Introduction to the European Union (EU):

 Definition: The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states located
primarily in Europe.

 Formation: The EU was established through the Maastricht Treaty in 1993, although its roots
can be traced back to the aftermath of World War II with the aim of fostering economic
cooperation.

Institutional Structure:

1. European Council:

 Composed of the heads of state or government of EU member states.

 Sets overall EU policy direction.

2. European Commission:

 Executive body responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and

managing the day-to-day affairs of the EU.

 Led by the President of the European Commission.

3. European Parliament:

 Directly elected legislative body of the EU.

 Participates in the legislative process and scrutinizes the work of the Commission.

4. Council of the European Union:

 Represents the governments of member states.

 Participates in legislative decision-making along with the European Parliament.

5. Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU):

 Ensures the uniform application of EU law.

 Consists of the Court of Justice, the General Court, and specialized courts.

Key Policies and Areas of Cooperation:

1. Single Market:

 Aims to guarantee the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people among EU
member states.

2. Common Currency - Euro:

 Adopted by 19 EU countries as their official currency, promoting economic integration.

3. Common Agricultural Policy (CAP):

  Provides support to farmers and ensures a stable food supply.

4. Schengen Area:

 Allows for passport-free travel across participating countries.

5. Security and Defense Cooperation:

 Developing a common foreign and security policy, including a Common Security and
Defense Policy (CSDP).

Enlargement and Brexit:

 Enlargement: The EU has expanded from the original six members to 27, with ongoing
discussions about potential future enlargements.

 Brexit: The United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU, completed on January 31, 2020, has had
significant repercussions on both the EU and the UK.

Challenges and Criticisms:

1. Economic Disparities:

 Disparities between economically strong and weaker member states.

2. Migration Crisis:

 Challenges related to the management of migration flows.

3. Democratic Deficit:

 Criticisms regarding the perceived lack of democratic accountability in some EU

institutions.

4. National Sovereignty Concerns:

 Ongoing debates about the balance between national sovereignty and EU integration.

Future Prospects:

 Integration Challenges: Discuss ongoing debates about further political and economic
integration.

 Global Role: Assess the EU's role in international relations and global governance.