(ASSIGNMENT – SPRING - 2023)

Submission Date (JULY 29, 2023)

BY
ROLL #
21011587-005, 21011587-023, 21011587-029
21011587-055, 21011587-078
IR-305 (Regional and International Organizations)
BS-International Relation, Semester 4th Section-B
TO
MAAM SHEHZADA AFZAL
DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Introduction:
The European Union (EU) stands as a remarkable and ambitious political and
economic partnership that has profoundly shaped the course of European history.
Formed with the vision of promoting peace, stability, and prosperity, the EU has
evolved into a unique supranational organization, uniting 27 European countries in
their pursuit of common goals. Established through a series of treaties and
agreements, the EU has fostered deep economic integration, facilitated the free
movement of goods, services, and people, and worked to address global challenges
collectively. With its diverse member states, shared values, and complex
institutional framework, the European Union continues to play a pivotal role in
shaping the political, economic, and social landscape of the continent and beyond.

2. Historical Background of European Union:

The roots of the EU can be traced back to the aftermath of World War II when
European leaders sought to prevent future conflicts and promote cooperation
among European nations. In 1950, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman
proposed the Schuman Declaration, which called for the pooling of coal and steel
resources between France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and
Luxembourg. This led to the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community
(ECSC) in 1951(treaty of paris), the first supranational organization in Europe.

2.1. The Treaty of Rome (1957)

The Treaty of Rome was the founding treaty of the European Economic
Community, which later became the EU. The Treaty established four institutions –
a Commission, a Council of Ministers, a European Parliament and a European
Court of Justice. The Treaty focused overwhelmingly on economic co-operation. It
tried to create closer co-operation on a range of economic and trade issues from
agriculture to overseas aid, commerce to taxation, but it also set out a wider
political vision for ‘an ever closer union’ to ‘eliminate the barriers which divide
Europe.
2.2. EUROATOM 1958:
The European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) was established
in 1958 through the signing of the Euratom Treaty. It was created with the primary
objective of fostering cooperation among its member states in the peaceful use of
nuclear energy and the development of atomic research. EURATOM aimed to
coordinate research efforts, ensure the secure supply of nuclear materials, and
promote nuclear safety standards within the participating countries. The
community sought to facilitate the growth of nuclear power for peaceful purposes,
including electricity generation and medical applications, while ensuring strict
safeguards against nuclear proliferation. By pooling the expertise and resources of
its member states, EURATOM played a vital role in advancing nuclear technology
and safety standards across Europe, contributing to the peaceful use of atomic
energy for the benefit of society.

2.3. BRUSSELS MERGER TREATY 1965:

The Brussels Merger Treaty, signed on April 8, 1965, was a
significant milestone in the institutional development of the European Union (EU).
Also known as the Merger Treaty or the Treaty of Brussels, it aimed to streamline
and consolidate the European Community's organizational structure by merging its
three founding institutions: the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), the
European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), and the European Economic
Community (EEC). The treaty established a single set of institutions for these
communities, including a single Commission and a single Council of Ministers,
thereby eliminating duplication of efforts and enhancing efficiency. The Brussels
Merger Treaty further paved the way for greater cooperation and coordination
among the community institutions, facilitating the realization of a more integrated
and cohesive European Community. Through this treaty, the foundations were laid
for a more unified and effective EU, setting the stage for its continuous growth and
development in subsequent decades.
2.4. Expansion and Enlargement:
In the following decades, the EU expanded its membership
through a series of enlargements. The United Kingdom, Denmark, and Ireland
joined in 1973, followed by Greece in 1981, and Portugal and Spain in 1986. The
fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the collapse of the communist regimes in
Central and Eastern Europe led to the reunification of Germany and prompted the
accession of several former Eastern Bloc countries to the EU in the 2000s.

2.5. Schengen agreement 1985:

The Schengen Agreement, signed on June 14, 1985, was a historic
agreement between five European countries - France, Germany, Belgium,
Luxembourg, and the Netherlands - aiming to establish a passport-free zone for the
free movement of people across their borders. The agreement allowed for the
gradual elimination of border controls between these nations, enabling travelers to
move freely within the Schengen Area without the need for passport checks. The
Schengen Agreement was later incorporated into the European Union's legal
framework with the signing of the Schengen Convention in 1990 and subsequent
treaties. Today, the Schengen Area has expanded to include 26 European countries,
facilitating seamless travel and enhancing cross-border cooperation in areas such
as security, law enforcement, and migration.

