European Union and Spain: History, Politics, and Regional Organization
European States and the European Union
Current States of Europe
There are 49 independent states in Europe. Many have a long history, while some have their origins in recent changes that took place after 1989, following the fall of communism in Eastern Europe. Disparities: European states have many differences according to their size, location, shape, population, and wealth.
European Union: History
The Second World War (1939-1945) devastated Europe. The bleak landscape urged European countries to cooperate to prevent future conflicts and promote economic development. In 1957, the Treaty of Rome was signed, establishing the European Economic Community (EEC). In 1992, EEC members signed the Maastricht Treaty, creating a common market. Today: The ultimate goal of the EU is to become a single state with a common economic system, laws, justice system, and defense.
Economic Union
All member countries have progressed economically and share a set of common economic policies (agriculture, fisheries, industry, transportation, commerce). They also share a common currency: the Euro. Political Union: The EU has common policies in areas such as justice, security, international politics, and defense. However, large contrasts exist between member countries. Some are among the most developed in the world, while others are less developed.
The EU in the World
The European Union is one of the principal economic powerhouses of the world, generating 30% of global wealth. Its dominance is based on a strong service sector and a powerful industry. The EU is the world’s leading trader, accounting for 21% of international trade. The Euro has become a strong currency, and some experts predict a major international role for it, competing with the dollar.
Spain within the EU
Spain has been a member of the EU since January 1, 1986. It is one of the largest countries and ranks fifth in population. Spain experienced rapid economic and social modernization due to its incorporation into the EU. Agriculture and livestock have lost importance, while industry is weaker than in France. Services are the engine of the Spanish economy today.
Spain: Political System
Political System
According to the 1978 Constitution, the supreme law of Spain, the country is a social and democratic state governed by the rule of law. It is social because it intervenes in public life to achieve a fairer society. It is democratic because citizens participate in government. It is a state governed by the rule of law because the law is binding on all Spaniards, including authorities, and recognizes a number of rights for citizens.
Major Institutions
: the crown: King, Monarchy, to represent the country in international relations, the general courts or parliament, government and the judiciary. Parishes: According to the constitution, Spain is organized territorially into municipalities, provinces, cities and communities autonomes.Mes of 8100 municipalities (cities and towns) management and administration up to the council, constituted by the council, elected every 4 years by neighbors, by a mayor elected by regidors.Municipis organized into 50 provinvies: government and administration of which entrusted to the provincial or other corporations character representatiu.Provincies grouped into 17 autonomous communities and 2 autonomous regions autonomes.Cada cities has a status of autonomy, which lists the powers now, that is, the materials on which to decide, and government institutions own : governing council, legislative assembly or parliament and tibunal of Justice.
Regional Imbalance in Spain: Autonomous Communities revealed diferneciees with each altres.Extensio, population and wealth.
HP Organization: the Valencia is the inheritor of the ancient kingdom of Valencia, founded by James I after conquering it in 1232 between Muslims and 1245.Institucions that were created were then lost to Century XVIII.Van was abolished in 1707, after the war of succession, mitjansant a decree imposed by laws, institutions and language castellana.Recuperacio of self-government was carried out after the restoration began in democratica was 1975.En 1982 approved the statute of autonomy of the CV, was just show up to the reform practiced in 2006.Nou year statute of autonomy defines the institutions that comprise the self and the powers of wealth, land, education , health, urban development, industry, etc.
Counties CV: the territory divided into 3 provincies.Castello Valencia, Valencia Alacant.Les and provinces are divided into municipis.Cada province has a council provincial.Els municipalities are governed by councils of representative character, elected by universal, equal, free and secret.Municipi is formed by a core of people and a municipal.Capdavant out of the city council has a mayor and some council members that make up the council municipal.Comunitat Valencia is less than 542 municipis.Quasi 400 teten 5000 habitants.Solament 4 Super 100,000 habitants.Comarques: groupings of municipalities which combine for geographical reasons or for the provision of services and management asumptes comuns.Actualmet the CV is divided into 31 regions: 8 in 14 Catelli 9 in Valencia and Alicante.