Supranationalism and the European UnionAP Comparative Government/ Politics

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.

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

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)

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

OrganizationThe 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 BarrosoPresident of EU Commission

Organization

Herman Van RompuyEU- 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

OrganizationEuropean 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)

OrganizationEuropean 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)

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

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

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

Economic Problems• Debt Crisis- divide between north and south;

restructuring (pros and cons);