European Union

Birth of EU
The European Union (EU) was founded as a result of the Maastricht Treaty on
Nov. 1, 1993. It is a political and economic union between European countries
that sets policies concerning the members’ economies, societies, laws, and, to
some extent, security.
The EU wasn't created in one go by the Maastricht Treaty but was rather the
result of gradual integration since 1945. The success of one level of union gave
confidence and impetus for a next level. In this way, the EU can be said to have
been formed by the demands of its member nations.

EU is built from the ashes of WWII

The end of World War II left Europe divided between the communist, Soviet-
dominated eastern bloc and the largely democratic western nations.
The first union: ECSC
Europe’s post-war nations weren’t just seeking peace; they were also after
solutions to economic problems
Six neighboring countries agreed in The Treaty of Paris to form an area of free
trade for several key resources, including coal, steel, and iron ore, chosen for
their role in industry and the military
This body was called the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and
involved Germany, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Italy, and Luxembourg. It
began on July 23, 1952, and ended on July 23, 2002, replaced by further unions.
o Duties and barriers on coal, iron and steel were removed.
o Britain didn't join.
o ECSC was highly successful.
o Steel production rose by around 50% in 5 years

A group of "supranational" (a level of governance above nation states) bodies was

created to manage the ECSC: a council of ministers, a common assembly, a high
authority, and a court of justice to legislate, develop ideas, and resolve disputes.
The European Economic Community
To include more goods, European Economic Community (EEC) was created by Treaty of Rome
in 1958 with six countries: Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

o In 5 years, EEC was world's biggest exporter.

o Britain stayed out, but later wanted to join.
o The six member community became larger only in 1973 when Britain, Denmark and
Ireland joined in.

Like the ECSC, the EEC created several supranational bodies: a council of
ministers to make decisions, a common assembly (called the European
Parliament from 1962) to give advice, a court that could overrule member states,
and a commission to put the policy into effect.
The Maastricht treaty and European Union:
On Feb. 7, 1992, European integration moved another step further when the
Treaty on European Union, known as the Maastricht Treaty, was signed. This
came into force on Nov. 1, 1993, and changed the EEC into the newly named
European Union.
o It has 28 member countries, part of a single economic market, with common laws on
some matters.
EU works to ensure free movement of people, goods, services & capital.
o EU citizens have a Common Citizenship

Purpose of EU
The primary purpose of the EU is to promote efficiency and seamlessness in how
countries in Europe handle processes concerning trade and immigration within the
continent, as well as develop integrated economic policies.

Maintenance of Peace through Unification

After World War II, the integration of Europe was regarded as a solution to the
extreme nationalism that caused conflicts between European nations and states

Minister Winston Churchill

The Council of Europe was formed in 1949 as an international organization.

The purpose of integrating Europe that time centered primarily on advancing

human rights and democratic principles, while also maintaining political stability
across supposed member-countries

European Coal and Steel Community in 1951 via the Treaty of Paris. This
organization marked an attempt to focus integration toward economic goals and
objectives, thus becoming the predecessor of EEC and subsequently, the EU.
Development of an Internal Single Market
EU has the purpose of developing and maintaining a single market within Europe
with goals and objectives revolving around free trade or free movement of goods
and services, as well as the free movement of people and capital.

Another more specific purpose behind the creation of the EU is to create relevant
structures and institutions, as well as shared economic policies, including common
standards and regulations pertaining to trade.

Political Cooperation and Foreign Relations

Not just an economic bloc

Another purpose of the European Union is to promote political cooperation and

foreign relations among its member-countries

EU has the Common Foreign and Security Policy department primarily responsible
for security and defense

EU promotes and protects conventions pertaining to the rights of EU citizens as it

has also been founded based on values the respect human dignity, freedom,
democracy, equality, and the rule of law.

Objectives of EU
The European Union’s main objective is to promote peace, follow the EU’s values and
improve the wellbeing of nations. The European Parliament and other institutions see
to it that these objectives are achieved.
The main objectives are:

A common European area without borders

The objective is to create a free and safe Europe with no internal borders. The
citizens living in the area enjoy the rights granted by the European Union.

Internal market
The objective is to ensure smooth and efficient trade within Europe. Competition
between companies is free and fair.

Stable and sustainable development

The objective is to ensure Europe’s sustainable and steady development.

It means balanced economic growth and stable prices.

The European Union seeks to create a competitive market economy which takes into
account people’s wellbeing and social needs.
 An important issue is environmental protection. Efforts are made to protect the
environment and repair any damage made.

Scientific and technological development

The European Union supports the advancement of science and technology and
invests in education. Another objective is to achieve a skilled workforce and a high
standard of technological production.

