OverviewEuropean history characterised by regular

wars and rise of nation states in 19th century.Two world wars (1914-18 and 1939-45)

started in Europe.European integration a reaction to disaster of

World War Two with Europe divided and onset of Cold War.

Last fifty years most prosperous, stable and secure in European history.

But now very serious sovereign debt crisis.

History (2)EU a sui generis form of multi-level

governance. First ever supra-national form of government.

EU institutions and bureaucracy very powerful in certain circumstances – and at certain times in EU history

Much controversy over ‘unelected Brussels bureaucrats’

Related to debate on democratic deficit

Enlargement1973 UK, Ireland, Denmark1981 Greece1984 Spain and Portugal1995 Finland, Sweden, Austria2004 Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland,

Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, Cyprus, Malta

2007 Romania, Bulgaria2013 Croatia

Treaties1952 European Coal and Steel Community1958 Treaty of Rome (EEC)1986 Single European Act (QMV for Internal

Market)1991 Treaty of Maastricht (European Union, pillar

system, CFSP, euro)1997 Treaty of Amsterdam (defence)2001 Treaty of Nice (voting, prep for

enlargement)2009 Treaty of Lisbon (making EU more effective,

coherent and visible – especially in foreign policy)

EU InstitutionsEuropean Commission: powerful supra-national

bureaucracy (25,000 staff)Council – meetings of the 27 member states,

with own secretariatEuropean Parliament (750 directly elected

members)European Court of Justice - its authority

overrules national courts in areas of EU competence

European External Action Service – deals with foreign policy

Community SystemEuropean Commission proposes and EP and

Council decide by QMV if necessaryVisionary system outlined by Founding

FathersEssential to secure passage of Internal

Market legislation (Thatcher strong supporter)

QMV rarely used but option affects dynamic of decision making

EU does not like to isolate a member state

Democratic DeficitMany criticise EU for lack of democratic

control – although EP is directly elected and Council members based on democratic mandate

Could easily be changed by direct elections for Commission President – but member states not willing

Most legislation very technicalFeeling of remoteness from citizens

Theoretical debatesRealists believe in state centric approach ;

member states are ultimate decision takersNeo-functionalists believe in spill-over effect;

single market implies single currencyEU a unique system of multi-level

governance, with important roles for institutions, EU and national officials

Lisbon treatyAcceleration of treaty changes – SEA (1986),

Maastricht (1992), Amsterdam (1997), Nice (2001), Lisbon (2009)

Lisbon introduces EU President of the Council, new High Representative for foreign policy, greater scrutiny role for national parliaments, more power for EP, more QMV: but no significant new powers for the EU

Influence of officialsAlways important e.g. drafting legislationSometimes more influential than othersDepends on political and economic climateDelors (and staff) worked closely with Kohl

and MitterrandCommission as think tank, drafter, enforcerPan-European perspective; always present

Euro crisisGlobal economic crisis started summer 2008 also

affected EUMany countries borrowing too much – living

beyond their means – especially Greece, Ireland, Spain.

Speculation against euro meant massive intervention from European Central Bank

Austerity budgets necessary but very unpopular; no country wants to leave the eurozone

Euro has been as high as 1.49 to US$ and as low as 90c, now at $1.30

EU – Relevance for Asia• Key concepts include• Tolerance• Vision• Leadership• Political will• Economic compatibility• Agreed programme• Strong Institutions

ConclusionEU a work in progress – just over 50 years oldEurope never been so secure, stable and

prosperousUnion very complicated but reflects wishes – and

compromises – made by member statesMulti-level system of governance EU institutions powerful catalystVital to overcome current sovereign debt crisis

and regain confidence in EU2014 important year for EU – changes in

leadership