EUROPEAN UNION

EUROPEAN UNION

• HISTORY

European Union was originally an attempt to promote economic recovery after the Second World War.

In 1950 France and Germany agreed the Shuman through which, this two countries, united the resources of coal and steel industries.

In 1951 Belgium, Netherland, Luxembourg, France, Italy, West Germany signed Treaty of Paris and founded European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), that has, as aim, the centralised control of Steel and Coal industries, ensuring peace, to preserve democracy and development of a firm economic base.

In 1957 the same countries, through Rome Treaty (that removed barriers on trade and services), created European Economic Community (EEC also known as "Common Market") that establishing Common Customs and EURATOM (European Atomic Energy Community) for cooperation in nuclear energy.

In 1967 Merger Treaty created a single set of institutions for the three Communities, Called European Community (EC).

In 1979 took place the first, democratic elections to the European Parliament.

In 1990 Shengen Treaty removed border controls at roads and airports and introduced freedom of movement for people between the countries. This Treaty wasn't be signed by United Kingdom and Ireland.

In 1992-l993, after that Maastricht Treaty came into force, European Community became know as European Union (EU).

In 1997 member states signed Amsterdam Treaty, that has, as aim, the achievement of equal rights for men and woman and public health, the elimination of social problem (as discrimination), unemployment and poverty.

In 1999 eleven of the European Countries formed Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and adopted the euro as a single currency. European Central Bank decide the monetary policies and interest rate.

In 2001 much other countries jointed to the European Union, through Nice Treaty that enlarge the institution.

In 2004 European Constitution was signed in Rome.

GOVERNANCE

The political leadership in the UE is elected in a council, composed by two senior politicians (Prime and Foreign Ministers) from each member state

The institutions of European Union are:

European Commission. Her acts are the executive arm and it is responsible for the day to day running of the EU.

Council of Ministers. Also known as Parliament or European Union. It has legislative functions. His members are elected by EU citizens every five years.

LEGAL SYSTEM

Legal system is based on two different typologies of regulations:

DIRECTIVES. They require member states to achieve a certain result, but the states are free to choose how to achieve that result.

REGULTAION. They are legislative acts that become law in all member states.

. and on common procedures as .

CO-DECISION. European Parliament can veto proposed law.

CONSULTATION. European Parliament can only give an opinion, but are European Leaders that decide.

OTHER ORGANISATIONS

ECHO (European Humanitarian aid office) provides humanitarian aid from the EU to developing countries.

WEU (Western European Union) is an organisation that is responsible for EU territorial defence.

EURO

ADVANTAGES

It is more easy to e prices.

International trade is more stable and cheaper (by elimination of exchange rate fluctuations)

Euro is accepted in many parts of the world.

In recent times it has a stronger growth.

DISADVANTAGE

The Euro adoption increase cost of living.

This single currency caused unemployment

Britain, Denmark and Sweden don't want that their national economic pass under European Central Bank control