Prevention of social exclusion

The European Union works hard to prevent social exclusion. It seeks to prevent
people from drifting outside the labour market and society. Efforts are made to
eliminate poverty. The Union works for equality. Minority rights are protected. Social
security is improved. Men and women must be treated equally. Children’s rights
must be protected and children given a happy childhood. Old people must be looked
after and respected.

Solidarity
Solidarity between countries and people is promoted in the field of the economy,
social equality and regions. The member states must be loyal to one another. It
means that states must take responsibility for and be understanding of one another.

Respect for languages and cultures

The European Union respects the languages and cultures of the individual countries.
National cultures and the common European culture are cherished and developed.

Common foreign and security policy

The European Union seeks to promote peace not only in Europe but also elsewhere
in the world.

It seeks to ensure that peace is maintained in Europe and that people have security.

With the common foreign policy, the European Union wants to make sure that the
resources of the planet are used sensibly and that the environment is not destroyed.

The European Union also wishes to respect other countries and nations. It works for
free and fair trade and tries to eliminate poverty.

Human rights are important all over the world.

The European Union follows the Charter of the United Nations and underlines the
importance of common international rules.
Values
The European Union is founded on the following values:

Human dignity
Human dignity is inviolable. It must be respected, protected and constitutes the real
basis of fundamental rights.

Freedom
Freedom of movement gives citizens the right to move and reside freely within the
Union. Individual freedoms such as respect for private life, freedom of thought,
religion, assembly, expression and information are protected by the EU Charter of
Fundamental Rights.

Democracy
The functioning of the EU is founded on representative democracy. A European
citizen automatically enjoys political rights. Every adult EU citizen has the right to
stand as a candidate and to vote in elections to the European Parliament. EU citizens
have the right to stand as a candidate and to vote in their country of residence, or in
their country of origin.

Equality
Equality is about equal rights for all citizens before the law. The principle of equality between
women and men underpins all European policies and is the basis for European integration. It
applies in all areas. The principle of equal pay for equal work became part of the Treaty of
Rome in 1957.

Rule of law
The EU is based on the rule of law. Everything the EU does is founded on treaties, voluntarily
and democratically agreed by its EU countries. Law and justice are upheld by an independent
judiciary. The EU countries gave final jurisdiction to the European Court of Justice - its
judgments have to be respected by all.

Human rights
Human rights are protected by the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. These cover the right to
be free from discrimination on the basis of sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief,
disability, age or sexual orientation, the right to the protection of your personal data, and the
right to get access to justice.

EU and its humanitarian assistance:

Humanitarian aid

Humanitarian aid is a fundamental expression of the universal value of solidarity

between peoples and a moral imperative

World’s leading humanitarian aid donor; with €1 billion budget

It performs this activity through financing, provision of goods or services or technical

assistance, aimed at urgently dealing with crises that could seriously affect
populations around the world.

FRAMEWORKS AND ARTICLES:

Article 21 of the “Treaty on European Union”, that sets out the principles for all EU
external action, covering humanitarian action

The Article 214 of the “Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union”, that constitute
the legal basis for humanitarian aid.

Framework of the “European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid outlines”, this policy

sets out why, how and when the EU acts, in order to improve coherence,
effectiveness, and quality of the EU’s humanitarian response

The role of the EU institutions

Cons ilium

It defines the position of the EU towards foreign regions and countries, encouraging
the parties involved in resolving the conflicts and in urging respect for international
humanitarian law

The Council has played an important role in the humanitarian aid framework adopting
in 1996 the regulation establishing the” EU Humanitarian Aid Instrument”, which sets
out the modalities for the implementation of humanitarian operations by the
European Commission on behalf of the EU;

Working party on “Humanitarian Aid and Food Aid” (COHAFA) is the competent body
for dealing with matters relating to humanitarian assistance,

Framework of the “European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid outlines”, Preserve

life, prevent and alleviate suffering as well as help to maintain human dignity in the
face of natural and man-made disasters are the overriding objectives of humanitarian
action.
European Commission

The Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid

Operations (DG ECHO) is the directorate-general of the European Commission which
deals with safeguarding lives, preventing and alleviating human suffering affected by
natural disasters and man-made crises.

Emergency Response Coordination Centre

This center is part of the EU Civil protection mechanism and coordinates the assistance
to countries hit by disasters providing relief items, civil protection teams, specialized
equipment and expertise; it coordinates all EU Member States, the affected country and
civil protection and humanitarian experts; it operates 24/7, helping any country inside or
outside the EU upon request from an United Nations body or from the national
authorities.

EU aid volunteer

In this framework EU resorts also to volunteers, through the “EU aid volunteers”
program, which offers opportunities for European citizens in humanitarian projects
worldwide, educating these to operate in regions affected by disasters; it promotes also
capacity building for local staff and provides technical assistance for organizations
based in Europe.

