The United Europe has always been a dream for the inhabitants of the continent. Many times starting with the Middle Ages, her "collected" by the military. But the moment came when the countries of the continent united voluntarily, wanting to create a political community leading to economic prosperity.
The foundation of the new Union was laid by Germany, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, France and Holland. Then the British, Danes, Irish, and Soon and the Greeks were added to them. But the story did not stand in place and the opportunity to become part of the new community was used by Portugal, Austria, Spain, then Hungary. Soon, two northern states - Finland and Sweden - it was also decided to join the European Union.
At the beginning of the 21st century, ten states hit the EU immediately. Approval to the entry was given to all three Baltic States, as well as Poland, Malta, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Cyprus. Bulgarians and Romanians became next who joined the ranks of the peoples united under the blue flag, decorated with golden stars.
Listed processes occurred from 1957 to 2013. The last participant of the Union became Croatia.
And in 2016, the first in the history of an attempt to leave the EU. The British government organized a general vote: the people spoke in order to break the relationship with the EU. The beginning of the department's process is scheduled for the end of March 2019, but before that time the UK remains a full component of European community. Therefore, now the United Kingdom has the same privileges and responsibilities as other European countries.
Which countries are no longer part of the European Union
On the European continent, quite a few states that could not get into the European Union. Switzerland planned to join, but the application was frozen after inside the country of universal voting. The Swiss referendum gave a negative result. For practically for the same reason, it is impossible to be seen in the EU and Norway lists. Here, the referendum was held twice, and both times the people voted against joining.
Eastern European states that have not entered the European Union made it for various reasons. If Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova have to bring their laws, the economy to comply with the EU standards, then Russia and Belarus did not express a desire to get into the number of participants in one European. And since 2014, the European Union supports the introduction of sanctions against the Russian Federation due to the situation around Ukraine and the Crimea.
Kosovo, Transnistria, Georgia, Moldova, Bosnia cannot be in the EU for political reasons. We are talking about unresolved territorial disputes. These states cannot qualify for equal membership until they decide their urgent problems.
Countries that came out of the EU
By 2019, states that would leave the EU, not yet. Perhaps only Greenland can be considered such a country. She was in the European Union as part of Denmark, but in 1985 it came out, because the fishermen of the harsh north island did not suit low norms for the extraction of fish.
The full precedent will create the United Kingdom, which begins to partition the European Union in the spring of this year. Following the United Kingdom, the organization may leave other states. How many countries in Europe are ready to do this? Analysts from America call six states that can follow the example of England. First, it is Sweden and Denmark. They advocate an increase in border control.
Greece connects its economic problems with the restrictions that it has to be followed due to the requirements of the European Union. From the Athens - the capital of the state - the voices were repeatedly distributed, who declared their desire to leave the EU.
The problem of refugees also strongly influenced public opinion in Holland, Hungary and France. Euros Sacks have already become the majority of these countries.
Applicants for EU accession
Those who wish to replenish the ranks of the European Union are quite a lot. But official candidates may be considered no more than five of all possible applicants. As you can talk about Turkey, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, and Albania. Two more states are considered as potential associate members of EU - Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The state whose prospects get to the European Union are assessed as the best, called Turkey. It has been negotiating with the EU for more than 20 years. And the associate member is since 1964. The history of Turkey's attempts to get into the Union is full of contradictions.
The country has many supporters inside the organization. They believe that Turkey will strengthen the EU position in the region. Of course, there are both opponents, but despite this, maybe soon Turkey will be referred to on the maps as part of the European Union.
Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro just a couple of dozen years ago were parts of one country - Yugoslavia. They were formed as independent states quite recently. Therefore, the process of joining the EU countries lead a rather short time.
The EU himself spends huge money and great efforts to unite with Serbia, but the position of this country for a number of political issues makes doubt that accession is possible in the near future. Much closer to the introduction is now Montenegro. Macedonia due to political instability can be at all "overboard".
Requirements for applicants
The list of requirements to all who want to be part of the United Europe is reflected in the document that was drawn up in Copenhagen in 1993. According to him, each state subjected to a strict inspection, which submitted an application for entry into the European Union. Criteria are as follows:
- following democratic principles. The state should not only in words adhere to them, but also to be able to successfully apply when conducting internal and foreign Policy;
- the most important qualities of the European state with the right to get into the EU, are considered practical support at the state level of such democratic procedures as protection of the personality and defending the priority of legal law;
- the country must successfully develop its own economy, increase its competitiveness;
- the correlation of the principles and objectives of the policy of the candidate country with the European Union's course should be respected.
If the state refuses the results of the inspection, it is necessarily provided with a complete list of reasons for such a solution so that it can eliminate them and re-apply.
Graduation of European countries in the years of entry into the EU
Croatia managed to make the newest member of the European Union. It happened in 2013. Six years before this, joining was successfully completed by Bulgaria and Romania. They became part of the "fifth expansion", which began nine years earlier. Then the EU was replenished with Cyprus, Malta, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, the Baltic States joined. The number of members of the organization has increased significantly.
In 1995, the founding countries managed to attract Sweden, Austria, Finland. It turned out to unite with the Portuguese and the Spaniards at eighty six. Consult Greece in 1981. And welcome Great Britain, Denmark, Ireland in 1973.
Post-war Europe has long experienced the difficulty of recovery and mutual distrust. But by 1957, the Italians, the French and the Germans overcame contradictions, forgot the oldest lane and laid the beginning new story Europe.
Luxembourg, Belgium and Holland has also been assigned an important role. It was they who became the core of the new Union, which was in 1957 after signing in the Rome of the Interstate Treaty. He marked the creation of an economic organization, which for its more than half a century, transformed into the modern European Union. His symbol was the coat of arms depicting 12 sparkling stars on a blue field.
The history of the formation of the EU
Despite deep roots, the EU history is made to count down from 1948, when the Brussels Covenant on Safety Cooperation was signed. Three years later, a document was signed on the formation of the European Association of Coal and Steel (ESO). The contracts have put their signatures German, French, Italian representatives, as well as diplomats of Benilyuks countries. The headquarters of the Union is located in Brussels. In Europe, there has been a tendency to combine.
Relations between states developed. In addition to the broad economic cooperation, a single police and judicial space was created, the foundations of a single foreign policy and military security were laid. The Lisbon Agreement has formed the European Union in its modern form.
One of the fundamental documents that allowed us to formally, but to really erase the borders from the European maps, the agreement was signed near the small Luxembourg village of Schengen. The document allowed to cancel visas when moving within Europe and thereby create a visa-free zone, which was almost immediately called Schengen.
History of expansion
The forms of cooperation and the list of states that showed a desire to work together under the new rules were expanded. Of course, at first there were only six of them: Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Italy, Germany and France. It took a long 16 years to make the first expansion. It happened in 1973 and participants became nine.
The largest increase in EU members was the fifth expansion. Document on accession was signed in 2003. The members of the "European Family" were ten states. The fifth expansion also includes accession to the European Association of Bulgarian and Romanian peoples in 2013.
The officials of the European Parliament promise that by 2025 the list of countries will be replenished again.
EC
The main political institution of the European Union, which is managed, - the European Council. At the congresses of the Council, all important resolutions are accepted that define the current EU policy. Here are the leaders of all countries in the EU. They are all the decisions that are then followed by all national states. Here, not only form political "wishes", but also create regulatory documents that are legally binding and mandatory for fulfilling all subordinate structures and the European Union, and national states.
Currency in the European Union
Euro - the official currency of the European Union. It has a walk in nineteen countries. Three states, being members of the European Union, still continue to use their own currency. But Andorra, Montenegro, Vatican, Monaco completely does not prevent one more currency, and the euro is used there as an official means of payment.
Control over the release, European Central Bank is engaged in the euro course. Another task is to define the financial and economic policies of the association. For the first time, releasing its new money to the foreign exchange market in 1999, the EU Bank provided them with a long life and great popularity. Today, euro - about the bottom of the world reserve currencies, it received this status thanks to the daughter of the jar located in Berlin, and the high status of the German brand, the actual heir of which she became.
Economic activities
It is directed, firstly, to eliminate the obstacles within the EU and, secondly, to uphold the interests of both the Union and its individual members at international trading platforms. The budget of the European Union is controlled by the European Accounts Chamber, the headquarters of which is located in Luxembourg.
By combining such world leaders of industrial production, both Germany, France, Italy, Britain, the European Union can be considered one of the most powerful economic conglomerates. EU GDP is estimated as 22% of the world. Only China and the United States bypass him.
Also, the European Union is one of the world's GDP leaders per capita: the average amounted to about 35 thousand euros per year. In the eurozone largest wages leading Germany, and one of the lowest income among the citizens of Estonia.
Legal system
A unique system of law that appeared in the European Union is based on a general and functional law. These two pillars are the basis of the jurisdiction of the United Europe.
Functional law is a combination of two wonderful principles that complement each other. These are the principles of supremacy and direct action. The first of these announces the priority of the laws of the Union over the legal acts of states in the EU. The second allows the EU structures to apply laws not only to state entities, but also to residents - physical, legal entities, which have not previously been used by any supramitic structures.
Created in 1952 as a court with the EUUS. Now is the permanent Institute of the European Union. The basis of his work is permission and consideration of cases within its jurisdiction. Decisions decisions on legal issues. The activity is regulated by the Charter of the Court, which determines the formation, work, limits of competencies.
Member States, EU structures, individuals and legal entities can contact the EU court. His decision is required for all national vessels. Most of the cases disassembled by the court relates to the interpretation of EU laws, dispute resolution between EU members.
In Strasbourg, there is another important element of the European Legal System. This is a court that deals with cases related to violation of human rights. His jurisdiction applies to all who signed the Convention on the Protection of Basic Freedoms.
Political device
After signing the Lisbon Treaty in 2007, the EU political structure has changed. Executive, judicial, legislature acquired a number of additional functions and powers.
EU executive power has two components:
- European Council;
- European Commission.
Legislative power is presented:
- European Parliament;
- Council European Union.
The judiciary is a system consisting of three links:
- Court of first instance;
- Special judicial chambers.
The European Union has priority to the member states of the Union at the conclusion of international agreements related to customs rules, the conditions for trade competition, the overall trade policy, monetary policy, environmental protection and maintaining resources.
The political structure of the EU states is extremely diverse. The form of the board of some countries has not changed since the Middle Ages, the monarchy is installed there. Of course, there have been no traces of absolutism for a long time, and the kings exist only nominally, and in their essence all these european countries For a long time they are parliamentary or presidential republics.
Perspectives in politics
It is believed that the EU is now experiencing a crisis. For recent years, a variety of problems have collapsed on the union that European states tried to solve together. Heavy tests were the Ukrainian crisis and the situation around the Crimea, which led to complications of relations with Russian Federation and the emergence of military tensions in the territories located in almost the center of Europe. Also relevant problems of the states of North Africa, the Middle East, which caused the appearance of hundreds of thousands of refugees.
The unity of the countries included in the EU was shaken, and the effect of Euros Sacks began to grow. A referendum in the UK was a particularly strong blow, which led to the country's exit from the European Union. But external and internal political challenges multiply are continuously tested for the strength of the "European Family". Is it so worn and one in 2018-2019? Most likely, only the joint efforts of all members of the Union will be able to lead to a happy resolution of all complex problems arising daily before the EU.
Basic political parties
Europaria act in several EU member states immediately. They are funded from the EU funds and interact with both officials of the European Union and representatives of individual states.
