the economic reawakening of Germany Germany: Get rid of occupation US had pressed Schuman for a more constructive approach for Germany’s issue in ‘49 The 1951 Paris Treaty June-August 1950, first intergovernmental conference between 6 participating countries Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, France, Germany and Italy Supranationalism not popular Council of ministers: Harmonize activity of HA with economic policies of member states Second phase difficulties: need to have Germany agree to re-organize C&S industry. Sovereignty issues and G had economic interest in keeping it the same. US as important diplomatic role Signature: 18 April 1951 Entry into force: 23 July 1952 Expired: 23 July 2002 Jean Monnet as first president of the HA. resigned after failure of EDC in ’54 Four institutions under the ECSC Treaty High authority: ensuring that Treaty objectives were attained, including making binding decisions. Common assembly (assembly): Members selected by N parliaments Special council of ministers (council): mainly consultative role with a view to “harmonizing the action of the High Authority and that of the governments, which are responsible for the general economic policy of their countries” (Art 26); in some cases concurrence (consent) with decisions HA needed (Art 28) Court of Justice (court): ensure the rule of law in the interpretation and application of present treaty and its implementing. Was the ECSC a success? Advanced EI and made war impossible However: a faillure policy-wise After rejection of EDC, a consensus grew Need of more ambition Complete integration, not only economic New approach; No programme but commitment Decision making from supranational authority towards a Council representing interests of national governments 1957, Treaty of Rome Treaty establishing the European Economic Community (EEC) Objectives: Not only coal and steel Establishing common market Progressively approximating econ policies of MS Harmonious development of econ activities Continnous balanced expansion Raising standards of living Closer relations between MS Institutional framework Assembly Council Commission Court of justice Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) Supranationalism and the ‘Community method’ European commission (EEC) Performs duties in the general intererst of the community with complete independence Exclusive right to propose cummunity legislation Carries out common policies and represents EEC externally Council Represents gov. of MS Decision making power (legislative/ budget/ agreements) Qualified majority voting European Parliamant (Assembly) Originally, only consultative Name EP from ’62 forward Gradual upgrade in legislative process Court of justice Under EEC Treaty, more than administrative Intergovernmentalism strikes back: The Fouchet Plans ’61-62 France proposed ‘Union of the European peoples’, without supranational institutions. Main objectives: common foreign and defense policy, common heritage and protection of values Adapted in ‘62 Rejected by BENELUX The original policies and how they developed EEC is first place a customs union, on the basis of which a common market is created: Freedom of goods, services, capital and people The "empty chair" crisis in the European Community occurred in 1965 when France opposed a new voting system called Qualified Majority Voting (QMV) and left a meeting to show their disagreement, leading to an informal agreement known as the Luxembourg Compromise in 1966. This compromise meant that formal voting was put on hold, and decisions were made by trying to find agreement (consensus) instead. The practical result was a "agree to disagree" approach until the 1986 Single European Act introduced changes to decision-making processes in the European Community. The European union: Maastricht and beyond The 1986 Single European act Single European act Signed: 17/28 February ‘86 Entry into force: 1 July ‘87 Treaty recognition of European Political Cooperation (EPC, art.1) and European council (Art 2) Introduced Internal Market Introduced cooperation procedure and assent (agreement, approval) procedure Stronger role of Euoprean parliament Political committee and Secretariat for EPC New community policies Health and safety of workers Econ and social cohesion Research and tech devvelopment Environment Cooperation in econ and monetary policy The 1992 Maastricht Treaty Two intergovernmental conferences launched in ‘90 IGC on econ and monetary union IGC on Political union Treaty on European union Signed: 7 feb ‘92 Entry into force: 1 Nov ‘93 Three pillars of the creation of the European union Three communities Commong foreign and security policy (CFSP) Cooperation in field of justice and home affairs (JHA) EU not yet legal personality Single institutional framework 5 institutions with court of auditors European council recognized as organ First reference to fundamental rights Pillar 1:The European communities European Economic Community -> European community with expansion of powers Trans-European networks Health Education, vocational training, youth and culture Industry, energy … Introduction to Union Citizenship New provision on Economic and monetary union European currency unit: time path (latest 1/1/’99) European parliament gained codecision procedure Creation of committee of regions Pillar 2: common foreign and security policy Codification of European Political Community (EPC) Intergovernmental No treaty making capacity Third pillar: Cooperation in justice and home affairs (JHA) Collection of topics on which sovereignty runs deep Intergovernmental method Unanimous decision making (council) Commission was fully associated, but no exclusive proposal MS may put forward proposals The 1997 Amsterdam Treaty Treaty of Amsterdam Signed: 2 Oct ‘97 Entry into force: 1 May ‘99 New element: sustainable development Introduction of Neclear Procedure (art 7 TEU) in case of serious and persistent breach More social accents Coordination MS employment policies Incorporation of agreement on social policy in TEC (treaty establishing the European community) Major fields of third pillar ‘communiterized’ (integrated in TEC) Part of Freedom, security and justice: asylum, immigration, combating fraud, etc. Enhanced cooperation introduced 1 commissioner per member state More transparency CFSP Significant amedments Creation of high representative Treaty making procedure for CFSP JHA Partial communitarization Clearer instruments, including ‘framework decision’ The 2001, Nice Treaty