what is the EU
the EU is a political and economic union of 28 countries based on the free movement of people
what are the four freedoms
free movement of goods
free movement of capital
free movement of workers
freedom to provide and establish services
what is the social chapter
30 principles including rules abour working hours, working conditions, employee payment
how does the EU make policy
treaties, rulings of the ECJ, directives and regulations
what are treaties
binding agreements between EU member states, which set out EU instituions rules, relationships and objectives of the EU
e.g 1997 Treaty of Amsterdam
what are the aims of the EU (4)
to promote peace
To establish economics integration
To establish monetary union (common currency)
To enlarge and expand as a union
Why does the EU want to promote peace, and how can this be evidenced
To prevent likelihood of war and conflict
No war since WW2 after establishment of the EU
How has the eu established economic integration
Abolishing customs controls and removal of tariffs
How might there not be complete economic integration in the EU
Some temporary boarder restrictions as a result of a rise in refugees
How did the EU achieve monetary union
The creation of a common currency € and a European central bank
Negatives of monetary union of the EU
During 2008 financial crisis Greece had to be bailed out due to weak economy and had to sign even tighter controls
Biggest expansion of EU?
In 2004 when 10 new members were added, mostly Soviet Union states
Now the most United and prosperous trade bloc
What might be a reason for UK leaving EU (opposite of expansion)
Increasing demand for jobs from migration from Eastern Europe
What do the European Commission do
Propose and enforce eu law
Prepares the eu budget
What does the European council do
Takes strategic decisions like admitting new members
Who sits in the European council
Heads of member states
Who sits in the Council of the EU
Ministers of the member states
Role of the council of the eu
Discuss policy areas
Work with European Parliament on legislation
Role of the European Parliament
Influence on the budget
Accepts appointments to the European commusion
Role of the ECJ
Enforce EU law
Resolve disputes between states
Membership impact on politics ; constitution
EU law took precedent over UK law when followed eauropean communities act 1972
challenged principle of parliamentary sovereignty
membership impact ; leadership
cameron suggested referendum then resignation subsequently
may had to have brexiteers in her cabinet
three reisgnations of main party leaders following 2016 referendume
membership impact ; institution
creation of new government deprtments e.g Department for exitinf the EU
increased workload for ministers
European Community Act 1972
had primacy where nation law conflicts this undermines parliamentary sovereignty
but parliament has ultimate power to repeal the act