The oldest registered party is European folk, it has existed since 1976. Representatives position themselves as a liberal conservatives. It is the most influential political association of the EU.
It is worth noting such batchs like:
- European Party Green (1984);
- European Free Alliance (1989);
- Party of European Socialists (1992);
- Party of European Left (1998);
- European Democratic Party (2004).
The rest of political associations are younger, they have not yet managed to acquire a sufficient political influence.
Corruption in the EU
Corruption regularly becomes the scourge of all major state entities, if the control over the activities of financial institutions is insufficient, and the management is difficult, even confused. Such practices of bribery not only undermine the authority of democratic institutions, but also create a favorable ground for the development of organized crime.
According to the reports of various EU departments, the loss of 2018 corruption amounted to about 900 billion euros. The main problem is the insufficient control over the compliance of the law in some Member States of the Union. To combat these phenomena, it was proposed to compile a "corruption rating" of the EU states so that he could influence the distribution of the EU money.
EU armed forces
EU uniform armed forces has no. In its framework, various mechanisms of interaction between military national states were created. But mostly policies are in the framework of the authority of EU countries.
The main military association in Europe today remains NATO. It includes 27 European states, 22 of which are members of the EU.
Nevertheless, the agreement on the European Union, the new edition of which began to operate since 2009, provides for a significant interpenetration of military structures of various EU member states. But the military contingent subordinate to the EU directly is practically absent. Due to disagreements in the European Council, the optimal form of military integration is not yet found.
Population of the European Union
In 28 EU participating countries on an area of \u200b\u200babout 4.5 million square kilometers, the number of residents is more than 500 million people. The largest states in the population are Germany - 81 million people, as well as France - 65 million people. The national composition of Europe did not change in centuries. Various nations living side by side, have long been "laughed" to each other for a long time, and know everything about the habits and ethnic features of their neighbors. The population density in Europe is very high.
Another problem of Europe is high average age population. Every year the percentage of able-bodied Europeans decreases and the number of dependents increases.
It would seem that refugees can help, taking free jobs, but most of them live on benefits that are great enough to work out. Many do not even try to learn the language or to receive citizenship of their country shelter. Until the effective mechanisms for solving these demographic problems have been developed.
EU relations with other countries
Responsibility for links with states outside the EU carries a person who holds the position of Supreme Representative of the Union. Now there is Federica Moglerini in this post. Many EU countries are permanent members of the UN Security Council and are actively involved in international politics.
The European Union has existing cooperation agreements, trade with foreign neighbors. Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia, Turkey, wasraul managed to become good trading partners of the European Union.
The EU is one of the most important trading partners of Russia and the main consumer of Russian gas and oil. The geographical location of the EU countries allows you to quickly get energy supplies delivered by land with pipelines.
The EU actively leads not only trade foreign policy. The diplomatic representations of the European Union work around the world. They are in New York, in the African Union and even in Afghanistan.
European Union - Regional Integration of European States
History of creation, countries participating in the Union, Law, goals, objectives and policy of the European Union
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The European Union is determined by
European Union is Economic and political association of 28 European states aimed at their regional integration. Legally, this union was enshrined by the Maastricht Treaty, which entered into force on November 1, 1993, on the principles of European communities. The EU combines five hundred million inhabitants.
European Union is Unique international education: it combines signs of an international organization and the state, but formally is neither one or the other. The Union is not a subject of international public law, however, has the authority to participate in international relations and plays them a big role.
European Union is Combining European States involved in the process of European integration.
With the help of a standardized system of laws operating in all countries of the Union, a general market was created, guaranteeing the free movement of people, goods, capital and services, including the abolition of passport control within the Schengen zone, which includes both member countries and other European states. . The Union takes the laws (directives, legislative acts and decisions) in the field of justice and internal affairs, and also develops a general policy in the field of trade, agriculture, fisheries and regional development. The environment of the Union has introduced a single currency, the euro, forming the eurozone.
Being a subject of international public law, the Union has powers to participate in international relations and conclusion international treaties. A general foreign policy and security policy has been formed, providing for agreed external and defense policy. The permanent diplomatic missions of the EU are established worldwide, representative offices in the United Nations, the WTO, the G8 and the Group of Twenty. EU delegation is headed by the EU ambassadors. In certain areas, decisions are made by independent supranational institutions, and in others - are carried out through negotiations between Member States. The most important EU institutions are the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, the European Council, the European Union Court, the European Accounting Chamber and the European Central Bank. The European Parliament is elected every five years by the EU citizens.
Member States of the European Union
The EU includes 28 countries: Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Germany, France, Denmark, Ireland, Great Britain, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Slovenia , Cyprus (except the northern part of the island), Malta, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia.
Special and dependent territories of the EU member states
Overseas Territories and Coronal Ownership of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Great Britain), which are part of the European Union through the UK membership in accordance with the Act of 1972 Accession: Normandy Islands: Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney is part of the crown hold of Guernsey, Sarka is part of the corona possession Guernsey, Herm is part of the corona possession of Guernsey, Gibraltar, Maine Island, special territories outside Europe, which are part of the European Union: Azores, Guadeloupe, Canary Islands, Madeira, Martinique, Melilla, Reunion, Ceutin, French Guiana
Also, according to Article 182 of the Treaty of Functioning of the European Union (Treaty On The Functioning Of The European Union), the EU member states associate with the Earth's European Union and the territory outside Europe, which support special relations with: Dania - Greenland, France - New Caledonia, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, French Polynesia, Mayotte, Wallis and Futuna, French Southern and Antarctic Territories, Netherlands - Aruba, Netherlands Antilles, United Kingdom - Anguilla, Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory, British Territory in the Indian Ocean, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Montserrat, Saint Helena Island, Falkland Islands, Pitcairn Islands, Turks and Caicos, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands.
Requirements for candidates for entry into the EU
For joining the European Union, the country candidate must comply with Copenhagen criteria. Copenhagen criteria are criteria for the entry of countries to the European Union, which were adopted in June 1993 at a meeting of the European Council in Copenhagen and were confirmed in December 1995 at a meeting of the European Council in Madrid. The criteria require that the state respected by democratic principles, the principles of freedom and respect for human rights, as well as the principle of the legal state (Article 6, Art. 49 of the European Union Treaty). A competitive market economy should be present in the country, and the general rules and EU standards should be recognized, including the commitment to the goals of the political, economic and currency union.
European Union Development History
EU predecessors were: 1951-1957 - the European coal and steel community (ESU); 1957-1967 - European Economic Community (UES); 1967-1992 - European Communities (UES, Euratom, ESO); From November 1993 - European Union. The name "European communities" is often used in relation to all stages of EU development. The ideas of pan-European, for a long time nominated by thinkers throughout the history of Europe, and special power sounded after World War II. In the post-war period, a number of organizations appeared on the continent: the Council of Europe, NATO, the Western European Union.
The first step towards creating a modern European Union was made in 1951: Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Italy signed an agreement on the establishment of the European Association of Coal and Steel (ECSC, ECSC - European Coal and Steel Community), the purpose of which was the merger of European resources For the production of steel and coal, by virtue of this agreement joined from July 1952. Therefore, the purpose of deepening economic integration The same six states in 1957 established the European Economic Community (EEC, General Market) (EEC - European Economic Community) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom, Euratom - European Atomic Energy Community). Most important and wide on the competence of these three European communities It was UES, so in 1993 it was officially renamed the European Community (EC - European Community).
The process of development and transformation of these European communities in the modern European Union took place, firstly, the transfer of an increasing number of management functions for a superior level and, secondly, an increase in the number of participants in integration.
On the territory of Europe, the Western Roman Empire, the Frankish State, the Sacred Roman Empire, were unified state formations that are comparable in size with the European Union. During the last millennium, Europe was fragmented. European thinkers tried to come up with a way to unite Europe. The idea of \u200b\u200bcreating the United States of Europe initially arose after the American revolution.
This idea received a new life after World War II, when Winston Churchill declared about the need for its implementation, who called on September 19, 1946 in his speech at Zurich University to the creation of the United States of Europe, similar to the United States of America. As a result, in 1949 the Council of Europe was created - an organization that exists so far (its member is Russia). The Council of Europe, however, was (and remains) with something like the UN regional equivalent, which focused its activities on the problems of human rights in European countries .
The first stage of European integration
In 1951, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Italy created the European coal and Steel Community (EUROPEAN COAL AND STEEL Community), the purpose of which became the association of European resources for the production of steel and coal, which, according to his creators, should have Prevent another war in Europe. The United Kingdom refused to participate in this organization for reasons of national sovereignty. For the purpose of deepening economic integration, the same six states in 1957 established the European Economic Community (EEC, General Market) (EEC - European Economic Community) and the European Atomic Community (EuTOM - European Atomic ENERGY COMMUNITY). The UES was created primarily as the Customs Union of the six states, designed to ensure freedom to move goods, services, capital and people.
Eurath was supposed to contribute to the unification of the peaceful nuclear resources of these states. Most important of these three European communities It was the European Economic Community, so later (in the 1990s) it became referred to simply by the European Community (EC eUROPEAN Community). The UES was established by the Rome agreement of 1957, which entered into force on January 1, 1958. In 1959, the European Parliament was created in 1959, the European Parliament was created - a representative advisory, and later the legislative body. The development and transformation of these European communities into a modern European Union took place by structural simultaneous evolution. and institutional transformation into a more cohesive block of states with a transmission of an increasing number of management functions on a superior level (the so-called European integration process, or groove Union of states), on the one hand, and increasing the number of participants in European communities (and later than the European Union) from 6 to 27 states ( extensions Union of states).
Second stage of European intergation
In January 1960, the United Kingdom and a number of other countries that have not included in the EEC have formed an alternative organization - the European Free Trade Association. The United Kingdom, however, soon realized that the UES is a much more efficient association, and decided to join the UES. Her example followed Ireland and Denmark, whose economy significantly depended on trade with the UK. Norway has been accepted. The first attempt in 1961-1963, however, ended in connection with the fact that the French President de Gaulle imposed a veto on the decision to join new members in the UES. Similarly was the result and negotiations on joining 1966-1967. In 1967, three European communities (the European Association of Coal and Steel, the European Economic Community and the European Community on Atomic Energy) were united into the European Community.
The case has shifted from the dead point only after the class of Charles de Gaulle in 1969 replaced George Pompidou. After several years of negotiations and adaptation of the legislation, the United Kingdom entered the EU on January 1, 1973. In 1972, referendums were underway to join the EU in Ireland, Denmark and Norway. The population of Ireland (83.1%) and Denmark (63.3%) supported accession to the EU, but in Norway, this proposal did not receive the majority (46.5%). The proposal for joining in 1973 was also received by Israel. However, due to the war of "Judgment Day", the negotiations were interrupted. And in 1975, instead of membership in the UES, Israel signed an agreement on associative cooperation (membership). The race submitted an application for accession to the EU in June 1975 and became a member of the community January 1, 1981. In 1979, the first direct elections to the European Parliament were held. In 1985 Greenland He received an internal self-government and after the referendum came out of the EU. Portugal and Spain filed applications in 1977 and became members of the EU from January 1, 1986. In February 1986, a single European act was signed in Luxembourg (Single European Act).
