Glossary
Brexit
The United Kingdom's decision and subsequent process of leaving the European Union, following a 2016 referendum.
Example:
Brexit demonstrated the significant impact of Euroskepticism, as the UK became the first country to withdraw from the EU.
Common tariffs
A unified system of import duties applied by all EU member states to goods entering from non-EU countries, creating a single external trade policy.
Example:
If the EU sets a 10% common tariff on imported cars from Japan, both Germany and Italy will apply that same 10% duty, regardless of where the car enters the EU.
Council of the European Union
The main decision-making body of the EU, consisting of government ministers from each member state, responsible for negotiating and adopting legislation.
Example:
When new environmental regulations are proposed, the relevant ministers from each country meet in the Council of the European Union to debate and approve them.
Court of Justice of the European Union
The judicial branch of the EU, ensuring that EU law is interpreted and applied uniformly across all member states and resolving legal disputes.
Example:
If a national law conflicts with an EU directive, the Court of Justice of the European Union can rule on the matter, ensuring the supremacy of EU law.
Diverging Values / Democratic backsliding
The erosion of democratic principles, rule of law, and independent institutions in some EU member states, leading to tensions and challenges within the bloc.
Example:
Concerns about judicial independence in Poland represent a case of democratic backsliding that has strained its relationship with the EU.
Euro Crisis
A period of severe financial and economic turmoil in the eurozone, triggered by the 2007-2008 global financial crisis and exacerbated by high national debts.
Example:
During the Euro Crisis, countries like Greece received bailouts to prevent their national debt from destabilizing the entire eurozone.
European Central Bank
The central bank for the euro area, responsible for managing the euro currency and maintaining price stability across the eurozone.
Example:
The European Central Bank sets interest rates for countries using the euro, influencing borrowing costs and inflation across the eurozone.
European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)
The foundational step towards European integration, established in 1952 by six nations to collaboratively manage and regulate their coal and steel industries.
Example:
The European Coal and Steel Community demonstrated that former adversaries could manage vital resources together, laying the groundwork for deeper integration.
European Commission
The executive branch of the EU, responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and managing the EU's day-to-day affairs.
Example:
The European Commission is like the EU's civil service, drafting new laws and ensuring that existing ones are properly applied across all member states.
European Council
Composed of the heads of state or government of the EU member states, it sets the overall political direction and priorities of the European Union.
Example:
When major strategic decisions about the EU's future or response to a crisis are needed, the leaders meet as the European Council to provide guidance.
European Court of Auditors
The independent external auditor of the EU, responsible for checking that EU funds are collected and used correctly and legally.
Example:
The European Court of Auditors scrutinizes the EU's budget to ensure taxpayer money is spent efficiently and without fraud.
European Economic Community (EEC) / Common Market
An expansion of the ECSC, focusing on broader economic cooperation and the creation of a common market among member states by removing trade barriers.
Example:
The European Economic Community aimed to allow Italian cars to be sold in France without tariffs, much like within a single country, boosting trade.
European Parliament
The directly elected legislative body of the EU, representing the citizens of the member states and sharing legislative power with the Council of the European Union.
Example:
Citizens across the EU vote in elections to choose their representatives for the European Parliament, giving them a direct voice in EU lawmaking.
European Union (EU)
A powerful political and economic bloc formed after World War II, designed to foster interdependence and prevent future conflicts among European nations.
Example:
The European Union allows citizens from France to easily live and work in Germany without needing a visa, promoting unity and economic integration.
Euroskepticism
A critical attitude towards the EU and European integration, often driven by concerns about loss of national sovereignty, economic costs, or democratic deficits.
Example:
The rise of nationalist parties in some EU countries often reflects growing Euroskepticism among their populations.
Free movement of goods, services, capital, and people
A fundamental principle of the EU that allows unrestricted flow of these four elements across the borders of member states.
Example:
A Spanish student can easily move to Ireland to study or work, demonstrating the free movement of people within the EU.
Refugee Crisis
A significant influx of refugees and asylum seekers into the EU, primarily since 2015, due to conflicts and instability in the Middle East and North Africa.
Example:
The Refugee Crisis led to intense debates among EU members about burden-sharing and border control as hundreds of thousands sought asylum.
Supersede national legislation
The principle that in certain designated areas, EU law takes precedence over the laws of individual member states.
Example:
An EU directive on product safety might supersede national legislation in Germany, meaning Germany must align its laws with the EU standard.