european union
Introduction The foundation of the European Union was laid in 1952 with the European Coal and Steel Community. ... The success of that arrangement led to the creation of the European Economic Community (EEC) and European Atomic Energy Community in 1958. ... The European Union comprises of 15 member states that are united in an effort to safeguard peace and promote economic and social progress. ... The Maastricht Treaty, which entered into force on November 1, 1993, created the European Union, "founded on the European Communities, supplemented by the policies and forms of cooperation established by this Treaty." It created European citizenship, and gave each citizen the right to petition the European parliament (strength), an Ombudsman handles complaints concerning possible misconduct by any EU organisations. It also endowed the European Parliament with additional powers under a co-decision procedure, and paved the way for other European countries to join the EU. In 1994 Austria, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, all members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) were accepted into the EU, to become effective on Jan. ... The main Institutions of the EU include: • The Commission • The Council of Ministers • The European Parliament • The European Court of Justice European Commission The European Commission referred to as the ‘engine’ or ‘motor’ – the driving force of the European Union. ... The European Commission embodies and upholds the general interest of the Union. ... The Commission consists of 10 members, a president, and 6 vice presidents selected by the member states is charged principally with formal and practical implementation of the various treaties of the Union and the various rules issued by the Council of Ministers. ... It also helps prepare acts submitted to the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers. The Commission, as executive, is both initiator and implementer and their term in office is five years the same as the life of the European Parliament, and their headquarters in based Brussels. ... The role and responsibilities of the European Commission place it firmly at the centre of the policy-making process of the EU. The Commission provide political leadership and direction, they are obliged to be completely independent of their national governments, be completely neutral and objective, and to act in the interests of the European Union. Each member of the Union has special responsibilities for one or more policy areas, although decisions are taken on the basis of collective responsibility. ... As the Union’s executive body, it is responsible for implementing the European legislation (directives, regulations, decisions), budget and programmes adopted by Parliament and the Councils. ... Strengths: • It is the driving force of the European Community • The Commission provides stability, co-ordination and coherence Weaknesses • They have a tendency to over legislate • They are remote and insensitive and can be corrupt (Jacques Santer previous commissioner who resigned after a damming report about mismanagement and sleaze) • They lack direct political legitimacy (Democratic Deficit) The European Council The European Council is the main decision-making body, which is composed of the heads of state or government of the member nations.