Third stage of European integration
In 1992, all states in the European Community signed an agreement on the establishment of the European Union - the Maastricht Treaty. The Maastricht Agreement established three EU supports (Pillars): 1. Economic and currency union (ECU), 2. General foreign policy and security policies (OVPB), 3. General Policy in the field of internal affairs and justice. In 1994 in Austria, Finland, Norway and Sweden, referendums are held on joining EU. Most Norwegians again vothes counter. Austria, Finland (with thelandskie Islands) and Sweden become members of the EU from January 1, 1995. The European Association of Free Trade remains only Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. In 1997. The Amsterdam Agreement was signed by the members of the European Community (entered into force in 1999). The main changes in the Amsterdam Treaty concerned: General Foreign Policy and OSPB Security Policy, the creation of "Space of Freedom, Security and Law Enforcement", coordination in the field of justice, combating terrorism and organized crime.
Fourth stage of European integration
On October 9, 2002, the European Commission recommended 10 candidate states for EU accession in 2004: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Cyprus, Malta. The population of these 10 countries amounted to about 75 million; Their joint GDP for PPS (Note: Parity of the purchasing power) - approximately 840 billion US dollars, approximately equal GDP of Spain. This is the EU expansion can be called one of the most ambitious EU projects at the present time. The need for such a step was dictated by the desire to bring the line under the separation of Europe, which took place from the moment of the end of World War II, and firmly bind to the West of the country of Eastern Europe to prevent their rollback back to the communist methods of the Board. Cyprus was included in this list, since Greece insisted on this, which otherwise threatened to impose a veto to the entire plan as a whole.
Upon completion of the negotiations between the "old" and future "new" members of the EU, a positive final decision was announced on December 13, 2002. The European Parliament approved the decision on April 9, 2003.16 April 2003 in Athens 15 "old" and 10 "new" members of the EU was signed an agreement on accession (). In 2003, in nine states (with the exception of Cyprus), referendums were held, and then the signed agreement was ratified by parliaments on May 1, 2004 Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Cyprus, Malta became members of the European Union. After joining The EU is ten new countries, the level of economic development of which is noticeably below the Middle Eastern, the European Union leaders were in the Regulation when the main burden of budget spending on the social sphere, agricultural subsidies, etc. It falls on them. At the same time, these countries do not want to increase the share of deductions to the public-union budget in excess of the EU level in 1% of GDP.
The second problem is that after the expansion of the European Union, the principle of making the most important decisions of consensus was less effective. On referendums in France and in the Netherlands in 2005, the Unified EU Constitution project was rejected, and the entire European Union still lives on a variety of fundamental contracts. On January 2007, the next expansion of the European Union was held - the entry into it in Bulgaria and Romania. The European Union previously prevented these countries that Romania and Bulgaria still have to do a lot in the field of combating corruption and reforming legislation. In these matters, Romania, according to European officials, lagged behind, while maintaining the remnants of socialism in the structure of the economy and without responding to EU standards.
EU
On December 17, 2005, the official status of a candidate for joining EU was provided by Macedonia. On February 21, 2005, the European Union signed an action plan with Ukraine. It was probably the result of the fact that the power in Ukraine came to power, the foreign policy strategy of which is aimed at joining the European Union. At the same time, in the opinion of the EU leadership, the full membership of Ukraine in the European Union is not worth talking about, since the new power must be done very much to prove that there is a full-fledged democracy in Ukraine, which meets international standards, and conduct political, economic and Social reforms.
Candidates for the participants of the Union and "Flapping"
Not all countries of Europe intend to participate in the European integration process. Twice on national referendums (1972 and 1994) relegated a proposal to join the EU population of Norway. He is part of the EU Iceland. In the frozen state, the application of Switzerland is a frozen state, the entry of which was stopped by a referendum. This country, however, has joined the Schengen Agreement from January 1, 2007. Made of Europe - Andorra, Vatican, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino are not members of the EU. He is part of the EU with autonomous status as part of Denmark Greenland (published after the referendum 1985) And Faroe Islands, limited and not fully participate in the EU Finnish autonomy of the Aland Islands and the overseas Territory of Great Britain - Gibraltar, other dependent Territories of Great Britain - Maine, Guernsey and Jersey are not included in the EU.
In Denmark, the people voted on a referendum about entering the European Union (on the signing of the Maastricht Treaty) only after the promises of the government, do not move to a single currency of the euro, so Danish crowns are still in circulation.
The starting period of negotiations on joining Croatia was determined, the official status of the EU Candidate of Macedonia was provided, which practically guarantees the entry of these countries to the EU. Also signed a number of documents relating to Turkey and Ukraine, but the specific prospects for joining the EU of these states are not yet clear.
On its intention to join the EU, the new leadership of Georgia has repeatedly stated, but no specific documents that would ensure at least the beginning of the negotiation process on this issue are not yet signed and, most likely, will not be signed until it is settled Conflict with unrecognized states of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Analogless problem with the promotion to European integration exists and Moldova - the leadership of the unrecognized Transnistrian Moldavian Republic does not support Moldavian's desire to join the European Union. Currently, the prospects for the entry of Moldova in the EU are very foggy.
It should be noted that the EU has experience in adopting in its composition of Cyprus, which also does not have full control over the territory officially recognized. However, the entry of Cyprus in the EU occurred after the referendum carried out simultaneously in both parts of the island, and while the population of the unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has mostly voted for the reintegration of the island into a single state, the association process was blocked by the Greek side, as a result of the entered EU alone. The prospects for joining the European Union of such states of the Balkan Peninsula, as Albania and Bosnia, in connection with their low level Economic development and unstable political situation. Especially this can be said about Serbia, whose province of Kosovo is currently under the International NATO and UN Protector. As a result of a referendum from the Union with Serbia Montenegro, openly declared his desire for European integration and the question of the timing and procedure for the entry into the EU into the EU is now the subject of negotiations.
From other states, fully or partially located in Europe, no negotiations were negotiating and did not make any attempts to start the process of European integration: Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, Kazakhstan. According to 1993, Azerbaijan stated his interest in relations with the EU and began planning links with It is in different areas. In 1996, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan G. Aliev signed the "Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation" and established official relations. Russia has repeatedly announced the reluctance to fully join the European Union, offering instead to implement the concept of "four common spaces", accompanied by "road maps" and facilitating the transboundary movement of citizens, economic integration and cooperation in a number of other regions. The only exception was made at the end of November 2005 by the President of Russia V. V. Putin Statement that he would "be happy if Russia had received an invitation to join the EU." However, this statement was accompanied by a reservation that he himself would not speak with a request for adoption in the EU.
The important point is that Russia and Belarus, who signed an agreement on the establishment of the Union and could, in principle, to begin any actions on independent entry into the EU, without terminating this contract. The countries outside the European continent have repeatedly declared their European integration intentions African states of Morocco and Cape Verde (former islands of green capes) - the latter with political support for its former metropolis - Portugal, in March 2005 began official attempts to apply for accession.
Rumors are regularly realized about the possible start of movement to the complete accession to the EU Tunisia, Algeria and Israel, but so far that the prospect should be considered the ghost. So far, these countries, as well as Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the Palestinian National Administration and the above-mentioned Morocco, as a compromise measures are invited to participate in the "Neighboring Partners" program, implied by receiving in some distant future status of associated EU members.
The extension of the European Union is the process of distributing the European Union (EU) through the entry into it of new member states. The process began with the "inland six" (6 countries that were at the origins of the foundation of the EU), which organized the "European Association of Coal and Steel" (EU Predecessor) in 1951. Since then, 27 states have received membership in the EU, including in 2007 Bulgaria and Romania entered it. At the moment, the EU is considering applications for joining several states. Sometimes the EU expansion is also called European integration. However, this term is used and when it comes to strengthening cooperation between EU member states, since national governments make it possible to gradually centralize power within European institutions. To join the European Union, the applicant state must meet the political and economic conditions, well known as Copenhagen criteria (compiled after the Copenhagen Meeting in June 1993.).
These conditions: the stability and democraticity of the government existing in the country, its respect for the rule of law, as well as the availability of relevant freedoms and institutions. According to the Maastricht Agreement, every current member state, as well as the European Parliament, should agree on any expansion. Due to the conditions that were adopted in the last EU agreement, the NICsky Treaty (in 2001) - the EU is protected from further expansion outside 27 members, as it is believed that the decision-making processes in the EU would not have done with a large number of members. The Lisbon contract would transform these processes and would allow the limit to 27 member countries, although the possibility of ratifying such a contract is doubted.
Members Founders of the EU
The European Association of Coal and Steel was proposed by Robert Shuman in his statement of May 9, 1950 and caused the unification of the coal and steel industries of France and West Germany. The project was joined by "Benilux Countries" - Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, which have already achieved some integration among themselves. Italy joined these countries, and they all signed the Paris Treaty on July 23, 1952. These six countries called "internal six" (as opposed to "external seven", which have formed the European Free Trade Association and with suspicion reacted to integration), went even further. In 1967, they signed an agreement in Rome, which placed the foundation to two communities, together known as the "European Communities" after the merger of their leadership.
The community lost part of the territories in the era of decolonization; Algeria, before that there was an integral part of France, and hence the community, received independence on July 5, 1962 and out of its composition. Up until the 1970s there were no extensions; The United Kingdom, before giving the refusal to join the community, after the Suez crisis changed its policy and submitted an application for membership in the community. However, French President Charles de Gaulle imposed a veto to the UK membership, fearing his "American influence".
The first expansion of the European Union
As soon as de Gaulle left the post held by him, the opportunity to join the community reopened. Together with Great Britain, Denmark, Ireland and Norway filed applications and received approval, but the Norwegian government lost a national referendum on community membership and, therefore, did not entitle the community on January 1, 1973 on a par with other countries. Gibraltar - British overseas territory - was attached to the Community with the United Kingdom.
In 1970 there was a restoration in Greece, Spain and Portugal democracy. Greece (in 1981), and both of the Iberian countries (in 1986) received admission to the community. In 1985, Greenland, having received autonomy from Denmark, immediately took advantage of his right to get out of the European Community. Morocco and Turkey filed applications in 1987, Morocco refused, because they did not consider the European state. The statement of Turkey was taken to consideration, but in 2000, Turkey received the status of a candidate, and only in 2004 official negotiations on Turkey's accession to the community began.
European Union after the Cold War
In 1989-1990, the Cold War ended, on October 3, 1990 Eastern and Western Germany were reunited. Consequently, East Germany has become part of the community as part of one Germany. In 1993, the European Community became the European Union on the basis of the Maastricht Treaty of 1993. Some of the states of the European Free Trade Association, which bordered with the Old Eastern Block before the end of the Cold War, submitted an application for joining the community.
In 1995, Sweden, Finland and Austria were adopted in the EU. This was the 4th EU expansion. The Norwegian government failed at that time the second national referendum on membership. The end of the Cold War and "Westernization" of Eastern Europe put the EU before the need to agree standards for future new members to assess their compliance. According to Copenhagen criteria, it was decided that the country should be democracy, to have a free market and to be consonted to accept all the EU law, which has already been agreed earlier.
Expansion of Eastern EU Block
8 of these countries (Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia) and the Mediterranean island states of Malta and Cyprus entered the union on May 1, 2004. It was the greatest expansion of human and territorial indicators, albeit the smallest in terms of GDP (gross domestic product). Smaller development of these countries led some member countries to concern, as a result of which some restrictions were adopted when admitting work and travel regarding citizens of new member countries. Migration, which in any case would have a place, gave the beginning of many political clichés (for example, the Polish Plumber), despite the confirmed benefits of migrants for the economic systems of these countries. According to the official website of the European Commission, the signature of Bulgaria and Romania in the introductory contract marked the end of the fifth expansion of the EU.
