Exploring Europe: Demographics, Economy, and the European Union

Posted on Nov 26, 2024 in Geography

Europe

The European Territory

Europe is a continent situated in the northern hemisphere.

Population

  • Europe has more than 730 million people.
  • The population density is high.
  • There are great contrasts between some densely populated areas, especially in Western, Central, and Southern (UK) and other low densities.
  • The evolution of the European population has followed the model of demographic transition. At present, the natural growth is stagnant.
  • The age structure of Europe corresponds to that of an aging population.
  • Migrations:
    • Millions of immigrants came from Europe to America between the nineteenth and twentieth century. Almost 50 thousand emigrants left Europe.
    • Later, economic development attracted immigrants to Europe. Currently, emigration from East-Central Europe toward the West is notable. Currently, immigrants are coming from other continents.

The Settlement

  • Europe has cities of small and medium size.
  • The main focus is the European city known as the European dorsal, extending to cities like London, Paris, and Milan.
    • From this nucleus, two other axes emerge:
      • On the Mediterranean coast from Italy to the Spanish Levante (Rome, Milan, Marseille, Barcelona).
      • From central and eastern Europe to the Russian Federation.
  • Types of European cities:
    • Global cities: London and Paris
    • Continental-level Metropolis: Moscow, Berlin, Milan, Madrid, Barcelona, etc.
    • National Metropolis: Dublin, Naples, etc.
    • Medium and small cities: Verona, Florence, Strasbourg, Toledo, etc.

The Economy

Primary Sector

  • Has lost importance in the overall European economy.
  • Agricultural activity is more mechanized in Western Europe.
  • Fishing is in conversion (reduction of the number of workers, modernization of the fleet, etc.).

Secondary Sector

  • The industry has been the engine of economic growth in Europe.
  • Western European countries are among the major industrial powers in the world with very dynamic and modern activities.
  • In Eastern European countries, the industry has undergone a process of conversion to make it more productive and competitive.

Tertiary Sector

  • Trade is of great importance to the economies of Western Europe, occupying top positions in international trade worldwide.
  • European transport systems are modern and effective. There is a very dense network of roads and railways, seaports (Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg, Algeciras, etc.) and airports (Paris, London, Frankfurt, etc.).
  • Tourism is a very important economic activity, especially in Mediterranean countries like France, Spain, and Italy. There has also been an increased number of tourists visiting Central and Eastern Europe.

The European Union

The Integration Process

  • 1951 – The Treaty of Paris: Creation of the ECSC (European Coal and Steel Community).
  • 1957 – Treaty of Rome: Creation of the European Economic Community or Common Market, whose objectives were the free movement of persons, goods, services, and capital and the lifting of customs and tariffs.
  • 1986 – Single European Act: It promoted economic and monetary integration.
  • 1992 – Treaty on European Union or Maastricht: The EU was created and set its three pillars: economic and monetary union, cooperation in foreign policy and security policy, and cooperation on justice and home affairs.
  • 1997 – Treaty of Amsterdam: It reinforced the free movement of persons and social policy while respecting human rights and common security.
  • 1999 – Creation of the Euro: The currency entered into force in 2002.
  • 2001 – The Treaty of Nice: The institutions are reformed, and the distribution of power and responsibilities is adjusted in the face of further enlargement of the EU.
  • 2007 – Treaty of Lisbon: Treaty signed by EU member states, is the main treaty and has improved the situation of the EU:
    • Gives the EU legal personality.
    • Improves the effectiveness of the EU’s decision-making system.
    • Increases reinforcement of democracy and participation and citizen initiative.
    • Improves the EU’s presence abroad.
    • Strengthens the rights, freedoms, and solidarity.
    • Contemplates the possibility of negotiated abandonment by an EU member state.

Enlargement of the EU

  • 1957 – France, Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg), Germany, and Italy.
  • 1973 – United Kingdom, Ireland, and Denmark.
  • 1981 – Greece.
  • 1986 – Spain and Portugal.
  • 1990 – GDR (German reunification).
  • 1995 – Sweden and Finland.
  • 2004 – Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia.
  • 2007 – Romania and Bulgaria.

EU Institutions

European Parliament

  • Composition: It is composed of Euro deputies elected by universal suffrage.
  • Features: Legislating.
  • Headquarters: Strasbourg (France).

EU Council

  • Composition: It comprises the ministers of member countries and meets in light of the issues addressed.
  • Functions: Legislative, Budget, and coordination of common policies.
  • Headquarters: Brussels.

European Commission

  • Composition: It consists of a President and the Commissioners.
  • Duties: Responsible for legislative proposals to the Council and Parliament.
  • Headquarters: Brussels.

Court of Justice

  • Composition: One judge from each country.
  • Functions: Ensure that EU laws are interpreted and applied in all countries.
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg.

ECA (European Court of Auditors)

  • Composition: One member from each state.
  • Features: Checks if the funds are managed properly.
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg.

Economic Imbalances and Regional Policy

  • Structural Funds
    • European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
    • CAP bottom section.
    • Financial support for fishing communities.
    • European Social Fund (ESF).
  • Cohesion Fund is intended to fund environmental projects or the improvement of transport networks.