2) European Union Flashcards
(31 cards)
What is annual membership of the EU expected to cost per person annually?
2000 pounds sterling p.a.
Who is the European Parliament less likely to consult in the decision making process?
Pressure Groups
Why is the European Parliament less likely to consult pressure groups?
It sees itself and national parliaments as representative of the EU citizens.
Two types of Pressure Groups?
- Interest
- Business
Interest Pressure Group example?
European Women’s Lobby which is comprised of 2000 member organisations in 30 countries.
What does the European Commission ensure?
All relevant interests are properly consulted in the policy-making process.
Which type of pressure group is more representative of EU citizens than the other?
Interest pressure groups are more representative than business ones.
What is the ratio of Business pressure groups to interest ones?
4:1
What is the EESC and why was it established?
The European Economic and Social Committee was established to channel interests of pressure groups into EU policy making.
Why do pressure groups bypass the EESC?
It lacks policy-making powers and institutional weight.
What do pressure groups have more influence on?
The largest and richest ones which are normally business pressure groups.
What were former PM David Cameron’s proposed EU reforms, which would benefit the UK?
More sovereignty, safeguarding the rights of EU nations, preventing migrants from claiming in work benefits and less regulation to extend the single market and form new trade deals.
What is the formal title of business pressure groups?
Private economic interest groups.
What is the formal title of interest pressure groups?
Public or social interest groups
Example of a Business pressure group?
Committee of Agricultural Organisations in the EU (COPA).
What types of policy do business pressure groups mostly want to influence?
Competition policy, trade policy and other areas that affect their member’s businesses.
Are interest pressure groups normally profitable or non-profitable organisations?
Non-profit
What are examples of things that interest pressure groups represent?
The environment, human rights and animal welfare.
Give an example of an interest pressure group.
Human Rights Watch.
What two institutions are chiefly targeted by pressure groups?
European Commission and European Parliament as they involved in the policy-making process.
Why does the Commission welcome the lobbying of pressure groups?
It is a representation of civil society.
Who in the Commission is targeted by pressure
groups?
Directorates General.
What two things can the Commission provide for interest pressure groups?
Funding and support to those who request it.
In what year did the European Parliament establish its first register for pressure groups?
1996 which was for one year.