EU entry criteria
To date, the process of entry is accompanied by a number of formal steps, starting with a foreword contract and ending with ratification of the final entry contract. Above these steps is monitored by the European Commission (chief management on expansion), but current negotiations are held between Member States of the Union and a candidate country. In theory, any European country can join the European Union. The EU Council consults with the Commission and the European Parliament and makes a decision on the beginning of negotiations on entry. The Council rejects or approves the application only unanimously. To obtain the approval of the application, the country must meet the following criteria: must be a "European state"; the principles of freedom, democracy must comply with the rights of human rights and fundamental freedoms, the rule of law.
To obtain membership, the following is required: Compliance with Copenhagen criteria recognized by the Council in 1993:
stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights, respect and protection of minorities; the existence of a functional market economy, as well as the ability to cope with competitive pressure and market prices within the Union; The ability to accept membership commitments including the commitment to the political, economic and monetary targets of the Union.
In December 1995, the Madrid European Councils revised the membership criteria to include the conditions for the integration of the Member State through the appropriate regulation of its administrative structures: as it is important that the legislation of the European Union will be reflected in national legislation, it is important that the revised national legislation is effective through the relevant administrative and Judicial structures.
EU accession process
Before the country applied for entry, it usually must sign an agreement on associate membership to help prepare a country to the status of the candidate and, possibly, a member. Many countries do not even satisfy the criteria necessary to start negotiations earlier than they begin to apply, so they need long years to prepare for the process. Associate Membership Agreement helps prepare for this first step.
In the case of Western Balkans, a special process, stabilization and associative process exist in order not to conflict with circumstances. When the country officially requests membership, the Council requests the commission to express opinions regarding the country's readiness to start negotiations. The Council may accept or reject the opinion of the Commission.
The Council only once rejected the opinion of the Commission - in the case of Greece, when the Commission discouraged the Council from the introductory negotiations. If the Council decides to open negotiations, the verification process begins. This process during which the EU and the candidate country investigates their laws and laws of the EU, determining the existing differences. After that, the Council recommends starting negotiations on the "chapters" of the law, when decides that there is enough contact points for constructive negotiations. Negotiations are usually concluded that the Candidate State is trying to convince the EU that its laws and administrative management are sufficiently developed to fulfill the European law, which can be carried out as discussed by expedient Member States.
On December 17, 2005, the official status of a candidate for joining EU was provided by Macedonia. Deferred the start of negotiations on joining Croatia. A number of documents belonging to Turkey, Moldova and Ukraine also signed, but the specific prospects for joining the EU of these states are not yet clear. According to the EU Commissioner on the expansion of Oli Rennes, Iceland, Croatia and Serbia can join the EU in 2010-2011 on April 28, 2008, Albania filed an official application for joining EU. In Norway, twice conducted referendums about joining the EU, in 1972 and 1994. At the first referendum, the main fears were contacted with the restriction of independence, on the second - with agriculture. In December 2011, an agreement was signed with Croatia about joining the EU. In July 2013, Croatia became a member of the European Union. In 2009, Iceland filed an application for accession to the EU. June 13, 2013 was made an official application for the revocation of an application for accession to the European Union.
Major events in the history of deepening EU integration
1951 - Paris Treaty and the establishment of the European Association of Coal and Steel (EUS) 1957 - Roman Treaty and the creation of European economic communities (used, as a rule, in the singular) (UES) and EURATOMA1965 - a merger agreement, as a result of which a single council was created and a single commission for three European communities EOOS, UES and Evratoma1973 - the first expansion of the UES (Denmark, Ireland, United Kingdom joined) 1979 - the first national elections to the European Parliament1981 - the second expansion of the UES (Greece joined) 1985 - Signing the Schengen Agreement1986 - Signing the Schengen Agreement. The first substantial change in the EU constituent treaties.
1992 - Maastricht Treaty and the creation on the basis of the European Union communities1999 - the introduction of a single European currency - the euro (in cash from 2002) 2004 - the signing of the EU Constitution (in force) 2007 - Signing a reform agreement in Lisbon2007 - the leaders of France, Italy and Spain announced the creation of a new organization - the Mediterranean Union2007 - the second wave of the fifth expansion (joining Bulgaria and Romania). The 50th anniversary of the creation of the UES.2013 is celebrated - the sixth expansion (Croatia joined)
Currently, the three most common attributes accessories to the European Union (actually membership in the EU, the Schengen zone and the euro zone) are not accompanying, but intersecting categories: the United Kingdom and Ireland signed a Schengen Agreement on limited membership. Great Britain also did not find it necessary to join the Euroves and Sweden zone during the referendums also decided to preserve national currency. Norivegia, Iceland and Switzerland are not members of the EU, but are included in the Schengen zone. Chernomaria and partially recognized state of Kosovo Albanians are neither EU members are not nor participants in the Schengen Agreement, but the euro is an official payment facility in these countries.
Economy of the European Union
The European Union's economy, according to the IMF, produces GDP, based on PPPs in the amount of over € 12,256.48 trillion ($ 16,523.78 trillion in 2009). EU economy is a single market and in the WTO is presented as a unified organization. This is more than 21% of the global production volume. This puts the economy of the Union to the first place in the world at the nominal value of GDP and the second - according to the volume of GDP on PPP. In addition, the Union is the largest exporter and the largest importer of goods and services, as well as the most important trading partner of several large countries, such as, for example, China and India. The head office of the 161st from the five hundred of the largest on the revenue of world companies (by rating Fortune Global 500 in 2010) is located in the EU. Unemployment in April 2010 amounted to 9.7%, while the level of investment was 18.4% of GDP, inflation - 1.5%, state budget deficit - -0 , 2%. The level of per capita per capita varies from the state to the state and is in the range of from 7 to 78 thousand $. The WTO EU economy is presented as a unified organization.
After the global economic crisis of 2008-2009, the EU economy has shown a moderate GDP growth in 2010 and 2011, but increased debts of countries in 2011, which has become one of the main problems of the block. Despite the collaboration of the economy in Greece, Ireland. and Portugal, as well as consolidation of measures in many other EU member states, considerable risks for economic growth of countries are preserved in this moment, including a high credit dependence of the population, the aging of the population. In 2011, the Eurozone leaders increased the financing of the European Financial Stability Fund (EFSF) to $ 600 billion. From this fund, the EU member states are funded, the most victims of the crisis. In addition, 25 of the 27 states - EU (except Great Britain and the Czech Republic) declared their intention to reduce government spending and adopt a tight economy program. In September 2012, the European Central Bank has developed a promotion program for countries that legally proved the introduction of emergency economy regime in the country.
European Union currency
The official currency of the European Union is the euro used in all documents and acts. In the stability and growth package, tax criteria are set out for maintaining stability and economic convergence. The euro is also the most common currency in the EU countries, which is already used in 17 member states known as eurozone.
All other Member States, with the exception of Denmark and the United Kingdom, who have special refuses, have committed to transition to euros after they fulfill the requirements required for the transition. Sweden, although he gave a refusal, but declared a possible accession to the European currency mechanism that is a preliminary step to entry. The rest of the states intend to join the euro through their accession agreements. In this way, the euro is a single currency for more than 320 million Europeans. In December 2006, the cash circulation was 610 billion euros, which made this currency with the owner of the highest total value of cash circulating around the world, ahead of the US dollar on this indicator.
European Union budget
The functioning of the EU in 2007 provided a budget of € 116 billion, and € 862 billion for the period 2007-2013, which is about 1% of the EU GDP. For comparison, the expenditures of one British for 2004 were estimated at about € 759 billion and France, about € 801 billion in 1960, the budget of the then EEC was only 0.03% of GDP.
Below is a table showing, respectively, GDP (PPP) and GDP (PPS) per capita in the European Union, and for each of the 28 member states sorted by GDP (PPP) per capita. This can be used for an approximate comparison of living standards between Member States, Luxembourg has the highest and lowest in Bulgaria. Eurostat, based in Luxembourg, is the official statistical bureau of European communities issuing annual GDP data in Member States, as well as the EU as a whole, which are regularly updated, in order to maintain the foundations of European budget and economic policies.
Economics of the European Union Member States
Economic efficiency varies from the state to the state. Pact on stability and growth regulates financial and budget policies with the European Union. It applies to all Member States, with specific rules that apply to the members of the Eurozone, providing that the budget deficit of each state should not exceed 3% of GDP and public debt should not exceed 60% of GDP. However, many major participants count their future budget with a deficit significantly exceeding 3%, and the countries of the eurozone as a whole have a debt exceeding 60 % . The EU in the global gross product (MVP) is stably about one fifth part. GDP growth rates are strong in new member states, currently fell due to sluggish growth in France, Italy and Portugal.
Thirteen new member states from Central and Eastern Europe have a higher average growth percentage than their Western European partners. In particular, the Baltic countries have achieved the rapid growth of GDP, in Latvia it is up to 11%, which at the level of the world leader of China, whose average is 9% in the last 25 years. The reasons for such a mass growth are to hold a stable monetary policy, export-oriented policies, trade, low fixed tax rates and the use of relatively cheap labor. Over the past year (2008), in Romania was the greatest increase in GDP among all EU states.
The current GDP growth card in the EU is most contrasting by regions where strong economies suffer from stagnation, while in new member states there is a steady economic growth.
In general, the influence of the EU27 on an increase in gross global product is reduced due to the emergence of economic powers, such as China, India and Brazil. In the medium and long term, the EU will search for ways to increase GDP growth rates in Central Europe, such as France, Germany and Italy and growth stabilization in new countries in Central and Eastern Europe to ensure sustainable economic prosperity.
EU Energy Policy
The European Union has large reserves of coal, oil and natural gas. According to these 2010, the internal gross power consumption of 28 participating countries amounted to 1.759 billion tons of oil equivalent. About 47.7% of the energy consumed were produced in the participating countries, while 52.3% are imported, while in the calculations nuclear energy is considered primary, despite the fact that only 3% of uranium used is mined in the European Union. The degree of dependence of the union on the import of oil and petroleum products is 84.6%, natural gas - 64.3%. According to EIA predictions (English. USA Energy Information Administration), its own gas production in European countries will decrease by 0.9% per year, which by 2035 will be 60 billion m3. The demand for gas will grow by 0.5% per year, the annual increase in gas imports to EU countries in the long run will be 1.6%. To reduce the dependence on the pipeline supplies of natural gas, the special role of the diversification tool is given to the liquefied natural gas.
Since the creation of the European Union has the legislative authority in the field of energy policy; It rises with its roots to the European coal and steel union. The introduction of mandatory and comprehensive energy policies was approved at a meeting of the European Council in October 2005, and the first draft of the new policy was published in January 2007. The minor tasks of a single energy policy: a change in the structure of energy consumption in favor of renewable sources, an increase in energy efficiency, reduction of emissions Greenhouse gases, the creation of a single energy market and promoting the development of competition on it.
In the countries of the European Union there are six oil producers, mainly in the North Sea oil fields. The United Kingdom is today the largest producer, however, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Romania and the Netherlands also produce oil. If we consider as a single whole, which is not accepted in the oil markets, the European Union is the 7th largest oil producer in the world, producing 3.424.000 (2001) barrels per day. However, it is also the 2nd largest oil consumer that consumes much more than it can produce at 14.590.000 (2001) barrels per day.
