Understanding the European Union, Spain, and Canary Islands
Countries of the European Union
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.
Key EU Institutions
The Council
The main political body, attended by ministers from all member countries. Its functions include:
- Passing European laws
- Coordinating economic policies
- Approving the budget (along with Parliament)
- Conducting foreign and security policy
The Commission
The driving force of the EU, led by the President and Commissioners. Its functions include:
- Proposing laws to the Council and Parliament
- Managing and implementing EU policies and budget
- Implementing Council decisions
- Enforcing European legislation (together with the Court of Justice)
- Representing the EU internationally
The European Parliament
Represents the citizens of the EU. Elections are held every five years, with the number of deputies elected proportional to each member state’s population. Functions include:
- Acting as a consultative body for the adoption of laws
- Exercising democratic control over the Commission
- Approving the EU budget (along with the Council)
Addressing Imbalances
Socio-economic disparities exist between countries and regions within the EU. Structural and cohesion funds aim to correct these inequalities.
Canary Islands: Physical Geography
Relief
Volcanic Origin: Ancient massifs, ridges, cones, lava fields.
Erosion and Sedimentation: Erosion gullies and boilers.
Climate
Subtropical: Mild temperatures and low rainfall.
Vegetation Zones
- Basal: Cactus and tabaibas
- Transition: Juniper, palm, and dragon trees
- Monteverde: Laurel and heather
- Canary Island Pine Mountain High: Broom and laburnum
Spain: Economy and Politics
Economy
- Primary Sector: Low
- Secondary Sector: Stable
- Tertiary Sector: Important service economy
Factors Contributing to the Tertiary Sector:
- Mechanization of the primary sector
- Automation of the secondary sector
- Increased standard of living
- Importance of tourism
Political-Territorial Organization
- Division of Powers: Legislative (Courts), Executive (Government), and Judicial (Judges)
- Form of Government: Parliamentary Monarchy
- Territorial Division: Autonomous Communities, Provinces, and Municipalities
Canary Islands: Economy and Politics
Economy
- Primary Sector: Declining. Own or domestic trade (potatoes, cereals, legumes, fruits) in the Midlands. Export (bananas, tomatoes) from the coast. Limited importance of livestock. Fisheries in crisis, softened by aquaculture.
- Secondary Sector: Limited industrial importance.
- Tertiary Sector: The engine of the Islands’ economy. Improvements to transport infrastructure, trade development, and tourism sector development.
Territorial Organization
The Canary Islands consist of two provinces: Las Palmas (Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote) and Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma, and El Hierro). Island Councils are the governing bodies. City councils govern the municipalities. The Statute of Autonomy is the law of the autonomous region.
Institutions
- Parliament: Develops and enacts laws. Consists of 60 deputies elected by universal suffrage every four years.
- Government: Makes executive decisions. Formed by the President and directors.
- Tribunal Superior de Justicia de Canarias: The highest court in the Canaries, protecting the rights of citizens.