2.6. The Maastricht Treaty (1992):

The Maastricht Treaty, signed on February 7, 1992, and coming
into effect on November 1, 1993, marked a significant milestone in the evolution
of the European Union (EU). The treaty was designed to address the challenges
posed by the end of the Cold War and the reunification of Germany, aiming to
create a more integrated and politically united Europe. It established the European
Union as a formal entity and introduced three pillars of cooperation: the European
Community (EC), the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), and Police
and Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters (PJCCM). The treaty expanded the
scope of EU policies, including economic and monetary union, with the goal of
creating a single European currency, the euro. It also laid the foundation for the
creation of the Eurozone, a group of countries that would adopt the euro as their
official currency. Additionally, the Maastricht Treaty enhanced the role of the
European Parliament, increased the powers of the European Commission, and
introduced the principle of subsidiarity, stating that decisions should be made at the
most appropriate level, closer to citizens when possible. The treaty also provided
for EU citizenship, giving citizens of member states additional rights and
freedoms. Overall, the Maastricht Treaty was a crucial step towards further
political, economic, and social integration within the EU, shaping the course of
European cooperation for years to come.

2.7. Monetary union 1999:

The monetary union in 1999 was a significant milestone in the
process of European integration, aimed at creating a unified and stable monetary
system within the European Union (EU). It involved the introduction of the euro as
the single currency for participating member states, replacing their national
currencies in a coordinated manner. The monetary union was established through
the adoption of the euro by 11 EU countries initially, forming the Eurozone. The
euro was used for non-cash transactions initially, and physical euro banknotes and
coins were introduced on January 1, 2002. The monetary union aimed to promote
economic growth, facilitate trade, and strengthen the EU's role in the global
economy, while also demanding responsible fiscal policies and coordination
among member states to ensure the stability of the common currency. Since its
inception, the Eurozone has expanded to include several more member states, and
the euro has become one of the world's major reserve currencies, symbolizing the
EU's economic and monetary integration.

2.8. Lisbon treaty 2007:

The Lisbon Treaty, signed on December 13, 2007, and entered into
force on December 1, 2009, is a significant treaty that aimed to reform and
streamline the European Union's institutions. It sought to enhance the efficiency
and democratic legitimacy of the EU by creating new roles and positions, such as
the President of the European Council and the High Representative for Foreign
Affairs and Security Policy. The treaty also increased the powers of the European
Parliament, giving it a greater say in EU decision-making. Additionally, the Lisbon
Treaty introduced the principle of subsidiarity, stating that decisions should be
made at the most appropriate level, closer to citizens when possible. Overall, the
Lisbon Treaty marked a critical step in shaping the functioning of the EU and
furthering its political integration.

3. Main purpose of creating the European Union

The main purpose of creating the European Union was to foster closer cooperation
and integration among European countries in various aspects, aiming to achieve
several key objectives:

3.1. Peace and Stability:

The EU was born out of the desire to prevent future wars and conflicts in Europe
after the devastating experiences of World War II. By promoting economic and
political cooperation, the EU sought to create lasting peace and stability in the
region. For example the EU played a crucial role in facilitating the peaceful
transition of Central and Eastern European countries after the end of the Cold War.
Several countries that were formerly under communist rule, such as Poland,
Hungary, and the Czech Republic, joined the EU, which helped stabilize their
political systems and strengthen democratic institutions.

3.2. Economic Prosperity:

One of the primary motivations for forming the EU was to encourage economic
growth and development through the creation of a single European market. This
allows for the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor, breaking down
barriers and promoting trade among member states. For example the creation of the
single European market has led to increased trade and economic integration among
EU member states. As a result, businesses can easily sell their products and
services across borders without facing significant trade barriers. This has
contributed to economic growth and job creation throughout the EU .

3.3. Strengthening Democracy and Human Rights:

The EU is founded on the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of
law. By bringing together countries with similar values, the EU aims to protect and
promote these fundamental rights and principles across its member states. For
example the EU has taken a strong stance on promoting democracy and human
rights within its member states and beyond. In response to human rights violations,
the EU has imposed sanctions on countries, such as Belarus and Russia, to hold
them accountable for their actions and protect human rights.