All EU countries have pledged to comply with the Kyoto Protocol, and the European Union is one of its most active supporters. The European Commission has published suggestions on the first comprehensive EU Energy Policy of January 10, 2007
European Union Trading Policy
The European Union is the largest exporter in the world () and the second largest importer. Internal trading between Member States contributes to the elimination of barriers, such as tariffs and border control. In the eurozone, trading also helps, the presence of a single currency among the majority of members. The Association Association of the European Union makes something similar for a wider range of countries, partly as a so-called soft approach ("gingerbread instead of a stick") to influence politics in these countries.
The European Union presents the interests of all its members within the framework of the World Trade Organization, and is valid on behalf of Member States in solving any disputes.
EU agriculture
The agricultural sector is supported by subsidies from the European Union within the framework of a single agricultural policy (ECP). This is currently 40% of the total EU expenses, which guarantees the minimum prices for farmers in the EU. This is criticized as a manifestation of protectionism, preventing trade, and damage to developing countries, one of the most tary opponents is the United Kingdom, the second largest economy of the block, which has repeatedly refused to give an annual British discount if there are no significant reforms in the ESP. France, the third largest economy of the block, is the most Yarm Supporter of the ECP .EDY Agricultural Policy - the oldest of the programs of the European Economic Community, its cornerstone. Policy sets the goal of an increase in agricultural productivity, ensuring the stability of food products, ensuring a worthy standard of living of the agricultural population, stabilization Markets, as well as ensuring reasonable prices for products. For recently, it was carried out through subsidies and interference in the market. In the 70s and 1980s, about two third-thirds of the European Community budget was allocated for the needs of the agricultural policy, for 2007-2013 the share of this article costs decreased to 34%
Tourism of the European Union
The European Union is a major tourist center attracting visitors from outside the EU, as well as citizens traveling within him. Domestic tourism is more convenient for citizens of some EU member states that are members of the Schengen Agreement and Eurozone.
All European Union citizens are entitled to a trip to any member country, without the need to obtain a visa. If we consider individual countries, France is the world leader in the attractiveness of foreign tourists, followed by Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom, occupying 2th, 5th and 6th places, respectively. If we consider the EU as a single whole, then the number of foreign tourists is less, as most traveling inland tourists from other member countries.
European Union
The countries of the European Union are the birthplace of many largest transnational companies in the world, as well as their headquarters home. Among them also have companies that occupy the first place in the world in their industry, for example Allianz, which is the world's largest financial service provider; Airbus, which produces about half of world jet airliners; AIR FRANCE-KLM, which is the world's largest airline in terms of the total volume of operating income; Amorim, the leader in the processing of traffic jams; ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steel company, the group "Danone", which occupies the first place in the dairy market; Anheuser-Busch Inbev, the largest producer of beer; L "group L" OREAL, a leading manufacturer of cosmetics; LVMH, the largest consignment conglomerate for the production of luxury goods; Nokia Corporation, which is the world's largest manufacturer of mobile phones; Royal Dutch Shell, one of the world's largest energy corporations, and Stora Enso, which is the largest in The world is a cellulose-paper manufacturer in terms of production potential. The EU also features a number of the largest financial sector companies, in particular HSBC - and Grupo Santander, the largest companies in terms of market capitalization.
To date, one of the most widely used methods for measuring income inequality is the Gini coefficient. This is a measure of income inequality on a scale from 0 to 1. On this scale 0 is the ideal equality for all having the same income and 1 represents an absolute inequality with one person, all income. According to the UN, the Gini coefficient varies by country from 0.247 in Denmark to 0.743 in Namibia. Most post-industrial countries have a Gini coefficient in the range from 0.25 to 0.40.
A comparison of the richest regions of the EU may be a difficult task. This is explained by the fact that the Nuts-1 and Nuts-2 regions are inhomogeneous, some of them are very large, such as Nuts-1 Hesse (21100 km²), or Nuts-1 Il de France (12011 km²), in Time as other Nuts regions are much smaller, such as Nuts-1 Hamburg (755 km²), or Nuts-1 Large London (1580 km ²). The extreme example is Finland, which is divided by historical reasons, on the mainland from 5.3 million inhabitants and the Aland Islands, with the population of 26,700, which is approximately equal to the population of a small Finnish city.
One of the problems with these data is that in some areas, including in London, in large quantities There is a pendulum migration entering the region, thereby artificially increasing the numbers. This entails an increase in GDP, without changing the number of people living in the area, increasing the GDP per capita. Similar problems can cause a large number of tourists visiting this area. These data are used to identify regions that are supported by organizations such as the European Regional Development Foundation. It was decided to distinguish between the range of territorial units for the purposes of statistics (Nuts) of regions, an arbitrary manner (t. e. Not based on objective criteria and not uniform for all of Europe), which was accepted at the pan-European level.
Top 10 Nuts-1 and Nuts-2 regions with the highest GDP per capita are among the first fifteen blocks of the block: and no region of 12 new member countries that have entered in May 2004 and January 2007. Nuts provisions establish minimal The population of 3 million, and the maximum size of 7 million for the average Nuts-1 region, and at least 800,000 and a maximum of 3 million for the Nuts-2 region. This definition, however, is not recognized by Eurostat. For example, the Il de France region, with a population of 11.6 million people is considered by the Nuts-2 region, while Bremen with a population is only 664,000 people, is considered by the Nuts-1 region. Economically weak Nuts-2 regions.
Among the fifteen regions with the lowest rating in 2004 were Bulgaria, Poland and Romania, and the lowest indicators were registered in Nord-Este in Romania (25% of the average), then Northowachapaden, Yuzhen Central and North Central in Bulgaria (all 25 -28%). Among the 68 regions with a level below 75% of the average, fifteen were in Poland, seven in Romania and the Czech Republic, six in Bulgaria, Greece and Hungary, five in Italy, four in France (all overseas departments) and Portugal, three in Slovakia , one in Spain and the rest in the countries of Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
EU Organizational Structure
Temple structure, as a way to clearly present the existing specifics of the delimitation of the competencies of the EU and Member States, appeared in the Maastricht agreement, establishing the European Union. The temple structure "supported" by three "supports" (Pillars): The first support "European Communities" combines the EU predecessors: the European Community (former European Economic Community) and the European Community for Atomic Energy (Euratom). The third organization is the European Association of Coal and Steel (EUUS) - ceased to exist in 2002 in accordance with the established Paris Treaty. The whole support is called "General Foreign Policy and Safety Policy" (OPB). Treac - "Police and Judicial Cooperation In criminal matters. "
With the help of "supports" in the treaties, policies relating to the competence of the EU are delimited. In addition, supports give a visual idea of \u200b\u200bthe role of the governments of the EU member states and institutions in the decision-making process. As part of the first support, the role of EU institutions defining. The solutions here are accepted by the "Community Method". Community maintains issues related to, in particular, the common market, the Customs Union, a single currency (while maintaining their own currency by some of the members), total agricultural policy and general fishing policies, some issues of migration and refugees, as well as rapprochement policies (COHESION POLICY ). In the second and third supports, the role of EU institutions is minimal and decisions are made by EU member states.
This decision-making method is called intergovernmental. As a result of the Nice Treaty (2001), some issues of migration and refugees, as well as the issues of ensuring gender equality in the workplace were transferred from the second to the first support. Consequently, on these issues, the role of EU institutions in relation to EU member states increased. In today's membership in the European Union, the European Community and Eugertie, all States entering into the Union become and members of the community. According to the Lisbon Treaty 2007, this complex system will be abolished. A unified status of the European Union will be established as a subject of international law.
EU European Institutions
The following is a description of the main bodies, or EU institutions. It should be borne in mind that the traditional division for states on legislative, executive and judicial bodies for the EU is not characteristic. If the EU court can be considered a judicial body, then the legislative functions are also owned by the EU Council, the European Commission and the European Parliament, and the Executive Commission and the Council.
The highest political authority of the EU, consisting of heads of states and governments of member countries and their deputy foreign ministers. A member of the European Council is also chairman of the European Commission. The creation of the European Council was based on the idea of \u200b\u200bthe French President Charles de Gaulle about the conduct of informal summits of the leaders of the European Union states, which was intended to prevent the role of national states within the framework of integration formation. Informal summits were held since 1961, in 1974 at the Summit in Paris, this practice was formalized at the proposal of Valerie Zhiscar D'ESten, who occupied the post of President of France at the time.
The Council defines the main strategic directions for the development of the EU. The development of the general line of political integration is the main mission of the European Council. Along with the Council of Ministers, the European Council is endowed with a political function consisting in changing the fundamental treaties of European integration. Its meetings take place at least twice a year - either in Brussels, or in the presiding state chaired by the representative of the Member State, which is heading at this time the Council of the European Union. Meetings last two days. Council decisions are required for those supporting them. Within the framework of the European Council, the so-called "ceremonial" manual is carried out when the presence of the highest level politicians gives a decision at the same time and significance and high legitimacy. From the moment of entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, that is, from December 2009, the European Council officially entered the structure of EU institutions. The provisions of the Agreement established a new position of the Chairman of the European Council, which takes part in all meetings of the heads of state and government of the EU member states. Economic Council should be distinguished from the EU Council and the Council of Europe.
The Council of the European Union (the official name is the Council is usually informally referred to as the Council of Ministers) - along with the European Parliament, one of the two legislative bodies of the CJUSE and one of the seven of its institutions. The Council includes 28 ministers of governments of member countries in the composition depending on the issue of the circle of issues. At the same time, despite the various compositions, the Council is considered a single organ. In addition to legislative powers, the Council also has some executive functions in the field of shared foreign policy and security policies.
The Council includes foreign ministers of the European Union member states. However, the practice of convening the Council in the composition of other, industry ministers: the economy and finance, justice and internal affairs, agriculture, etc., was developed, and so on. Council decisions are equally valid regardless of the specific composition. The presidency in the Council of Ministers is carried out by the EU member states in the manner unanimously defined by the Council (usually rotation occurs on the basis of a large - a small state, the founder is a new term, etc.). Rotation takes place every six months. In the first periods of the existence of the European Community, most decisions of the Council demanded a unanimous decision. Gradually, an increasing application is acquired by a method of making solutions by a qualified majority of votes. At the same time, each state owns a certain number of votes, depending on its population and economic potential.
Under the auspices of the Council, there are numerous working groups on specific issues. Their task is to prepare the decisions of the Council and control the European Commission in the event that she delegated certain powers of the Council. Incidentally from the Paris Treaty, there is a tendency of selective delegation of authority from national states (directly or through the Council of Ministers) to the European Commission. The signing of new "package" agreements added new competencies of the European Union, which entail delegation of large performing powers of the European Commission. However, the European Commission is not free in policies, in certain areas, national governments have tools for controlling its activities. Another trend is the strengthening of the role of the European Parliament. It should be noted that despite the evolution from a purely advisory body done by the European Parliament to the Institute of the Right Joint Decision and even approval, the powers of the European Parliament are still very limited. Therefore, the balance of power in the EU institute system is still in favor of the Council of Ministers. The delegation of the authority from the European Council is extremely selective and does not threaten the significance of the Council of Ministers.
