11.

Write a note on a) EU b) SAARC c) ASEAN

a) EU (European Union):
The European Union, commonly known as the EU, is a political and economic union of 27 member states
located primarily in Europe. It was established with the aim of promoting peace, stability, and economic
prosperity among its member countries. The EU traces its roots back to the aftermath of World War II when
several European countries sought closer cooperation to prevent future conflicts.
The EU operates through a complex system of supranational institutions and intergovernmental decision-
making. The European Commission, the executive branch of the EU, proposes legislation and implements
policies. The European Parliament, directly elected by EU citizens, plays a role in the legislative process.
The Council of the European Union represents member states' governments and coordinates their policies.

The EU has a single market, known as the internal market, which allows for the free movement of goods,
services, capital, and people within the EU. It has also adopted a common currency, the euro, in several
member states. The EU has a broad range of policies and initiatives covering areas such as trade, agriculture,
environment, transportation, and justice.

b) SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation):

SAARC is an intergovernmental organization comprising eight member countries in South Asia:
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It was established in
1985 to promote regional cooperation and enhance economic and social progress in South Asia.

SAARC aims to foster cooperation in various areas, including agriculture, trade, investment, energy,
tourism, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. It provides a platform for member states to discuss and
address common challenges and opportunities, such as poverty alleviation, terrorism, climate change, and
natural disasters.

The organization operates through a system of summits, meetings, and specialized working groups.
Decisions are made by consensus, and cooperation is primarily based on voluntary participation and mutual
agreements. SAARC has also established specialized centers and mechanisms to facilitate collaboration in
areas such as agriculture, meteorology, health, and poverty eradication.

c) ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations):

ASEAN is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising ten member countries in Southeast Asia:
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
It was founded in 1967 with the primary objective of promoting regional peace, stability, and economic
integration.

ASEAN has played a crucial role in fostering cooperation among its member states through various
mechanisms and agreements. The organization follows the principle of non-interference in member states'
internal affairs and decision-making through consensus. It aims to enhance regional integration, promote
economic growth, and ensure social progress in Southeast Asia.

ASEAN has been instrumental in establishing the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), which promotes the
free flow of goods, services, investment, and skilled labor within the region. It has also worked towards
creating a more inclusive and sustainable community, focusing on areas such as human rights, education,
public health, and environmental sustainability.

In recent years, ASEAN has been actively engaged in addressing regional challenges, including territorial
disputes, counterterrorism efforts, and responding to natural disasters. It has also sought to strengthen
relations with external partners through dialogue and cooperation, contributing to peace and stability in the
Asia-Pacific region.