A case study of EU humanitarian intervention: Bangladesh

A brief introduction of the country

Bangladesh has offered a safe place for Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar;

exacerbated the humanitarian situation in this country.

745,000 Rohingya refugees

lack of a legal status, they are unable to attend education or any form of legal
employment and remain vulnerable to exploitation and serious protection risks.

EU Intervention

Considering 2019, the European Union has given €24.8 million in humanitarian aid,
divided in:

– €19 million for humanitarian food relief, clean water and sanitation infrastructures,
access to healthcare services and increased security for the most defenseless groups.

€5 million will scale up preparedness measures for natural hazards especially during the
rainy season, which could trigger floods, landslides, cyclones and tidal surges

€800,000 have been allocated to provide essential support to the most affected
families.

Brexit

Brexit is a portmanteau of the words British and exit that was coined to refer to the
U.K.'s decision in a June 23, 2016, referendum to leave the European Union (EU).
Brexit took place on Jan. 31, 2020.

History and reasons

The United Kingdom joined the European Community 47 years ago in 1973
and was renamed the European Economic Community (EEC)

So in 1973Britain had to overcome many obstacles to become part of that

community.

The countries in this community later on, in 1992 developed European Union.

France opposition was a very huge obstacle

British had wanted to join the community since 1961, but the French
President Charles De Gualle first in 1963 and then in 1967 had vetoed the
applications of UK to join EEC.
De Gaulle's position was blunt, saying that Britain's accession to the
European Union would reduce France's influence in the community.

His position was accurate because UK and France had been bitter enemies
in the past.
Whether it was the Hundred Years' War fought in the fourteenth and fifteenth
centuries.

Or the wars fought with Napoleon Bonaparte in the eighteenth and

nineteenth centuries

Britain and France have always been rivals, trying to degrade each other.

In all this, De Gualle's postion was right that it was not uncommon for Britain
to seek to reduce France's influence by becoming a member of the European
Union.

France was also afraid that UK after becoming part of EU strengthen the
influence of United States in this community.

Will do lobbing for it since there was ideal relationship between the United
States and
Britain

So now, on the one hand, France was opposed to Britain's accession to the
European Community,

And on the other hand, Britain's own politicians did not have much interest in
the European Community.

They wanted to join this community because of their economic problems.

By the end of the 1950's, he had tried his best not to be part of the European
Committee because of the arrogance.

According to the Guardian, Britain was proud of its glorious past.

Because the United Kingdom had become the world's number one
superpower before
World War II.

It relied on its strong arm based on its past and did not want to be part of any
agreement or community where it could be judged by others.
Because there was not only one single country in the European Community,
decisions made by a majority had to be accepted by all.

Britain saw this as a challenge to its sovereignty.

This is the reason, British president Clement Attlee, in 1950s said this to
parliament that his labor party was not ready to accept this principles.

In addition, the United Kingdom was very different from the rest of Europe in
terms of geography and culture,

So the United Kingdom felt that there was no need for it to join the European
Union.

The third reason was the Commonwealth, which includes more than 50
countries, including Pakistan.

They had a great deal of British influence and to some extent it remains till
today,
So the UK felt that by following the rule of single market set by EU, it will not
be as important in the Commonwealth as it once was.

It will not be able to trade with these countries at will and will have to follow
EU rules when it comes to trade.

These were the reasons why neither Britain was ready to join the EU nor
France was welcoming it to the EU, but things kept changing.

Britain caught up in the post WWII economic crisis

Commonwealth countries also began to enter into agreements with the EU
US, britains closest ally also backing the agreement between EU and
commonwealth
Britain beginning to feel that if it did not join the EU it would be left
politically isolated
Thus suppressing its national pride, the UK began to apply for the
membership of European community
In france after the fall of de galles govt in 1969, no british adversary
remained
So when british applied for 3rd time in 1973 no one denied the req
UK also received the edge that Denmark, Ireland had also applied to join EU
Thus Britain was made a part of the EU
UK has a referendum in 1975 to seal its decision to become a part of
European community
In which 67% of british citizen voted in the favor
Following the referendum, became a permanent part of EU
Movement against the joining in EU
Opponents were termed as Eurosceptics
Calling for referendum to remove Britain from EU
Because of them UK did not accept the 1986 schengan agreement
Under the agreement, 26 European countries lifted the border controls and
allowewd free travel visas and passports
When euro was introduced in 1999, the UK did not adopt the currency
Instead kept the british pound
In 1991 eurosceptics formed a separate party called as UKIP