The European Commission is the highest executive authority of the European Union. Consists of 27 members, one from each member state. In the performance of their powers, they are independent, act only in the interests of the EU, not entitled to deal with any other activities. Member States are not entitled to influence members of the European Commission. The method is formed every 5 years as follows. The EU Council at the level of heads of state and / or governments offers the candidacy of the chairman of the European Commission, which is approved by the European Parliament. Further, the EU Council together with the candidate for the chairmen of the Commission form the estimated composition of the European Commission, taking into account the wishes of Member States. The composition of the "Cabinet" should be approved by the European Parliament and finally approved by the EU Council. Each member of the Commission is responsible for a certain EU policy scope and heads the corresponding unit (the so-called General Directorate).
The Commission plays a major role in ensuring the daily activities of the EU aimed at fulfilling the fundamental contracts. It advocates legislative initiatives, and after approval controls their implementation. In case of violation of the EU legislation, the Commission has the right to resort to sanctions, including to contact the European Court. The Commission has significant autonomous rights in various fields of policies, including agrarian, commercial, competitive, transport, regional, etc. The Commission has an executive office, and also manages budget and various funds and European Union programs (such as TACIS program) The international working languages \u200b\u200bof the Commission are English, French and German. The headquarters of the European Commission is located in Brussels.
EU European Parliament
The European Parliament is a meeting of 732 deputies (as amended by the Nice Treaty), directly elected by citizens of the EU member states for five years. The chairman of the European Parliament is elected for two and a half years. The members of the European Parliament are united by a national basis, but in accordance with the political orientation. The main role of the European Parliament is the approval of the EU budget. In addition, almost any decision of the EU Council requires either the approval of the parliament, or at least the request for its opinions. Parliament controls the work of the Commission and has the right of its dissolution (which, however, he never enjoyed). Parliament is required and when adopting new members to the Union, as well as at the conclusion of agreements on associate membership and trade agreements with third countries.
The last elections to the European Parliament were held in 2009. The European Parliament holds plenary sessions in Strasbourg and Brussels. The European Parliament was established in 1957. Originally members were appointed by the parliaments of the EU Member States. C 1979 is elected by the population. Parliament elections are held every 5 years. Deputies of the European Parliament are divided into party factions that represent international party associations. Chairman - Buzek Jerzy. The European Parliament is one of the five governing bodies of the European Union. It is directly represented by the population of the European Union. Since the foundation of Parliament in 1952, its powers were continuously expanded, especially as a result of the Maastricht Treaty in 1992 and, for the last time, the contract in Nice in 2001. Nevertheless, the competence of the European Parliament is still than that of the national legislative bodies of most states.
The European Parliament meets in Strasbourg, other places - Brussels and Luxembourg. On July 20, 2004, the European Parliament was elected for the sixth period. At first, there were 732 parliamentarians in it, and after joining the European Union of Romania and Bulgaria on January 15, 2007, they were 785. The chairman of the second half-period - Hans Gert Pttering. The present in Parliament presents 7 fractions, as well as a number of non-partisan delegates. In his native states of parliamentarians are members of about 160 different parties, which united in the fraction in the pan-European political arena. Starting from the seventh election period 2009-2014. The European Parliament must again consist of 736 delegates (according to Art. 190 EG-Treaty); The Lisbon Agreement establishes the number of parliamentarians at the level of 750 people, including the Chairman. Principles of the organization and work of the body are contained in the Regulations of the European Parliament.
HISTORY OF THE EU European Parliament
From 10 to September 13, 1952, the first meeting was held within the framework of the European Union (the European Association of Coal and Steel) as part of 78 representatives who were chosen from among the national parliaments. This meeting had only advisory powers, but also had the right to dismiss the highest executive bodies of the EOUS. In 1957, as a result of the signing of the Roman Treaty, the European Economic Community and the European Atomic Energy Community were founded. The parliamentary assembly, which at that time consisted of 142 representatives, applied to all these three communities. Despite the fact that the meeting did not receive any new powers, however, it became called the European Parliament - the name that was recognized as independent states. When in 1971, the European Union found his budget, the European Parliament began to participate in its planning - in all its aspects, in addition to planning expenses for general agricultural policies, which, at that time, were about 90% of expenses. This obvious meaninglessness of parliament, even led to the fact that in the 70s, there was a joke in the course: "I went to my old grandfather to sit in the European Parliament" ("Hast Du Einen Opa, Schick Ihn Nach Europa").
Since the 1980s, the situation began to gradually change. The first direct elections of parliament in 1976 were not yet associated with the expansion of its powers, but already in 1986 after the signing of a single pan-European act, the parliament began to participate in the process of legislation and could now formally make proposals for changes in bills, although the last word still remained For the European Council. This condition was abolished as a result of the next step to expand the competencies of the European Parliament - the 1992 Maastricht Treaty, which equalized the European Parliament and the European Council. Although the parliament still could not put forward bills against the will of the European Council, it became a great achievement, since now no important decision could be done without the participation of Parliament. In addition, the Parliament has received the right to form an investigative committee, which significantly expanded its control functions.
As a result of the reform of Amsterdam 1997 and Nice 2001, the parliament began to play a large role in the political sphere of Europe. In some important areas, such as the pan-European agricultural policy, or the joint work of the police and the judiciary, the European Parliament is still not fully authority. Nevertheless, together in the European Council, he occupies a solid position in the legislation. The European Parliament has three most important tasks: legislation, budgeting and control of the European Commission . The European Parliament divides legislative functions with the EU Council, which also accepts laws (directives, orders, decisions). Since the signing of the Treaty in Nice, in most political spheres, the so-called principle of joint decisions (Article 251 of the EU-Agreement) is valid, according to which the European Parliament and the Council of Europe have equal authority, and each bill submitted by the Commission must be considered in 2x Readings. Disagreements should be allowed during the 3rd reading.
In general, this system resembles the separation of the legislative power in Germany between the Bundestag and the Bundesht. Nevertheless, the European Parliament, unlike the Bundestag, does not have the right to initiative, in other words, he cannot make its own bills. This is the right, only the European Commission has the right to the pan-European political arena. The European Constitution, and the Lisbon Agreement do not provide for expansion of initiative authority for parliament, although the Lisbon Treaty still admits the situation in exceptional cases when a group of EU member states contributes to bills.
In addition to the system of mutual lawmaking, there are also two more forms of legal regulation (agrarian policy and antimonopolistic competition), where the parliament has less voting rights. This circumstance after the contract in Nice applies only to one political sphere, and after the Lisbon Treaty must disappear at all.
The European Parliament and the EU Council together form a budget commission that forms the EU budget (for example, in 2006, it amounted to about € 113 billion).
Significant restrictions on budget policy imposes so-called "mandatory costs" (that is, the costs associated with joint agrarian policies), which make up almost 40% of the cumulative European budget. Parliament's powers in the direction of "mandatory expenses" are strongly limited. The Lisbon Treaty should eliminate the difference between "binding" and "optional" expenses and submit the European Parliament the same budgeting rights as the EU Council
Parliament also monitors the activities of the European Commission. Plenary Parliament must approve the composition of the Commission. Parliament in the right to accept either reject the commission only in full, and not individual members. The Chairman of the Commission does not appoint parliament (as opposed to the rules operating most of the national parliaments of the European Union member countries), it can only take either reject the candidacy proposed by the Council of Europe. In addition, Parliament can be through a 2/3-3 majority, to put forward the problem of the commission, than to cause its resignation.
This law of the European Parliament used, for example, in 2004, when the Commission of Free Cities spoke out against the challenged candidate Rocco Butiglion for the post of commissioner on Justice Affairs. Then the Social Democratic, Liberal Fractions, as well as the Green Fraction, expressed a threat to dissolve, the Commission, after which, instead of Boutglion, Franco Frattini was appointed for the post of commissioner of justice. This right is particularly affecting those policies, where the executive functions of these institutions are great, and where the legislative rights of parliament are significantly limited.
Court of European Union
The European Court (the official name - the Court of European Communities) holds its meetings in Luxembourg and is the judicial authority of the EU of the Higher Instantia. It is regulates disagreements between Member States; between Member States and the European Union itself; between EU institutions; Between the EU and physical or legal entities, including employees of its bodies (for this function, a civil service tribunal has recently been created). The court gives conclusion on international agreements; It also makes preliminary (predominal) rulings at the request of national courts on the interpretation of the constituent treaties and regulatory acts of the EU. EU Court solutions are mandatory for execution in the EU. As a general rule, the Jurisdiction of the EU court applies to the sphere of the competence of the EU.
The Court of Auditors (The Court of Auditors) was created in 1975 for the audit of the EU budget and its institutions. Structure. The Chamber consists of representatives of Member States (one from each member state). They are appointed by the Council unanimous decision for a six-year term and fully independent of their duties. Functions: 1. checks reports on EU revenues and expenditure and all its institutions and bodies with access to EU Funds; 2. Provides finance management quality; 3. After completing each fiscal year, makes a report on its work, and also represents the European Parliament and the Council of Conclusion or Comment on individual issues; 5. Helps the European Parliament to control the execution of the EU budget. Headquarters - Luxembourg.
European Central Bank
The European Central Bank was formed in 1998 from banks of 11 EU countries that are part of the Eurozone (Germany, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Austria, Portugal, Finland, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg). Greece, which introduced the euro from January 1, 2001, became the twelfth country of the Europanc Central Bank (Eng. EuropeanCentralbank) - the Central Bank of the European Union and the Euro Zone. Educated on June 1, 1998. Headquarters is located in the German city of Frankfurt am Main. His staff includes representatives of all EU member states. The Bank is completely independent of the other EU bodies.
The main functions of the bank: the development and implementation of the monetary policy of the Euro zone; The content and management of official exchange reserves of the Euro zone countries; euro banknotes issue; establishing major interest rates.; Maintaining price stability in the eurozone, that is, providing the level of inflation not higher than 2%. European Central Bank is the "heir" of the European Monetary Institute (EMI), who played a leading role in preparing for the entry of the euro in 1999. The European Central Banking System consists From the ECB and National Central Banks: National Bank of Belgium (Banque Nationale de Belgique), Managing Guy Quaden; Bundesbank, Managing Axel Weber (Axel A. Weber); Greece Bank, Managing Nicholas Garganas (Nicholas C. Garganas); Bank of Spain, Managing Miguel Fernández Ordóñez; Bank of France (Banque de France), Managing Christian Nouayer; Monetary Institute of Luxembourg.
All key issues relating to the activities of the European Central Bank, such as an accounting rate, accounting bills and others are resolved by the Directorate and the Board of Governors of the Bank. The Directorate includes six people, including the Chairman of the ECB and the Deputy Chairman of the ECB. Candidates are offered by the Board of Governors, are approved by the European Parliament and heads of states in the eurozone.
The Board of Governors consists of members of the Directorate of the ECB and the Governing National Central Banks. Traditionally, four of the six places are occupied by representatives of four major central banks: France, Germany, Italy and Spain. The right of votes have only members of the Board of Governors who are present personally or participating in the teleconference. Member of the Board of Governors may appoint a replacement if for a long time it does not have the opportunity to attend meetings.
For voting, the presence of 2/3 members of the Council is required, however, an emergency meeting of the ECB may be collected, for which the threshold of those present is not established. Decisions are accepted by a simple majority in the event of equality of votes, the voice of the chairman has a greater weight. Decisions on the capital of ECB, the distribution of profits, etc., are also solved by the voting, the weight of the votes is proportional to the shares of national banks in the authorized capital of the ECB. In accordance with Art. The 8 Treaty on the establishment of the European Community was founded by the European System of Central Banks - a proper financial regulation authority, which unites the European Central Bank (ECB) and national central banks of all 27 countries of the European Union. The ESSB Office is carried out by the ECB Office.
