The EU has transformed international relations in Europe. Discuss
The EU has transformed international relations in Europe. Discuss
Contents
Introduction
The European Union (EU) is widely regarded as the most advanced project of regional integration in the world. Predisposed by the aftermath of World War II, European nations have embarked on a path of strong multilateralism in forming the EU’s predecessors – the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and the European Economic Community (EEC). These communities and subsequently the Union have pervaded the relations between the European nations, their policy-making, governance and even “Europeanized” national societies to some extent.
Born in the aftermath of the World War II, the founders of the ECSC and the EEC had a bold vision of not only pooling some economic sectors under the supervision of a supranational ‘High Authority’ but also of creating “an ever closer union” among the peoples of Europe. Historical and geographical factors certainly played a role in those historical acts but such a predisposition to engage in cross-border regime-building seems to be connected to a political culture of investing in institutionalised cooperation with neighbours and partners.
Before they joined the Communities member states made decisions for themselves on most matters. It is not easy, especially for large states or for states that believe themselves to have special interests, to have to cede sovereignty by transferring decision-making responsibilities to a multinational organisation in which other voices may prevail.
Sixty three years later, after a number of successes and crises, the EU has transformed relations between its member states and even the states themselves. The EU can be seen in the context of political forces that have made it or are still making it. Some of these forces have pushed member states together, while others have resulted in progress towards cooperation and integration sometimes being slow, difficult and contested (Nugent, 2010, p. 1).
This
Contents
Introduction
The European Union (EU) is widely regarded as the most advanced project of regional integration in the world. Predisposed by the aftermath of World War II, European nations have embarked on a path of strong multilateralism in forming the EU’s predecessors – the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and the European Economic Community (EEC). These communities and subsequently the Union have pervaded the relations between the European nations, their policy-making, governance and even “Europeanized” national societies to some extent.
Born in the aftermath of the World War II, the founders of the ECSC and the EEC had a bold vision of not only pooling some economic sectors under the supervision of a supranational ‘High Authority’ but also of creating “an ever closer union” among the peoples of Europe. Historical and geographical factors certainly played a role in those historical acts but such a predisposition to engage in cross-border regime-building seems to be connected to a political culture of investing in institutionalised cooperation with neighbours and partners.
Before they joined the Communities member states made decisions for themselves on most matters. It is not easy, especially for large states or for states that believe themselves to have special interests, to have to cede sovereignty by transferring decision-making responsibilities to a multinational organisation in which other voices may prevail.
Sixty three years later, after a number of successes and crises, the EU has transformed relations between its member states and even the states themselves. The EU can be seen in the context of political forces that have made it or are still making it. Some of these forces have pushed member states together, while others have resulted in progress towards cooperation and integration sometimes being slow, difficult and contested (Nugent, 2010, p. 1).
This
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