Understanding European Integration and the EU Budget
European Integration: Requirements and Key Stages
The creation of European integration was proposed by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman in a speech on May 9, 1950, known as the Schuman Declaration. Countries need to unite and must have established a democracy that guarantees the rule of law, human rights, protection of minorities, and a market economy.
Main Stages of European Integration
- 1951: Treaty of Paris, creating the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)
- 1957: Treaty of Rome, founding the European Economic Community (EEC)
- 1986: Single European Act, establishing the basis for an internal market without frontiers
- 1992: EU Treaty (Maastricht)
- 2001: Treaty of Nice and EU enlargement to 25 members
- 2002: Euro (€) comes into force
- 2007: Lisbon Summit
The Euro
The Euro (€) came into circulation on January 1, 2002.
European Council
The European Council is composed of the heads of state and government. The council meets twice a semester. These summits and meetings are called to resolve issues that cannot be resolved at a lower level. The European Council elects its president by a majority vote for a term of 2 ½ years. Decisions are taken by consensus (when all members agree).
The European Parliament: Questions and Answers
How many representatives form the European Parliament?
705
How many representatives are Spanish?
59
Where is the European Parliament located?
Strasbourg
What are the ideological clusters that form the parliament called?
European political groups
Community Rules and Their Functions
- Regulations: Directly mandatory in all member states, creating a single law throughout the Union.
- Directives: Require member states to take the steps necessary to achieve the objectives set within a specified period.
- Decisions: Binding rules for individual cases.
- Recommendations and Opinions: Provide guidance but do not impose obligations.
The Budget
The budget is an act authorizing the maximum amount of expenditure to be undertaken during the financial period and preventing the revenue needed to finance it.
Legal and Political Characteristics of the PGE (State General Budget)
The PGE is a set of rules governing relations between the various legislative and executive branches, focusing on legal and financial aspects. It involves studying the effects of the budget law.
Mechanisms to Regulate Aspects of the PGE
- Legislative Authorizations: Provide the public sector with the necessary financial resources to carry out its purposes.
- Legislation: Regulates the exercise of financial authority of the state in public spending.
Questions About the PGE
Who is in charge of ordering the production of the PGE?
The executive branch.
Which body is responsible for its development?
Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Which body is responsible for its discussion?
The committee on budgets.
What happens if the PGE is not presented or an amendment to the whole is proposed?
A debate will open in the committee, requiring an absolute majority for approval.
Objective of Budgetary Stability
Prohibits the expenditure of state revenues from being greater than the limit.
Who is responsible for upholding the amendments to the PGE in full?
General Courts.
The PGE Process in the Senate
The process is similar to that in the Congress. If amendments are approved by an absolute majority, a debate will open in committee. Once approved, the Senate President advises the Prime Minister and Congress Members. If the project is approved by Congress, the Senate amends it, and Congress must approve it again, incorporating the approved amendments. Once approved by both chambers, it is sanctioned by the King and published in the BOE (Official State Gazette). In the event that there is no approval of the PGE prior to January 1, the Constitution establishes an automatic extension of the previous budget until the adoption of new ones.