Created according to the Treaty, on the basis of capital provided by Member States. The EIB is endowed with the functions of a commercial bank, operates in international financial markets, provides loans to state structures of member countries.
EU Economic and Social Committee and other units
Economic and Social Committee (Economic and Social Committee) - EU Advisory Body. Educated in accordance with the Roman Treaty. Structure. Consists of 344 members called advisers.
Functions. Consults the Council and Commission on EU socio-economic policy issues. Represents various spheres of economy and social groups (employers, hired labor and free professions employed in industry, agriculture, service sector, as well as representatives public organizations).
Committee members are appointed by the Council unanimous decision for a period of 4 years. The Committee chooses from among its members of the Chair for a period of 2 years. After receiving new states in the EU, the number of the Committee will not exceed 350 people.
Venue of meetings. The Committee meets 1 time per month in Brussels.
The Committee of the Regions is a consultative body providing a representative office of regional and local administrations in the EU. The Committee was established in accordance with the Maastricht Agreement and is valid since March 1994. Consists of 344 members representing regional and local authorities, but fully independent in fulfilling their duties. The number of members from each country is the same as in the Economic and Social Committee. The candidates are approved by the Council unanimous decision on the proposals of Member States for a period of 4 years. The Committee chooses from among its members of the Chair and other officials for a period of 2 years.
Functions. He advises the Council and the Commission and gives conclusions on all issues affecting the interests of the regions. Mixed sessions. Plenary sessions pass in Brussels 5 times a year. Also, the EU institutions are the institute of the European Ombudsman, which is engaged in complaints of citizens regarding the poor management of any institute or the EU authority. The decisions of this body are not mandatory, but have a significant social and political influence. As well as 15 specialized agencies and bodies, European monitoring Center to combat racism and xenophobia, Europol, EUB.
The right of the European Union
A feature of the European Union, which distinguishes it from others international organizationsis the presence of own law, which directly regulates the relations of not only Member States, but also their citizens and legal entities. The EU right consists of the so-called primary, secondary and tertiary (decision of the European Communities). Primary law - EU constituent treaties; agreements contributing to changes (auditing contracts); Treaties on the entry of new Member States. Secondary law - acts published by the EU bodies. The decisions of the EU and other judicial union judicial bodies are widely used as case law.
The EU right has a direct action in the territory of the EU countries and a priority in relation to the national legislation of states.
The EU law is divided into institutional law (the norms regulating the procedure for the creation and functioning of Institutions and EU institutions) and the material law (the norms governing the process of implementing the EU and ECO community objectives). The material law of the EU, as well as the right of individual countries, can be divided into the industry: EU customs law, EU environmental law, EU transport law, EU tax right, etc. With regard to EU structure ("Three supports") EU law is also divided into European law Communities, Schengen Law and DR.
Languages \u200b\u200bof the European Union
23 languages \u200b\u200bare officially used in European institutions: English, Bulgarian, Hungarian, Greek, Danish, Irish, Spanish, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, German, Netherlands, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovenian, Finnish, French, Czech , Swedish, Estonian. It is a working level, as a rule, used English and French.
The official languages \u200b\u200bof the European Union are languages \u200b\u200bthat are official in the activities of the European Union (EU). All decisions taken by the official EU authorities are transferred to all official languages, and the EU citizens have the right to contact the EU bodies and receive an answer to their requests on any of the official languages.
At the highest level events, measures are being taken to implement the translation of the participants to all official languages \u200b\u200b(if necessary). Simultaneous translation into all official languages, in particular, is always carried out at the sessions of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. Despite the declared equality of all languages \u200b\u200bof the Union, with the expansion of the EU borders, there is increasingly "European bilingualism", when in fact in the work of instances (with the exception of official events) Basically English, French and, to a lesser extent, German (three working languages \u200b\u200bof the Commission) - at the same time any other languages \u200b\u200bare used depending on the situation. In connection with the expansion of the EU and the accession of countries where French is less common, the positions of English and German have strengthened. In any case, all final regulatory documents are transferred to the remaining official languages.
In 2005, about 800 million euros were spent on payment of the work of translators. Back in 2004, this amount amounted to 540 million euros. Education stimulates the spread of multilingualism among residents of participating countries. This is done not only for the sake of ensuring mutual understanding, but also for the development of tolerant and respectful attitude towards a linguistic and cultural diversity in the EU. Among the dissemination measures, the annual European day of languages, affordable language courses, promoting the study of more than one foreign language and learning languages \u200b\u200bin adulthood.
The Russian language is native for more than 1.3 million people in the Baltic countries, as well as for a small part of the German population. The older generation of the population of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania basically understands Russian and speaks on it, as in the USSR he was obligatory for studying in schools and universities. Also, the Russian language understands many older people in Eastern Europe, where it is not native to the public.
The debt crisis of the European Union and measures to overcome it
The European debt crisis or the crisis of sovereign debt in a number of European countries - the debt crisis, which covered in 2010 first the peripheral countries of the European Union (Greece, Ireland), and then embraced almost the entire euro area. The source of the crisis is called the crisis of the State Bligation Market in Greece in the fall of 2009. For some countries, the eurozone has become complex or impossible refinancing of public debt without the help of intermediaries.
Since the end of 2009, due to the increase in the magnitude of the debt of the public and private sector around the world and the simultaneous reduction of credit ratings of a number of EU countries, investors began to be fear of the development of the debt crisis. IN different countries Different reasons have led to the development of the debt crisis: somewhere the crisis was caused by the provision of emergency government assistance to the banking sector companies who were on the verge of bankruptcy due to the growth of market bubbles, or government attempts to stimulate the economy after the market bubbles burst. In Greece, the growth of the magnitude of the public debt was caused by a wasteful high level of wages of civil servants and significant pension payments 347 days. The development of the crisis was also promoted by the structure of the Eurozone (currency, not the budget and tax union), which also negatively affected the possibilities of leadership of European countries to respond to the development of the crisis: there are a single currency in the eurozone member countries, but there is no single tax and pension legislation.
It is noteworthy that due to the fact that in the property of European banks there is a significant proportion of state bonds of countries, doubts about the separation of individual countries lead to doubts about the requirements of their banking sector and on the contrary. In 2010, investors began to increase in 2010. On May 9, 2010, the Ministers of Finance of the leading countries of Europe reacted to the change in the investment situation by the creation of the European Fund of Financial Stability (Effs) with resources of 750 billion euros to ensure financial stability in Europe due to the implementation of a number of anti-crisis measures. In October 2011 and February 2012, the eurozone leaders agreed to prevent the economic collapse, including an agreement on debiting 53.5% of the debt obligations of Greece, owned by private creditors, an increase in the volume of funds of the European Fund of Financial Stability to about € 1 trillion, as well as an increase in the level of capitalization of European banks up to 9%.
Also in order to increase investor confidence by representatives of the EU leading countries, an agreement on budgetary and tax stability (En: European Fiscal Compact) was concluded, within which the government of each country has committed itself to submit to the Constitution of the amendments to the obligation of a balanced budget. In that time As the volume of government bonds has significantly increased in several eurozone countries, state debt growth has become perceived as the overall problem of all EU countries as a whole. Nevertheless, the European currency remains stable. Three countries, the most affected by the crisis (Greece, Ireland and Portugal), account for 6 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) of the eurozone. In June 2012, Spain's debt crisis was published among the economic problems of the eurozone. This led to a sharp increase in the return rates of state bonds of Spain and significantly limited the country's access to capital markets, which led to the need to provide financial assistance to the Spanish banks and a number of other measures.
On May 9, 2010, the Ministers of Finance of the leading countries of Europe reacted to the change in the investment situation by the creation of the European Fund of Financial Stability (Effs) with resources of 750 billion euros to ensure financial stability in Europe due to the implementation of a number of anti-crisis measures. In October 2011 and February 2012, the eurozone leaders agreed to prevent the economic collapse, including an agreement on debiting 53.5% of the debt obligations of Greece, owned by private creditors, an increase in the volume of funds of the European Fund of Financial Stability to about € 1 trillion, as well as an increase in the level of capitalization of European banks up to 9%. Also, in order to increase investors' confidence, representatives of the EU leading countries concluded an agreement on budgetary and tax stability (EUROPEAN FISCAL COMPACT), within which the government has committed itself to a declaration of amendments to the Constitution on the obligation of a balanced budget.
While the volume of government bonds increased significantly only in several eurozone countries, the growth of state debt began to be perceived as the overall problem of all EU countries as a whole. Nevertheless, the European currency remains stable. Three countries, the most affected by the crisis (Greece, Ireland and Portugal), account for 6 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) of the eurozone. In June 2012, Spain's debt crisis was published among the economic problems of the eurozone. This led to a sharp increase in the return rates of state bonds of Spain and significantly limited the country's access to capital markets, which led to the need to provide financial assistance to the Spanish banks and a number of other measures.
Sources to Article "European Union"
images.yandex.ua - Pictures Yandex
ru.wikipedia.org - Wikipedia's free encyclopedia
youTube - Videohosting
osvita.eu - European Union Information Agency
elaw.edu.ru - the official website of the European Union
referatwork.ru - the right of the European Union
eUOBSERVER.COM - news site specializing in the European Union
eurativ.com - EU Policy News
jazyki.ru - EU language portal
The European Union is not all europe. To answer in detail the question of which countries are included in this association, and which are not, consider the EU as a union of the United European countries to simplify trade, political, financial and other relations.
The world goes to globalization, and such associations do not better confirm this. What is more from this process - pluses or minusesSo far, no one can definitely answer, because against the establishment of communications and simplify trade between members of the associations there are almost complete destruction of the cultural diversity of countries. Nevertheless, let's try to evaluate European Union impartially, from all points of view.
Currency within the European Union
To achieve full economic coordination within the EU, a single currency was created - euros. At the moment it is in the first place in the world by the number of printed bills and minted coins.
Euro as a currency exists in non-cash longer than as banknotes and coins. Cashless settlements in euros became available to citizens of EU countries from January 1, 1999and cash - smooth 3 years later. The euro replaced the conditional settlement unit of the EU in circulation. Some countries in the EU, for foreign trade use euros, while maintaining their own monetary signs within the territory.
EU countries
The European Union is conducting many questions, among which those belong to the control of the common market, the Customs Union, agricultural policy and other things.
At the moment eU includes 28 European statesThey are divided not only by territorial location, but also by the date of their formation by EU members.
Country gradation for the years of entry into the EU
- 1957 - Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Netherlands, Italy and France;
- 1973 - Ireland, Denmark and the United Kingdom (the latter is currently preparing for the exit of their EU);
- 1981 - Greece;
- 1986 - Spain and Portugal;
- 1995 - Austria, Sweden and Finland;
- 2004 - Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Cyprus, Malta, Slovakia, Poland, Slovenia, Czech Republic and Estonia;
- Bulgaria and Romania;
- 2013 - Croatia.
Applicants for membership in the UnionStated for joining the European Union is Turkey, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia and Iceland. According to analysts, Turkey will enter the first of them. It is expected to sign necessary documents, agreements and accomplishment of other official procedures will be completed by 2025.
Most of the States listed below are not included in the association ever expressed a desire to join it.
Which countries are not included in the EU
Liechtenstein, Monaco and Switzerland located on site Western Europe, contrary to popular belief, are not members of the EU, and never included in its composition.
