Europe and the European Union

IS 17- Government and Politics of Europe

Instructor: Mr. Enrico V. Gloria, M.A.

The Benefits or the Pros of a Stronger EU:

1. More Reasons to Pursue National Independence: Nations which aspire to become
independent such as Catalonia (in Spain) and Scotland (in the UK) have more reasons to
continue doing so given that the costs of being more competitive (for instance, in terms
of trade policy and foreign policy) can be ‘contracted out’ to the EU
2. Single Market helps ensure economic survival of smaller, weaker states: By being part of
the European Single Market under the EU, small states like Malta and Luxembourg for
instance can effectively compete with other bigger (single market) economies. This
competitiveness is made possible by their access to the four freedoms guaranteed by
the European Single Market.
3. Serves as an ‘alternative forum’ for national/regional governments: Nations or regions
within existing national/federal governments (e.g. Scotland, Catalonia) can argue and
push for lesser national government control over their internal affairs, and instead opt
to be subjected to more EU rules and regulations.

The Costs or Cons of a Stronger EU:

1. p. 53

1952 European Coal and Steel Community: locking together industries among the six European
countries to (1) boost economic prosperity, and (2) provide a lasting reason not to engage in yet
another regional/global war.

1958 Treaty of Rome, The European Economic Community (EEC): six European nations:
Luxembourg, France, Germany (West), Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands
- Also sets up the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and the European Commission (EC)

Sources:
Tim Bale, European Politics: A Comparative Introduction, 2017 Edition
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=LEGISSUM%3Axy0027