Importance of Treaties Flashcards
(41 cards)
What do the Treaties serve as?
The constitutional foundation of the European Union.
What do the Treaties for the basis for?
- ‘General goals and principles of European integration’
- They show the overall direction and political priorities of the EU
- Policy areas subject to EU Law
- Treaties are a powermap: rules governing EU instiutions
- Treaties show the relationship between EU and member states.
How does the Treaty Reform Process work?
1) Someone makes a proposal to revise the Treaties - there’s an ordinary revision procedure (Article 48, TEU)
2) Intergovernmental Conference - summit meetings of heads of government then detailed negotiations by government ministers and officials, states then sign when it has been agreed.
3) Intergovernmental Executive Power dominates Treaty Reform
When was Treaty of Paris?
1951
What was the Treaty of Paris?
The founding treaty of European integration - it expired 2002 - established the European Coal and Steel Community. Step towards supranationalism, relinquishment of national sovereignty.
Economic Objectives of Treaty of Paris?
Creation of a Common Market in Coal and Steel (internal and external dimension)
Protect and enhance key industries
Political Objectives of Treaty of Paris?
Give up sovereignty over key industries.
Create supranational institutions with real power.
When was the Treaty of Rome?
1957
What was the Treaty of Rome?
Established the European Economic Community and European Atomic Energy Community
Economic Objectives of the Treaty of Rome?
- Establishment of free market principles
- Freedom of movement
- Establishment of a customs union (abolishes quotas/tariffs)
Political Objectives of the Treaty of Rome?
‘An ever closer union among the people’s of Europe’
Further supranational integration - beyond coal and steel.
Name 3 Key Features of the European Economic Community?
- Community Law binding on Member States - prevents a constantly changing interpretation of integration (clear rules)
- Range of Institutions - Commission, Court, Assembly, Council
- Common Policy Areas included agriculture, transport and coal.
- European Social Fund
- Opportunity for Enlargement (Article 237)
When was the Single European Act?
1985
What was the context behind the SEM Act?
New Commission President (Delors)
International Climate had changed
Economic Objectives of the Single European Act?
To establish an internal market
Removal of barriers to the ‘Four Freedoms’
What are the Four Freedoms?
Freedom of movement of capital, goods, people and services within the EU.
What was the political implication of Single European Act?
Enhanced supranational integration.
Key features of the Single European Act?
- Extension of scope of EU-policy making - now controlling environment, foreign policy etc).
- Institutional Reform - Formalising the role of the European Council, Loss of National Veto in Council of Ministers and enhanced decision-making role for the European Parliament
Increased Commission Power - key role: policy proposals to complete internal market and Delors Report (1989) ‘embedded liberalism’
When was the Treaty of Maastricht?
1992
What did the Treaty of Maastricht do?
Establishes the European Union.
Context before the Treaty of Maastricht?
- Collapse of Communism and end of Cold War.
- German Reunification (and monetary union)
- Push for a more political dimension to the Union
Economic Objectives of Maastricht?
- Further SEM programme through EMU project.
- Economic Communities (EC) moved into a First Pillar.
- Cohesion Policy
Main Political Feature of Maastricht?
Extends political co-operation through Pillar System.
First Pillar?
European Communities (Economic/SEM)