Treaty of Nice Signed: 26 feb 2001 Entry into force: 1 Feb 2003 Main goals EU inst. more efficient and legitmate Prepare EU for enlargement Max number of MEP’s at 732 President of commission + High representative for CFSP (appointed by QMV) Reform of ECJ Convention and constitutional Treaty Convention on the future of the EU with focus on Better division of competences Simplification of EU’s instruments for action Increased democracy, transparency and efficiency Convention comprised Chair Two vice-chairs Representatives of MS gov. National parliaments representatives EP Commission Treaty establishing a constitution for Europe Rejected by France and the Netherlands in national referenda The 2007 Lisbon Treaty Treaty of Lisbon Signed: 13 Dec 2007 Entry into force: 1 Dec 2009 Abolition of EC-EU dualism and pillars EU succeeds and replaces EC EU based on two equal treaties (TEU and TFEU) EU with legal personality Seven institutions: European commission, European parliament, council of the European Union, European council, European court of Justice, European central bank, court of auditors. Introduction competence catalogue Charter of Fundamental rights Introduction withdrawal clause The European union and its fundamental values Article 2 TEU Inserted in the 2007 Lisbon Treaty “The Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. These values are common to the Member States in a society in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail.” How European or how universal are these values? Art 21, TEU speaks of 1.The universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms 2.The EU’s action on the international scene being ‘guided’ by: the principles which have inspired its own creation, development and enlargement, and which it seeks to advance in the wider world: democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for human dignity, the principles of equality and solidarity, and respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law. Article 49 TEU: any european state which respects the values referred to in article 2 and is committed to promoting them may apply to become a member of the EU. Question on how to assess these values?? Other values in the EU treaties Article 3 of the TEU: Social justice and protection / combating social exclusion Intergenerational solidarity Rights of the child Respect for cultural and linguistic diversity Sustainable development We also see Principles, not values Conferral, subsidiarity (decisions should be made at the most appropriate level), proportionality Sincere cooperation Equality of citizens Transparency Open market economy … Challenge of enforcement Article 7 (1) and (2) -> Nuclear option?? Enfringement actions taken by the European commission against Member states Article 267 of the TEU The article establishes a mechanism for cooperation between national courts and the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) to ensure a uniform and consistent application of EU law across all member states. Block 4: European integration European integration Theory Why Theory? Why theories of European integration? Integration is the coming together of seperated parts Does not determine the degree to which these parts will be interwoven Degree of integration can vary Theory of EU integration Tries explaining the factors that led to EI and decision-making Theoretical scope may vary Theories can structure our observation Select out certain factors as the most important or relevant What we think or what other write about EI is always grounded in a particular set of assumptions about the way in which the world operates Challenge of the multidimensionalism Which dimension to focus on? What factors can be seen as influential for a specific outcome? Key component of theorizing Ontology: image of the reality Epistomology: gathering knowledge How to evaluate or critize a theory? Questions to be asked Is the understanding of a process correct? (description) Can the theory explain the process/event? (explanatory) Can we predict future events based on the theory? (predictive) Is it consistent and coherent? (contradiction) What can we explain with the theory? (scope) What does EI entail? Post WWII, transformation of nation states Cooperation of NS post WWII Making new pol. sytem above NS Is EI about politics or economy, or even law … Beyond theories… concepts and framework Theories develop (try) about causality Concepts and framework offer ideas for interpreting social facts Less explanatory Interpreting social phenomena Three perspective on European integration: International relations (realism, liberalism, constructivism) Constitutional state-building (multi-) level governance and policy making Theories of EI, examples Federalism Functionalism Confederalism Transnationalism Intergovernmentalism … Functionalism Main figure: D. Mitrany Objective: overcoming nationalism and providing peace IO’s which have functional objectives, cooperation in areas where common interests Form follows function: the design of system should be made according to the function that it intends to operate. Functionaly organized Internationl relations and not on political aspirations, this transcends traditional state-centric diplomacy Need of technocrats instead of politician Politician are to bussy with the re-elections EU as working peace system? Integration by function rather than by politics? Federalism Main figures: Spinelli, Elazar Shared sovereignty and competences/power Confederal v. federal Peaceful co-existence and collaboration: By pooling resources and decision-making, federalism seeks to create a framework where states work together for common goals. Function follows form Is the EU turning into a federal state? Function follows the form can be seen as an argument for the question ‘Is the EU turning into a federal state?’, because of the form the EU has we could make arguments for the fact that the EU is turning more and more into a federation with a centralized authority and MS only having authority and sovereignty is specific areas. Transactionalism Main figure: Karl. Deutsch Trans-border actions across societies and nations Private and coporate contacts across borders deepen the relations across societies Nation states enter agreements with each other due to need of protection for the newly established connections between transnational actors. Emergence of security communities, communities as key variable determining the social engagement in communities Recap: functionalism, federalism and