Understanding the EU’s Common Foreign & Security Policy
The EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)
Key Features of the CFSP:
- Limited role for the European Commission and no role for European Courts.
- Qualified Majority Voting (QMV) is permitted in the Council for “lower” decisions; unanimity is required for others.
- The European Parliament (EP) has a consultative role.
The European Council
The European Council, along with the High Representative (HR) and the Foreign Affairs Council, is responsible for the overall direction of the CFSP. It also frequently
Read MoreEU Commission: Powers, Functions, and Duties
Appointment and Removal
Under the rules amended by the Lisbon Treaty, the Commission President is proposed by qualified majority voting by the European Council. The European Parliament must approve the proposal by a majority vote. Such proposals and appointments usually go through unopposed. The High Representative, who will automatically be one of the Vice-Presidents of the Commission, is appointed by QMV of the European Council. The Commission President Elect further nominates the other Commissioners,
Read MoreGerman Unification: From Nationalism to Empire
German Unification (1815-1871)
German unification saw Germany awaken their national consciousness, first in the cultural sphere, then economically, and finally, politically.
Upstream (1815-1864): The Main Unifying Factor
German nationalism had two main streams:
- A minority liberal-democratic romanticism of French origin, identifying the nation with a voluntary association of individuals. This concept was tested in the Frankfurt Parliament and advocated for a “Greater Germany,” including Austria and the
1978 Spanish Constitution: Origins, Key Aspects, and Legacy
1978 Spanish Constitution: A Historical Overview
Following the elections on June 15, 1977, the political groups represented in the Congress appointed seven people to draft the Constitution. These members represented the PSOE, UCD, PCE, People’s Alliance, and minority groups from Catalonia and the PNV. The first draft was published in January, leading to a referendum on December 6, 1978, after which the Constitution was enacted by the King. In 1977, regional priority was not immediately apparent.
Creation
Read MoreUkraine’s EU and NATO Membership: Pros and Cons
Ukraine’s Potential EU and NATO Membership: Advantages and Disadvantages
The prospect of Ukraine joining the European Union (EU) and NATO is a frequent topic of debate. Ukraine’s readiness to sign agreements puts the onus on the EU, Russia, the US, and other influential international players. Ukraine’s proximity to Russia, with which it shares strong social integration and important economic ties, has always been a concern for the EU. However, Ukraine was the first post-Soviet state to express
Read MoreEU Institutions and Community Law: Structure & Powers
EU Institutions
European Commission
The European Commission acts as the administration of the EU, located in Brussels. It consists of 17,000 officers and is led by a President, six Vice-Presidents, and Commissioners, totaling 20 individuals. Commissioners’ roles are similar to those of Ministers, divided by subject matter.
Powers:
- Management: Managing the EU administration.
- Representation: Representing the EU to other states or international organizations.
- Negotiation: Negotiating on behalf of the EU.