Supranationalism and the European Union

1. Supranationalism and the European Union AP Comparative Government/ Politics

2. Overview • Despite the trend of devolution that is apparent in the UK (and other European nations as well), the exact opposite trend is simultaneously occurring internationally. • The movement towards a supranational organization gaining more policy-making power in known as integration. • This notion is most obvious example of this transition is the European Union (EU). • It encourages states to pool their sovereignty in order to gain political, economic, and social clout.

3. Supranationalism throughout History • League of Nations- formed shortly after the end WWI; ended with the outbreak of WWII; U.S.A. opted no to join • United Nations- created at the end of WWII; 192 member nations as of 2009 (49 originally); membership is voluntary; has limited powers to maintain peace between member nations; Security Council can vote to enact peacekeeping missions in hotspots of turmoil; meant to be a resort against conflict instead of starting it • World Trade Organization (WTO)- formed in 1995; fosters trade agreements and settles trade disputes; Russia is non-member • The World Bank- formed in 1944; goal is to assist developing countries by providing loans with modest interest rates; “benefits the poor nations while being controlled by the rich” is main criticism

4. The European Union • Maastricht Treaty (1991)- created the modern incarnation of the EU (evolved from previously implement, less substantial versions) • The new version included elements that were previously omitted, such as broader jurisdiction into many areas that were previously totally controlled on a national level (security, transportation, etc.) • Three Pillars of the EU- 1. Trade and economic matters ( European Central Bank; euro as universal currency; etc.) 2. Justice and home affairs (immigration; policy governing; judicial cooperation) 3. Common foreign and security policy ( common defense policy)

5. Membership • Originally began with 6 nations (27 currently) • Many nations are up for invitation to EU membership (Turkey) • With growth, issues arise (bigger organization, new rules) • 3 criteria for membership: - stable democratic regime - market-based economy - accept EU laws/regulations Enlargement Fatigue European Union 2012

6. Organization The Commission: • body has 27 members (one from each member nation) • Headed by a President and functions similar to a cabinet • Initiates new governmental programs • Does not take directions from national governments Jose Manuel Durao Barroso President of EU Commission

7. Organization Herman Van Rompuy EU- President of Council Council of Ministers • Demonstrates the continuing power of the states • Head of governments meet every 6 months as European Council • Role of president rotated every six months until 2009, when it was lengthened to 2 ½ year term • Must pass legislative proposals by the commission in order to make them law

8. Organization European Parliament • Historically has not held much power • Members are directly elected by constituents in their respective nations every five years (huge for autonomy) • Disproportionate representation for smaller states • May propose legislative amendments and reject proposals from the Council (often overruled)

9. Organization European Court of Justice • Supreme Court of the EU (with power of Judicial Review) • Sometimes conflicts and supersedes doctrines in member states’ judicial codes • 27 justices sit on court (one appointee from each member nation)

10. Policymaking Power • Create/maintain a single internal market- eliminating many international barriers to trade (tariffs, quotas, etc.) and allowing licensed practitioners to work in all member nations • Union of monetary policy- phasing to the euro as the official currency of most member nations; gaining more control over setting interest rates and budgetary actions; recent recession highlights the innate resistance of member nations to hand over full monetary jurisdiction to the EU • Common agricultural policies- almost half EU’s budget directed at agricultural revitalization; subsidies meant to assist in modernizing farms; expensive and ineffective

11. Policymaking Power • Common defense- came along after economic cohesion policies were enacted; allows for crisis management (at the discretion of each member state); no “European Army” • Justice and home affairs- Treaty of Amsterdam (1997) helped establish the free movement of EU citizens throughout the union (visas and immigration); collaborative efforts in regards to police forces; many nations are not compelled to participate fully • Terrorism- downside of easy transportation of persons and goods/services

12. European Constitutionalism • European Constitution- began the process in 2004, but still not ratified today; intent was to consolidate the overlapping treaties that give the EU its authority; held up by France and the Netherlands in 2005 • Lisbon Treaty- signed in place of the pending Constitution to consolidate still-active aspects of older treaties (defacto constitution). Elements include: -Stronger European Parliament - More involvement of National Parliaments - Clarification of EU/member relations - Withdrawal - Permanent EU President - Charter of Fundamental Rights

13. Economic Problems • Debt Crisis- divide between north and south; restructuring (pros and cons);