Understanding the European Union: History, Structure, and Impact
Understanding the European Union
The process of economic and political cooperation began after World War II, with the aim to avoid confrontations.
Key Treaties and Developments
Treaty of Rome (1957): This treaty established the European Economic Community (EEC), seeking to create a common market and move towards political union.
Maastricht Treaty (Treaty on European Union): The aim was to achieve political and economic union of member states. It established the Euro, a single passport, and common foreign policy. Initially, there were six states, which have since expanded to 27.
EU Institutions
Parliament
The Parliament consists of 732 deputies elected by direct universal suffrage every five years. It exercises the legislative function, collaborates in the elaboration of laws, and approves budgets.
Council of the European Union
The Council of Ministers is composed of representatives from the member states and shares the legislative function with the Parliament. It prepares the EU budget and is a main decision-maker.
European Commission
The Commission includes a Chairman and executive ministers. Its function is to administer EU policies, implement its budget, and oversee compliance with EU standards.
Court of Justice
The Court of Justice ensures compliance and proper interpretation of laws and treaties.
Court of Auditors
The Court of Auditors monitors the management of the EU budget.
European Investment Bank
The European Investment Bank provides financial support to economic sectors in need.
The rules and procedures are formalized through signed treaties.
EU Demographics and Diversity
Sovereignty: Sovereignty is the source or basis of power that a person or group of people has over others.
The EU has almost 500 million inhabitants and is one of the most densely populated territories. It is also one of the most urbanized areas in the world. European population growth is low due to low mortality and low birth rates, but high life expectancy. Migration helps to maintain the young population.
Immigrants arrive from other continents, and there is also migration between EU countries.
Linguistic diversity: There are 23 official languages. When addressing the institutions, Catalan, Basque, and Galician can be used. All states have democratic governments, including 7 monarchies and 18 republics.
Economic Power
The EU, along with the U.S. and Japan, is a major economic power, accounting for 28% of global wealth. The tertiary sector is highly developed. The EU is a very large commercial power, controlling a fifth of the world’s trade.
Income level: There are significant differences between Member States. Regions with higher income levels are located in Germany, France, Sweden, and Luxembourg. Before the 2004 enlargement, developed states included Spain, Greece, and Portugal. After the enlargement, regions with lower income levels correspond to states that joined between 2004 and 2007. These two EU enlargements increased the strength of its population.
Spain’s Integration
Joining the European Union (1986): The consequences have been favorable. Spain has received aid from the European Union, which has allowed the modernization of productive sectors and the reduction of some regional imbalances.
Challenges and Opportunities
The spread of new technologies: There are notable difficulties in achieving a suitable level in Spain, as it requires huge investments in research and development that are not currently being made.
Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries
Both agriculture and livestock have undergone a modernization process based on technical training and spatial planning.