States, the whole territory or part of which lies in Eastern Europe (Russia, Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine) are also not included in the European Union.
Not included in the EU, remaining a completely autonomous state with its own currency and the board.
South European countries who have not entered the EU are mainly dwarf - Bosnia and Herzegovina, Andorra, Vatican (entirely lying inside Rome) and San Marino. To larger independent countries of this region include Albania and Macedonia, which, due to internal territorial disputes, cannot become full members of the European Union.
There are countries that lying in Europe only partially - Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. Interestingly, such a location of the countries is not an obstacle to the EU joining, but no action on the integration of countries has not yet been undertaken or on the one hand.
Kosovo at the moment, although it is a separate state, but cannot claim to join the European Union due to the fact that not all countries of the Commonwealth recognize its independence from Serbia. The same situation with Transnistria - the fact of its exit from Moldova is still a controversial issue.
The above-mentioned "dwarf" states of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican - still support contractual relationship With EU countries, partially cooperated with them. In addition, in countries the main currency is recognized euro.
The discussion of the European Union is hardly the main topic for discussion in the highest circles of society. Below will consider a selection of publicly available and little-known, and sometimes unexpected facts about the European Union:
1 Number of citizens of countries under the association of the EU still in 2010, he exceeded half a billion. Germany is recognized by the record holder in the number of residents, then France follows, and completes the top three -. The last, truth, already in 2018 it is expected leaves the composition of the EU;
2 according to statistical polls, only 44% of residents Latvia is confidential about the EU Board. The rest of the respondents, with the exception of 1% abstained, believe that countries have not received any benefit from joining the Union;
3 According to the most modest calculations, already 2050 the population of the EU will be 20% consist of the followers of Islam. This contributes to an incredibly rapid increase in immigration flux;
4 Some countries have chosen very exotic methods for delivering from old monetary signs - so, in addition to the transition to euros at the state level, the Germans used old bills as fuel for cement plants. Irish just burned pressed packs on landfills for rotting waste. The euro in the number of printed banknotes in the meantime broke all records - if all bills are put in a row, line length exceed 15 (!) Once distance from Earth to Moon;
A Marxist understanding of politics, as the continuation of the economy, is inspired to the brains. In fact, politics are primarily valuable.
Values \u200b\u200bchange over time. The constant accusation of historical Russia in imperialism by people, simply not knowing or not understanding the historical process, in "expansion" or other sins - comparable about the accusation of the Middle Ages in the fact that people then were dirty and did not even use hygienic napkins.
Time was another. All, absolutely all countries of history, if they could, became empires, and the empire, in turn - all without exception. They strove to maximize expansion.
Russia was not better in this, but not worse than other European powers: Spain, England, Holland, France or Portugal.
When did the new century and new values \u200b\u200bcome, which forever left "imperial thinking" as standard and evidence in the past? Even more - "National Interests" How did the imperative of any state - questioned?
This new beginning was the end of World War II. Since the first world world has not taught anything, the European politicians, the most advanced of which were talked about the United States of Europe. In general, they decided to create an iron mechanism forever making war in Europe.
To do this, it is necessary to establish the economy of all countries to each other, that the war is simply physically become nonsense.
Therefore, "European Association of Coal and Steel" arises from 6 states: France, Germany, Italy and Benilyuks countries.
However, the presence of a terrible communist fascism in the east of Europe more and more put on the center of the European Integration Process and Values: Freedom, Democracy, Human Rights and Legal State.
The basis of this trend was, of course, the reconciliation of two century enemies: France and Germany, carried out by two visioners, Catholics and Beilingvami: Chancellor Adenauer (he from the Rhine, almost French, on mentality, Germany) and President de Galecom who were friends.
The Franco-German tandem was the basis of a powerful and rapid increase in the European Union, then called the "European Community", which grew up by 2016 to 28 states and 5-standing in the queue.
Its meaning is not only a profitable joint economy, but also a dedication to uniform values, among which one of the central is the principle of solidarity, that is, the refusal of its egoism for the sake of common interests. For the help of more weak participants and within society and among European countries.
Devotion of values \u200b\u200balready eliminates any pressure in their implementation, so that the EU comparison in the world with the USSR makes any such chela just clown.
From some point it became clear that only values \u200b\u200band economics - just a little, integration required both the financial and political union for its coordination.
Until recently, on all issues in the EU, there was to be a consensus, that is, all countries had the right of veto on all issues. Changed it (for some cases) on a qualified majority, only today, due to the proud and the number of the themes itself. Changed too - unanimously and for common sense, and not the desire to "rule the world."
Nevertheless, political integration was understood as at least three very different models.
The faithful of his federation and principles of Erhard on the minimum government intervention in the economy, Germany wanted to create a liberal and loose alliance of countries, such as the Swiss Confederation, constantly going to all possible concessions for their national interests for the sake of common cause: So, Germany, at 85 million has the same political The weight in the EU as France or Italy - from 55-65 million Germany pays the lion's share in the European Union's cashier exceeding its economic weight.
The French, since the time of the kings, accustomed to the maximum centralization and the enormous role of the government in all matters, including the economy, see the EU in the future as a gigantic super state with a single government, actively dictating the rules of the game.
While Britain, forced by the crisis of the economy and, contrary to the objections, de Gaulle (already formerly did not leave), did not enter the EU, these two concepts were constantly arguing, but there was always a compromise - it was precisely no "reconciliation", but the genuine friendship of French and Germans.
Britain understood the EU for the third: "We need a single common market with Europe (as they called the EU for a long time), everything else is optional and forced need."
Linking already three Visions of the EU passed difficult, among other things, by virtue of too much EU growth to the East and the introduction of a single currency. Therefore, Britain always and everywhere in the EU created difficulties - but always in the end, having received benefits and discounts, reservations and exceptions, joining the EU in fundamental things.
If you drop out of frank populism, then supporters of the brecsite broke through this understanding of Europe.
Strictly speaking, there is nothing terrible in this, Europe is already "Europe of different speeds" now:
1. Founding countries and rich countries who have been joining later, which pay, and not receive (for example, Austria or Finland). Integration here is complete, harmony here is complete. They have similar economies and most of them have euros.
2. The countries of the South and East, who catch up with them, being recipients of help. Integration There is not quite one hundred percent, mass of populists and brakes. Many of them have no euro.
3. Highly developed countries, but without euros: Sweden or Denmark.
4. European countries that are generally not included in the EU, but those who live by 70-90% of its rules and de facto in it in many of the incoming parameters: Norway, Switzerland, Monaco, Iceland, etc.
5. Countries - associated members of the EU, for example, Turkey, also in all areas of life still focused on European standards.
Britain's exit from the EU will return it to the slow speed of European integration, to the "common market" stage, which is probably not bad, for the refusal of the need to fit the British world vision in the value of the EU, can make it much more dynamic and even more successful. Agree to the German post-national and French European models is easier than also English - still national.
Because it requires the EU immediate filing of the UK's official statement from the EU after a referendum - democracy and Europe bending and dynamically and will always find the best solution, especially if they do not interfere. "Forcible mil victims will not be." Or, as the Germans say: "Better is a terrible end than an endless horror."
It will become an excellent reason for a number of reforms within the EU, making it even more successful and democratic, prosperous and free. In the interests of each country and every European.
The European Union is a global organization that has in our time significance in the political and economic world. Interest in the European Union show all states and all segments of the population, because the functions and objectives of this organization affect the most relevant topics and problems. The scale, wide functionality, as well as the powers in international relations make the European Union with an influential world organization for a long time.
EU participating countries
The European Union began its activities in the 50s of the 20th century. Today, the organization unites 28 countries participating in Western and Central Europe. Annually traced the interest of the European Union, and accordingly, the expansion process does not stand still. However, controversial situations do not bypass the Union of the Party, there are certain dissatisfaction with uniform policies and economic problems.
Countries that come to the European Union:
| Country | Year of joining |
|---|---|
| France | 1957 |
| Netherlands | 1957 |
| Luxembourg | 1957 |
| Italy | 1957 |
| Germany | 1957 |
| Belgium | 1957 |
| Great Britain | 1973 |
| Ireland | 1973 |
| Denmark | 1973 |
| 1981 | |
| Spain | 1986 |
| Portugal | 1986 |
| Austria | 1995 |
| 1995 | |
| Sweden | 1995 |
| Czech Republic | 2004 |
| 2004 | |
| Poland | 2004 |
| Slovakia | 2004 |
| Slovenia | 2004 |
| Malta | 2004 |
| Lithuania | 2004 |
| Latvia | 2004 |
| Cyprus | 2004 |
| Hungary | 2004 |
| Bulgaria | 2007 |
| Romania | 2007 |
| Croatia | 2013 |
For all countries of the European Union, there is a single market. The European Union currency (euro) is used in 17 countries, thus creating eurozone. In addition, these countries have the right to issue coins and euro banknotes.
As a serious and large-scale organization, the European Union has certain institutions:
- European Council - they define the basic political line of EU development. At the head of the European Council, the Chairman elected by the heads of state for a period of 2.5 years.
- The Council of the European Union - most often includes ministers of foreign affairs, or appropriate officials in any sectoral issues. Indicates issues in all areas of activity.
- The European Commission - manages a single EU policy, a kind of government. He is engaged in legislative and regulatory documentation, as well as its observance.
- The European Court forms European Rights, controls its true interpretation. In addition, cases of individuals and legal entities are considered, inspections of income and EU cost reports are being conducted.
- The European Central Bank - the management of the reserves of the European system of central banks, establishes the EU currency policy, and also defines key interest rates.
The history of the creation of the European Union
The creation of the European Union fell on a difficult time after World War II. The first association was called - the European Association of Coal and Steel (EUS), included six countries: France, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany.
In 1957, by signing the Roman Agreement, the European Economic Community (UES) is created on the basis of the European Community for Atomic Energy and the EOOS.
1967 became a fundamental, all three European communities (EOOS, UES, the European Community on Atomic Energy) were united in the European Community.
1993 - the entry into force of the contract drawn up in the Netherlands, Maastricht - the creation of the European Union. The settlement of monetary and political systems of European countries has been completed at this stage.
Entry into the EU
The extension of the European Union does not stop, according to current data for 2018, such countries: Albania, Turkey, Serbia, Macedonia, and Montenegro are applied. In addition, countries from other continents, who previously signed the Association Association Association Agreement, are claimed to join the EU: Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Lebanon, Chile, Mexico and others.
Speaking about membership applicants in the European Union, it is impossible not to say about a large-scale exit from the EU, which is planned for March 2019. The United Kingdom held a referendum on the exit from the EU, at which 52% of residents voted for the exit of the country from the EU.
The introduction of new countries in the EU occurs with careful selection. There are certain criteria, the candidate country must comply with them. The list and rules of such criteria are collected in a separate document called "Copenhagen criteria". Special attention is paid to such questions:
- Principles of democracy.
- Human rights.
- Development of competitiveness of the economy.
After passing the verification for compliance with the criteria, the decision on the adoption of the country in the EU or the fact that it is still necessary to wait. If the answer to EU membership is negative, the candidate country necessarily provides a list of parameters and criteria that it should lead to the norm in the time set.
EU membership for any country is a prestigious and indicative consistency factor. Unified Policy of the "Customs Union", Unified Foreign Policy, Freedom of Internal Movement, General Economic Space, Unified Social Standards - All these are the privileges of the members of the European Union.
