The European Union Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is the EU?
27 European countries who have voluntarily joined a Political and Trading Union. Used to be the EEC (European Economic Community) and was set up to unify coal and iron production between France and Germany. The goal was to prevent future wars between the countries by making them mutually dependent on each other.
UK tried and failed to join in late 1960s (Churchill didn’t want to join when EU was set up by treaty of Rome in 1957).
When did UK Join EU
1973 under Heath. Referendum under Wilson in 1975 to legitimise membership (and also for him to avoid divisions in labour party)
What is pooled sovereignty in regards to the EU?
The idea that decisions (and laws) should be made together at a cross-state level. This means that countries voluntarily give up the right to make their own decisions (in certain areas) and agree to go along with the group decision.
Some people disliked the EU as they felt it meant that the UK had less control over itself and its borders. An example here might be not having control over fishing rights within UK waters.
What is the Euro
Single European currency used by 19 of the 27 members. UK refused to join under Blair/Brown.
What are the 4 main institutions of the EU?
European Parliament
Council of the European Union
European Commission
European Court of Justice
What is the European Parliament?
A directly-elected body that has co-legislative powers
Who are the Council of the European Union?
Ministers from the executives of the member states; holds co-legislative powers with the Parliament
What does the European Commission do?
Consists of commissioners, appointed by member states’ governments. Has an executive role, proposing legislation and issuing directives.
What does the European Court of Justice do?
Performs the judiciary role in the European Union
What is the European Council?
Summits of European heads of state or heads of government
What does the European Central Bank primarily concerns itself with?
The Euro and Eurozone countries
What are the 7 Key Aims of the EU?
- Economic and monetary union
- A single market
- Economic growth and stability
- Environmental protection
- Peace and security
- Promote scientific, technological and academic progress
- Economic, social and political integration and cohesion
How is economic and monetary union achieved?
the Euro
What are the Four Freedoms?
- Freedom of movement of goods
- Freedom of movement of services
- Freedom of movement of capital
- Freedom of movement of people
What are the Four Freedoms a key feature of?
The EU’s single market
What is the freedom of movement of goods?
The free trade of goods between member states of the EU i.e. states will not charge tariffs on imports
Which International treaty created the 4 freedoms of the EU?
The Treaty of Rome (1957)
Which areas of Policy does the EU normally legislate in?
Trade, Industry, Agriculture, Employment rights
Which international treaty of the EU brought in detailed workers rights?
The Social Chapter - which was part of the Maastricht treaty in 1992
Did Britain join the Maastricht treaty (social chapter on workers rights by the EU)
Not intially. John Major said that workers rights should be dealt with by national parliaments. However Blair join in 1997. Cameron said we would opt out again to restore Parliamentary Sovereignty but he never did.
Why was the Labour party concerned about Brexit in regards to workers rights?
By being a member of the EU, the UK had to follow EU policy on sick pay, holiday pay, workers rights, safety, wages, etc. This meant that these rights were effectively entrenched. After Brexit, any of these can be adjusted through a vote in the UK Parliament.
What are some of the key successes of the EU?
Peace - EU memberstates have never gone to war. Previously, European countries had fought for hundreds of years.
Continued growth - Many previously USSR countries have now joined
Single Market and Single currency is well established
Greater Political union between the counties e.g. European Parliament
Close cooperation on science, environment, security, policing
What were the key arguments for Brexit?
Reduce immigration
Restore National Parliamentary Sovereignty
Stop paying money to EU (£350 for NHS!)
Make international trade deals instead
What were the key arguments against Brexit?
Keep 4 freedoms (movement of people, money, goods, services)
Collaborative, global and liberal approach with Britain heavily involved in international issues
Keep trading with closest neighbours
Protect citizens rights
Continued peace in Europe