3.4. Common Foreign and Security Policy:

The EU seeks to coordinate the foreign policy efforts of its member countries,
enabling them to act collectively on the global stage and address common
challenges such as terrorism, climate change, and international conflicts. For
example the EU has been actively involved in peacekeeping and conflict resolution
efforts around the world. For instance, the EU deployed a civilian mission to
support security sector reform in Libya and has provided peacekeeping forces in
various regions, including the Balkans and Africa.

3.5. Environmental and Social Progress:

The EU is committed to promoting sustainable development, environmental
protection, and social cohesion among its member states. This includes measures to
address climate change, reduce social disparities, and improve living standards for
all citizens. For example the EU has set ambitious climate and environmental
goals. The European Green Deal is a comprehensive plan aimed at making the EU
climate neutral by 2050, promoting clean energy, reducing greenhouse gas
emissions, and fostering sustainable development.

3.6. Expansion of Membership and Unity:

Since its inception, the EU has gradually expanded its membership, welcoming
new countries that seek to embrace the organization’s values and principles. This
enlargement process has contributed to fostering greater unity and cooperation
among European nations. For example the enlargement of the EU has brought
several countries from Central and Eastern Europe into the fold. For instance,
when Bulgaria and Romania joined in 2007, it demonstrated the EU’s commitment
to promoting democracy and stability in the region.
4. Institutions of the European Union
The European Union is like a big family of countries in Europe that work together
to make important decisions. Just like in a family, there are different parts and
people who have specific roles. The institutional structure of the European Union
consists of several key components such as European Council, Council of the
European Union, European Parliament, European Commission, European Central
Bank, Court of Justice of the European Union, European Court of Auditors. Here
is an overview of these components:

4.1. European Council

The European Council is the supreme decision-making body of the European

Union. It meets four times a year, and it is chaired by the President of the European
Council. The European Council sets the overall political direction and priorities of
the EU, and it also makes decisions on key issues such as enlargement, economic
and financial policy, and foreign affairs.

The European Council is made up of the heads of state or government of the 27 EU

member states, as well as the President of the European Council and the President
of the European Commission. The European Council is a very important
institution, as it is responsible for setting the overall direction of the EU. It is also
the only EU institution that can make decisions by unanimous vote.

4.2. Council of the European Union

The Council of the European Union is the main decision-making body of the EU
on legislative matters. It is made up of ministers from the national governments of
the EU member states, and it is chaired by the rotating Presidency of the Council.
The Council of the European Union has legislative power over all areas of EU law,
except for those areas that have been specifically delegated to the European
Parliament.

The Council of the European Union is a very important institution, as it is

responsible for making all of the EU's laws. It is also the only EU institution that
can make decisions by qualified majority vote. This means that a decision can be
passed even if some member states vote against it.
4.3. European Parliament
The European Parliament is the directly elected body of the European Union. It has
legislative power over a wide range of areas, including agriculture, fisheries, trade,
and development cooperation. The European Parliament also has the power to
approve the EU budget, and it can dismiss the European Commission if it votes
against a motion of no confidence.

The European Parliament is a very important institution, as it is the only EU

institution that is directly elected by the people. This means that the European
Parliament is directly accountable to the citizens of the EU. The European
Parliament also has a number of powers that allow it to hold the other EU
institutions to account.

4.4. European Commission

The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union. It is
responsible for proposing new legislation, enforcing EU law, and representing the
EU on the international stage. The European Commission is composed of 27
Commissioners, one from each EU member state. The Commissioners are
appointed by the European Council, but they must be approved by the European
Parliament.

The European Commission is a very important institution, as it is responsible for

carrying out the day-to-day business of the EU. The European Commission also
has a number of powers that allow it to make decisions on its own initiative.

4.5. European Central Bank

The European Central Bank (ECB) is the central bank of the eurozone. It is
responsible for maintaining price stability in the euro area, and it also plays a role
in promoting financial stability. The ECB is governed by the Governing Council,
which is made up of the President of the ECB and the governors of the national
central banks of the eurozone.