transactionalims Functionalism: IO’s, governed by experts are needed to guarentee peace. National elites are too interested in re-election to make efficient and good decisions. Federalism: Theory of advocacy of federal principles for dividing powers between member units and common institutions. Transactionalism: Communication is the key variable determining the social engagement in communities, security communities. Neofunctionalism and supranationalism Main elements/ides of neofunctionalism and supranationalism: Forms follows function, shared idea with functionalism Shared power between states and regional/intern organizations, differs from functionalism. Neofunctionalists accept the role of politics. Supranational institutions and competences on the regional level push for integrative measures MS consent to give competences to regional level Neofunctionalism: A theory of regional integration that places major emphasis ont the role of non-state actors – especially, the‘secretariat’ of the regional organization involved and those interest associations and social movements that form at the level of the region– in providing the dynamic of further integration. MS remain important actors BUT, regional bureaucrats seek to exploit inevitable spill-overs Supranationalism’s transnational feedback loop: Firms and other market actors will press governmental organizations, including legislators and courts, for rules to govern markets. To the extent that these organizations respond to the demands, new opportunities to expand markets will emerge. If market actors adapt their activities to exploit these new opportunities, then the feedback loop will be completed, and the cycle will begin anew. Multilevel governance approached: Government v. governance Shared comptences, different levels Role of supranational instit Interconnected political arenas Does not challenge sovereignty of states directly Contestation on the allocation of competences Post functionalism: EI bcomes politicized through elections and referenda Role of political parties Rol of identity End of permissive consensus on the European level Neofunctionalists and supranationalist agrue that: every EI crisis can lead to an opportunity, or at least will not necessarily have a negative impact. Their optimism is rooted in the institutionalization of supranational and autonomous actors, such as the European Commission or the Court of Justice of the European Union, the sheer endless stream of transnational interactions that re-creates demands for supranational integration and, finally, path-dependency of institutional responses. if the European Commission and the Court proof to be autonomous institutions, engines and safeguards of integration, then crises can find effective responses at the European level, allowing the EU to head forward with integration. Liberal intergovernmentalism: integration as the outcome of domestic party competition and European government bargains governmental preferences in two-level-games gov need to find compromises in order to change treaties of EI sharing sovereignty in areas which gov wants to share Would not necessarily fall into the break-down scenario and project an overall negative crisis outlook crisis outcome depends on the intergov constellation of integration preferences and bargaining power New intergovernmentalism: Lack of supranational integration Challenges theories that associate integration with transfer of competences and those that reduce integration to traditional socio-economic or security-driven interests. Is there a democratic deficit in the European union? Legitimitation crisis: Populism Nationalism Politication Crisis in multi-dimensional Economic and financial crisis Migration Brexit Rule of law The crises have put the EU-model in question EU’s performance, instit set-up and perception undermines its legitimacy rather than fosters EU crises and integration Disintegration: the falling apart of formerly connected parts: however the falling apart may not be determined by a certain number of parts, nor the degree of separation, rather: the degree of disintegration can vary. Will the EU disintegrate? General integration theories sceptical that EU will not survive IR-theories are less optimistic, focusing on internal hegemony and the need for common interests Dependence on German-French cooperation Lack of common identity and support Lack of effectiveness Block 5 Dynamics of European integration instiutions and policy process Lecture 1: EU institutional triangle, political power and democratic control What is the European union? Different views or positions: A legal system: based on Treaties between Member States, producing legislation A political system: taking decisions on legislation and general political direction A community of values: based on agreement on certain core values/ principles enshrined in the Treaties, but also in informal practices A cultural space: based on shared ideas about elements of European identity and culture as distinct from ‘others’, not really formalised An economic system: Based on EU Treaties and other agreements, supposedly open towards the world (‘free trade’) but with distinct interests/values/procedures, adopting legislation for a common framework, supporting particular economic activity Key EU institutions/organs: European parliament Directly elected by EU citizens Composition decided by Commission Now 705/751 MEP’s Exercises legislative and bugetary functions jointly with the Council 5 year electoral term Consultative European commission Promotes general interest of the union One commissioner/MS ensures the application of the Treaties/ EU law executes the budget coordinating, executing, management of programs represent EU externally (except CFSP) has the monopoly on proposing EU legal acts The council policy-making and coordination functions composed of one member/ state at ministerial level QMV Rotating 6 months presidency The European council provides ’necessary impetus’, ’general directions’, ’priorities’ for the EU No legislative function/power Commposed of heads of state or government Decides by consensus The European central bank The court of auditors The European court of justice Key-Principles of EU decision making The EU-system is build upon: Compromise Voluntary commitment Loyal cooperations Dual logic of representation and democratic control: EP represents citizens, Council represents governments Special seperation of powers between EU instiutions EU decision making, change over time