Not just a starry flag (without the stripes), definitely not that fabulously camp and ferociously political song contest: ever wondered just what the European Union is actually for? We've got you covered with Listjar's rundown of 10 things to know about this group of 27 member states: history, controversies and future challenges.
What is the European Union?
The European Union (EU) is an economic and political union between 27 European countries. Founded in 1958 (then known as the European Economic Community), it has since evolved into an organisation instrumental in many policy areas: climate, health, security, justice and migration.
How did it start?
1945: a devastated Europe emerges from WW2 with millions dead, injured and displaced.
With the founding of NATO and The Council of Europe in 1949, and of the European Coal and Steel Community in 1957, Europe's politicians take steps toward lasting peace, using plans presented by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman. The Schuman Plan, setting out closer co-operation, was formalised by the Treaties of Rome, in 1957.
Who runs the EU?
The EU is run by 3 bodies: The European Parliament, The Council of the European Union and the European Commission. As the EU’s only directly elected institution, the European Parliament is the collective voice of ordinary Europeans, elected every 5 years. The Council and the Commission are led by presidents appointed by national leaders or heads of state.
Is it the same as the European Economic Area?
Not quite: The European Economic Area (EEA) unites the EU and the three European Free Trade Association states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway), both governed by the same basic rules. These rules enable free movement of goods, services, capital, and people in the EEA.
What about Brexit? What does that mean?
Brexit (a term combining 'Britain' and 'exit') refers to the United Kingdom (Great Britain) leaving the European Union on 31st January 2020. Britain remains the first and only country to have left the EU.
Following Brexit, EU law and the Court of Justice of the European Union can no longer override over some British laws. It also means the UK's trading relationships with Europe, formerly its most important partner, have changed.
What did the EU do about Covid-19?
Efforts included: helping member states combat misinformation on C-19 and vaccines and creating a medical reserve to help member states facing shortages of equipment. The EU provided financial aid to vaccine producers to speed up the development and production of vaccines as part of its vaccine purchasing strategy.
What does the EU do now?
The modern EU consists of seven major institutions and dozens of smaller bodies that make laws, coordinate foreign affairs and trade, and manage a common budget. It also aims to prevent future conflict.
Is the EU a federation? Does that matter?
Federalism means: member states bound by an agreement in which there is a governing head. Much like the United States, where states possess certain powers but the central government has exclusive federal powers (e.g. foreign policy), with some shared (e.g. taxes).
Despite federalism being mentioned in the Maastricht Treaty of 1991 and the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe (which was not ratified as some countries held referendums that rejected it), the EU isn't a federation at present. Some member states strongly oppose any move to federation, viewing it as a threat to sovereignty and independence.
I don't live in Europe. Should the EU matter to me?
Depending on your perspective, yes. The EU's stake in diplomacy continues to evolve - popular nationalist movements and declining economic power in its member states mean EU ability to manage conflicts like Russia-Ukraine declines.
Commentators suggest a divided Europe, more dependent on US-led diplomacy, will in turn affect US ability to respond to other international and domestic concerns.
What's next for the EU?
According to research commissioned by The European Parliament and Commission, published in January 2022, on the future of Europe:
'The four most mentioned challenges facing the EU itself are social inequalities (36%), unemployment (32%), followed by migration issues (31%)...environmental issues and climate change also feature high on the list of challenges facing the EU, mentioned by 32% of respondents'.