The ECB is a very important institution, as it is responsible for ensuring the

stability of the eurozone. The ECB has a number of powers that allow it to
intervene in the financial markets and to set interest rates for the eurozone.
4.6. Court of Justice of the European Union
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) is the highest court in the EU.
It is responsible for interpreting EU law and ensuring that it is applied uniformly
across the EU. The CJEU is made up of two chambers, the Court of Justice and the
General Court. The Court of Justice hears cases that involve disputes between EU
institutions, between EU member states, or between individuals and EU
institutions. The General Court hears cases that involve disputes between
individuals or businesses and EU institutions.

The CJEU is a very important institution, as it is responsible for ensuring that EU

law is interpreted and applied in a consistent manner across the EU. The CJEU has
a number of powers that allow it to strike down laws that it finds to be in violation
of EU law.

4.7. European Court of Auditors:

The European Court of Auditors (ECA) is the auditor of the EU. It is responsible
for ensuring that the financial management of the EU is sound and that public
funds are used efficiently and effectively. The ECA is made up of 27 members,
one from each EU member state. The members of the ECA are appointed by the
European Parliament for a six-year term.

The ECA is a very important institution, as it is responsible for ensuring that the
EU's finances are managed properly. The ECA has a number of powers that allow
it to audit the accounts of the EU institutions and to report.

5. Member states and Membership criteria

5.1. Member states:
1. Austria
2. Belgium
3. Bulgaria
4. Croatia
5. Cyprus
 6. Czech Republic
7. Denmark
8. Estonia
9. Finland
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5.2. Membership criteria:

The European Union has set out a number of criteria that countries must meet in
order to join the EU. These criteria are known as the Copenhagen criteria, and they
were first set out at the European Council meeting in Copenhagen in 1993.

The Copenhagen criteria are:

5.2.1. Political criteria:

 The country must have a stable democracy based on the rule of law.
 The country must respect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
  The country must have a functioning market economy.

5.2.2. Economic criteria:

 The country must be able to cope with the competitive pressure and
market forces within the EU.
 The country must have the capacity to take on the obligations of
membership, including adherence to the aims of economic and monetary
union.

In addition to the Copenhagen criteria, countries must also meet a number of other
requirements, such as having a stable economy and a functioning legal system.

Here is a more detailed explanation of each of the Copenhagen criteria:

Political criteria:
Stable democracy:

This means that the country must have a democratically elected government that
respects the rule of law and human rights. The country must also have a
functioning separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial
branches of government.

Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms:

This means that the country must respect the rights and freedoms of its
citizens, including the right to freedom of speech, assembly, and religion. The
country must also have a functioning legal system that guarantees these rights and
freedoms.

Functioning market economy:

This means that the country must have a market economy that is open to
competition and that is able to cope with the competitive pressure of the EU
market. The country must also have a functioning financial system that is able to
support the growth of the economy.
Economic criteria:
Cope with competitive pressure and market forces within the EU:

This means that the country must have an economy that is strong enough to
compete with the economies of the other EU member states. The country must also
be able to attract investment and create jobs.

Capacity to take on the obligations of membership:

This means that the country must be able to implement EU law and to contribute
to the EU budget. The country must also be able to participate in the EU's decision-
making process.

Adherence to the aims of economic and monetary union:

This means that the country must be committed to joining the eurozone. The
country must also meet the economic criteria for membership of the eurozone, such
as having a low budget deficit and a low inflation rate.

The process of joining the EU can be long and complex. Countries that wish to join
the EU must first submit an application to the European Commission. The
Commission will then assess the country's application and make a recommendation
to the European Council. The European Council will then decide whether or not to
open accession negotiations with the country.

If the European Council decides to open accession negotiations, the country will
enter into a period of negotiations with the EU on a wide range of issues, including
the country's laws, its economy, and its political system.

Once the negotiations are complete, the country will sign an accession treaty. The
accession treaty will set out the terms of the country's membership of the EU. The
treaty must then be ratified by the country's parliament and by the parliaments of
all the existing EU member states.

