Europe and the European Union are key players in global politics. The EU, a unique political and economic union of 27 countries, has shaped the continent through integration and cooperation. Its complex structure includes institutions like the European Parliament and Commission.

The EU faces challenges like Brexit and economic crises, but continues to evolve. It's working on strengthening its global role, managing borders, and deepening economic ties. Understanding the EU is crucial for grasping modern international relations and Europe's place in the world.

European Union Structure and Policies

Governance and Decision-Making Bodies

• European Union (EU) functions as a political and economic union of 27 member states
• European Parliament serves as the directly elected legislative body of the EU
  • Consists of 705 members elected by EU citizens
  • Shares legislative power with the Council of the European Union
  • Approves or rejects EU legislation and budget
• European Commission acts as the executive branch of the EU
  • Proposes and enforces legislation
  • Implements policies and EU budget
  • Represents the EU in international negotiations
• Council of the European Union represents member state governments
  • Adopts EU laws and coordinates policies
  • Comprised of ministers from each member state, varying by policy area discussed

Foreign Policy and Expansion

• Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) coordinates EU's diplomatic and security efforts
  • Aims to strengthen EU's global role and promote international cooperation
  • Focuses on conflict prevention, crisis management, and peacekeeping operations
  • High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy leads CFSP implementation
• Enlargement policy governs the process of admitting new member states to the EU
  • Candidate countries must meet specific criteria (Copenhagen criteria)
  • Includes political, economic, and administrative reforms
  • Recent additions include Croatia (2013) and ongoing negotiations with Western Balkan countries

Economic Integration

Monetary Union and Financial Stability

• Euro currency serves as the official currency for 20 of the 27 EU member states
  • Introduced in 1999 for non-cash transactions, physical currency in 2002
  • European Central Bank (ECB) manages monetary policy for the Eurozone
  • Eliminates exchange rate fluctuations and reduces transaction costs within the Eurozone
• Eurozone crisis refers to the period of economic instability from 2009 to 2014
  • Triggered by the global financial crisis and structural weaknesses in some member states
  • Led to bailouts for Greece, Ireland, Portugal, and Cyprus
  • Resulted in stricter fiscal rules and the creation of the European Stability Mechanism
• European Semester coordinates economic policies among member states
  • Annual cycle of economic policy coordination and surveillance
  • Aims to prevent and correct macroeconomic imbalances

Freedom of Movement and Border Control

• Schengen Agreement allows free movement of people within the Schengen Area
  • Covers 26 European countries (22 EU members and 4 non-EU members)
  • Eliminates internal border checks and harmonizes external border controls
  • Facilitates tourism, trade, and labor mobility within the zone
• European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) manages EU's external borders
  • Coordinates border control efforts among member states
  • Conducts risk analyses and provides rapid border intervention teams
• Common European Asylum System harmonizes asylum procedures across the EU
  • Sets minimum standards for processing and determining asylum applications
  • Aims to ensure fair and efficient asylum procedures throughout the EU

Challenges and Changes

Brexit and Its Aftermath

• Brexit refers to the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union
  • Referendum held in June 2016 resulted in 52% vote to leave the EU
  • UK officially left the EU on January 31, 2020, followed by a transition period
  • EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement governs post-Brexit relations
• Impact of Brexit on the EU includes:
  • Loss of the UK's financial contributions to the EU budget
  • Reshaping of EU institutions and voting dynamics
  • Potential inspiration for Eurosceptic movements in other member states
• EU's response to Brexit involves:
  • Strengthening internal cohesion among remaining member states
  • Reforming EU institutions and policies to address citizen concerns
  • Negotiating new trade agreements with non-EU countries

Security and Defense Cooperation

• NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) complements EU defense efforts
  • 21 EU member states are also NATO members
  • EU-NATO cooperation focuses on hybrid threats, maritime security, and cybersecurity
• Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) strengthens EU's military capabilities
  • Conducts civilian and military missions outside the EU
  • Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) enhances defense cooperation among participating member states
• European Defence Fund supports research and development of defense technologies
  • Aims to reduce duplication and increase interoperability of defense systems
  • Promotes cooperation among member states' defense industries