OBJECTIONS OF UKIP
Biggest objection was that it was causing large numbers of people from the
EU to come to the UK to find work
Reduction in job and increase in unemployement
Between 2003 to 2015 people coming to UK from EU and other countries had
the same ratio
During these twelve years, half a million foreign nationals have come and settled in
the UK, of which about half were European citizens.
Thus, Eurosceptic had the opportunity to propagate that if the UK wanted to
overcome its immigration problem, it would have to leave the EU.
The second obiection from Eurosceptics was that the United Kingdom, being a
member of the European Union,
Had to pay three and a half million pounds a week to the European Union, from which
the Union runs its expenses.
Eurosceptics said the money should be spent on developing the country, rather than
giving it to the union.
This objection was somewhat justified because under EU law the richer countries
were obliged to pay more to the EU,
And whereas the less developed countries paid less and reaped more benefits.
Now that Germany is in the EU after The United Kingdom was the second largest
economy in the world,
So it paid highest money to union after Germany.
So the British Eurosceptics think that it would be better to spend on the development of
country
The prime minister of the United Kingdom David Cameron
He announced that if his party won the 2015 election, they would hold a
referendum on whether Britain should join the European Union or not.
And that this announcement would intensity the activities of anti-Eu activists
in Britain.
They began to gain popularity among the people
The following year, when the European Union elections were held in the
United Kingdom in 2014,
Elections to the European
Parliament took place in 28 countries of the EU between 22 and 25 May
2014.
In the United Kingdom, UKIP won 24 seats, Labour 20, the Conservatives 19,
and the Green Party three.
After this victory, they were defeating main parties ie Labor and the
Conservatives.
After the party's victory, the political struggle to separate Britain from the
European Union intensified.
In next year, may 2015 elections held in UK. Conservative party of President
Cameron won.
After that victory, Cameron had to hold a referendum as promised.
The June 23, 2016 date for the referendum was fixed. Now the preparations
for the referendum havebegun in earnest

Campaign, for separation from the European Union.

On Ociober 8, 201%. Eurosceptios also. launched a vote leave campaign,
separating from the European Union.

According to the campaign's official website, Britain would save 350 million
pounds a week if it seceded from the European Union.
It will also be free to trade with the rest of the world, including Australia,
New Zealand and India.
Britain will be able to legislate on its own. British citizens were warned by
campaign,
If they remained in the European Union. So they have to pay a heavy price
Because five new states, including Turkey, are about to join the European
Union. So, immigration will be out of control in the UK.
The vote-leaving campaign had a significant effect, and British people
became even more hostile to the European Union.
However, the game was not easy for Eurosceptics, as people in the UK,
Scotland and the capital London, favored the EU.
Only British and Commonwealth citizens were given the right to vote for
Brexit.
The people of EU came from other countries were not able to cast vote.
Yet when the referendum was held on 23 June 2016, there was a contest.
51.9% of the voters voted in favor of Brexit while 48.1% voted against.
Although the referendum was held by Prime Mihister David Cameron, he
himself was not a supporter of Brexit.
He resigned the day after the result, referendum against the EU came.

Withdrawal from EU
Theresa May was nominated as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, but it
was not easy for Britain to secede from the European Union.
The United Kingdom needed at least two years to withdraw from the treaty and for
new treaties,
Meaning it had to leave the union until 2018 after the 2016 referendum, but that did
not happen again and Brexit was delayed.
The United Kingdom has repeatedly called for an extension of the Brexit, and each
time the European Union has granted a respite.
Due to the lack of Brexit, the British Parliament was repeatedly rejecting the draft
agreement with the European Union.
Finally, after lengthy negotiations, on 17 October 2019, both the European Union and
the UK agreed on a withdrawal agreement or the UK's withdrawal from the EU.
The agreement set January 21, 2020, as the date for Britain to leave the European
Union.
But the legal hurdle was whether or not the British Parliament would approve it.

Boris Johnson

In December 2019, the Conservative Party won re-election and Burke

Johnson became the country's new Prime Minister.
He himself was a Eurosceptic and in the 2016 referendum he even ran leave
vote, ie campaign in favor of Brexit.
Therefore, the Brexit process was likely to be completed soon before he
became the Prime Minister.
Then the same thing happened. Johnson completed the Brexit process in
less than two months.
Johnson became Prime Minister in December 2019. The following month,
January 9, 2020, the British House of Commons passed a draft of withdrawal
activity.
After that, the rest of the formalities were completed quickly. On January 22,
the British House of Lords also approved this agreement.
The agreement also received immediate approval from the Queen.
On January 29, the European Parliament also approved the agreement.
Two days later, on January 31, Brexit took place.
Britain bids farewell to EU. Its nominal relationship with the European Union
will last until
December 31, 2020