Once the accession treaty has been ratified, the country will become a member of
the EU.
Here are some of the countries that are currently negotiating to join the EU:

 Albania
 Montenegro
 North Macedonia
 Serbia
 Turkey

6. Challenges and Future Prospect:

6.1. Economic Integration and Recovery:

Challenges:

 Economic Disparities: The EU consists of economically diverse member

states, with some facing significant development gaps. Balancing the
economic interests of all member states and ensuring fair distribution of
resources poses a challenge.
 Fiscal and Monetary Coordination: Harmonizing fiscal policies among the
member states and maintaining coordination with the European Central
Bank's monetary policies is essential for stable economic integration.
 Economic Shocks: The EU needs mechanisms to respond to economic
crises collectively, such as the 2008 financial crisis or more recent
challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Future Prospects:

 Digital Transformation: Promoting digital innovation and investing in

technological advancements to enhance economic competitiveness and
efficiency across the EU.
 Green Transition: Transitioning towards sustainable and environmentally
friendly practices to foster long-term economic growth while reducing
carbon emissions.
  Recovery Fund: Implementing the EU's Recovery and Resilience Facility
to support member states in recovering from the economic impact of the
pandemic and promoting investments in strategic areas.

6.2. Brexit and its Implications:

Challenges:

 Trade Relations: Establishing new trade agreements and resolving issues

related to customs and border controls between the EU and the UK.
 Security Cooperation: Redefining security cooperation and information
sharing between the EU and the UK to address common threats
effectively.
 Regulatory Alignment: Managing regulatory divergence and ensuring that
the EU and the UK maintain compatible standards to avoid trade barriers
and disruptions.

Future Prospects:

 New Partnership: Building a new framework for EU-UK relations,

possibly through a comprehensive free trade agreement and cooperation in
specific areas like security and research.
 Strengthening EU Unity: Using the Brexit experience to reinforce unity
among remaining EU member states and promoting a sense of common
purpose and solidarity.

6.3. Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability:

Challenges:

 Ambitious Targets: Meeting the EU's ambitious climate goals, such as

carbon neutrality by 2050, requires substantial efforts and coordination.
  Just Transition: Ensuring a fair and inclusive transition to a low-carbon
economy that takes into account the needs of affected industries and
communities.
 International Cooperation: Encouraging global cooperation to address
climate change, as the EU's efforts alone might not be sufficient to combat
the crisis effectively.

Future Prospects:

 European Green Deal: Implementing and expanding the European Green

Deal, a comprehensive policy framework that aims to make Europe
climate-neutral while boosting economic growth.
 Sustainable Finance: Aligning financial systems with environmental
objectives to mobilize private capital towards sustainable investments.
 Circular Economy: Promoting a circular economy approach to reduce
waste and improve resource efficiency.

6.4. Migration and Refugee Crisis:

Challenges:

 Humanitarian Concerns: Addressing the immediate needs of refugees and

migrants, ensuring their safety, and providing humanitarian assistance.
 Integration and Social Cohesion: Facilitating the integration of migrants
and refugees into host societies to foster social cohesion and minimize
potential tensions.
 Border Management: Developing effective border control measures to
manage migration flows while respecting human rights.

Future Prospects:

 Comprehensive Migration Policy: Formulating a comprehensive and

unified EU migration policy that balances the interests of member states
and ensures a humane approach to migration.
  Addressing Root Causes: Collaborating with countries of origin and transit
to address the root causes of migration, such as poverty, conflict, and
political instability.
 Fair Burden-Sharing: Establishing fair burden-sharing mechanisms among
member states to handle asylum seekers and refugees.

6.5. Institutional Reforms and Democratic Legitimacy:

Challenges:

 Democratic Deficit: Addressing concerns of democratic accountability and

transparency within EU institutions.
 Decision-Making Efficiency: Streamlining decision-making processes to
enhance the EU's ability to respond swiftly to challenges.
 Engaging Citizens: Promoting citizen participation and engagement in EU
affairs to strengthen democratic legitimacy.

Future Prospects:

 Democratic Reforms: Enhancing democratic representation and

participation within the EU institutions, possibly through increased powers
for the European Parliament or citizens' initiatives.
 Transparency and Accountability: Implementing measures to improve
transparency and accountability within EU institutions to regain public
trust.
 Closer EU-Citizen Connection: Enhancing communication and outreach
to EU citizens, ensuring they are better informed and have a voice in EU
decision-making processes.

These challenges and future prospects will shape the trajectory of the European
Union in the coming years, requiring cooperation and collective action from
member states to overcome the obstacles and build a more sustainable and resilient
Europe.