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EUROPEAN UNION


EVOLUTION OF EUROPEAN UNION


The Eu is the product of two political factors:

1) The devastation of two world wars on Western Europe and the desire for a lasting peace.


2) The European nations desire to hold own the political and economic stage.


In addition many Europeans were aware of the potential economic benefits of closer economic integration of the countries.


The original forerunner of the EU the European coal, and steel community was formed in 1951 by Belgium, France, Italy, and the Netherlands.

Its objectives were to remove barriers to intragroup shipments of coal, iron, steel, and scrap metal.


With the signing of the treaty Rome in 1957 the European community was establish. The name changed again in 1994 when the European community became the European union following the ratification of the Maastricht treaty.


The treaty of Rome provided for the creation of a common market. Article 3 of the treaty laid down by the key objectives of the new community calling for the elimination of internal trade barriers and the creation of the common external tariff and requiring member states to abolish obstacles to the free movement of factors of production among the members.


Furthermore, the treaty committed the EC to establish common policies in agriculture and transportation.


The community grew in 1973 when Great Britain, Ireland and Denmark joined. These three were followed in 1981 by Greece, in 1986 by Spain and Portugal and in 1996 by Australia, Finland and Sweden bringing the total membership to 15.

With a population of 350 million and a GDP greater than that of the United States, these enlargements made the EU a potential global super power. An other 12 countries have applied to join the EU, although the Eu seems to be in no hurry to expand.



• The European Council: The European council is composed of the heads of state of the EU member’s national and the president of the European commission. Each of the states is normally accompanied by foreign minister to these meetings. The European council meets at least twice a year and often resolves major policy issues and sets policy directions.


• European commission: The European commission assists the council. This executive body of the EEC. The members of this commission are appointed for a period of four years, which can be renewed. One or more EEC policies are entrusted to each commissioner. Each commissioner is assisted by a chief of cabinet of his country. These assistance take decisions on behalf of their commissioners.


• Court of justice: There is a court of justice to adjudicate disputes relating to agriculture, social security for migrants among the member countries and competition policy . The court also adjudicates disputes between the member countries brought by the commission against the council or commission reported by a person or a company.



• Court of auditors: court of auditors was appointed as a part of the EEC by amending the treaty of Rome. The activities of court of auditors include:
Auditing the EEC budget.
Monitoring the EEC’s expenditure.
Laying down improved procedures for collection 0f duties.


• European parliament: the European commission should consult the parliament before their final decision is taken. The parliament acts through the parliamentary committee. The activities of the European parliament include: 1. Provide consultations and information to the commission.2 Approve or reject the draft budget prepared by the commission. 3 Dismiss the commission, if necessary.



• Advisory committees: there are several advisory committees to advise the European commission. These committees include:
economic and social committee.
Monetary committee.
Consultative committee on coal and steel industry.


• Economic and social committee: this committee represents the activities like employers,employee unions, farmers, retail traders, liberal professions, and public. European commission appoints the members on this committee.


• Monetary committee: this committee examines the monetary problems, problems of the balance of payments and suggests measures to overcome them.



• Consultative committee on coal and steel industry: this committee studies the problems of coal and steel industries and offers suggestions.


It would be appropriate for us to discuss the functioning 0f EEC having studied its
Organization.
 
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