zuai-logo
zuai-logo
  1. AP European History
FlashcardFlashcardStudy GuideStudy Guide
Question BankQuestion BankGlossaryGlossary

The European Union

Benjamin Wright

Benjamin Wright

6 min read

Next Topic - Migrations within and to Europe Since 1945

Listen to this study note

#European Union: A Night-Before Review ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ

Welcome! Let's get you exam-ready with a focused review of the European Union. We'll cover key concepts, challenges, and exam tips to ensure you feel confident and prepared. Let's dive in!

#๐ŸŒ From Competition to Cooperation: The Genesis of the EU

Key Concept

Post-WWII, a shift from national rivalry to cooperation emerged in Europe.

* The goal: to foster interdependence and prevent future wars by making conflict too costly. * This led to the formation of the **European Union (EU)**, a powerful political and economic bloc.

#Key Stages of Development:

  1. European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) (1952):
Quick Fact

Six nations collaborated on industrial production.

* _Analogy:_ Think of it as the foundation of a house, the first step towards a larger structure. 2. **European Economic Community (EEC) / Common Market:**
Quick Fact

Expanded economic cooperation.

* _Analogy:_ The walls and roof of the house, building upon the foundation. 3. **European Union (EU):**
Quick Fact

The fully formed structure, encompassing political and economic integration.

* _Analogy:_ The complete house, with all its rooms and functions.

EU Map

Caption: Map of the European Union, highlighting the 27 member states.

Key Concept

The EU facilitates the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people among member states.

*
Key Concept

It also establishes common tariffs against non-EU countries.

*
Quick Fact

As of 2022, the EU has 27 member states, a population of over 447 million, and is the second-largest market globally.

#๐Ÿ›๏ธ Structure of the EU: How It Works

The EU has a complex structure with several key institutions:

#The Four Main Institutions:

  1. European Parliament:
Key Concept

Directly elected by EU citizens; legislative body.

* _Analogy:_ The voice of the people. 2. **European Council:**
Key Concept

Heads of state/government; sets overall direction.

* _Analogy:_ The compass guiding the EU. 3. **Council of the European Union:**
Key Concept

Representatives from each member state; main decision-making body.

* _Analogy:_ The engine of the EU, negotiating and adopting legislation. 4. **European Commission:**
Key Concept

Executive branch; proposes legislation and manages day-to-day affairs.

* _Analogy:_ The management team of the EU.

#Supporting Institutions:

  1. Court of Justice of the European Union:
Key Concept

Ensures uniform application of EU law.

* _Analogy:_ The legal system of the EU. 2. **European Central Bank:**
Key Concept

Manages the euro and maintains price stability.

* _Analogy:_ The financial heart of the EU. 3. **European Court of Auditors:**
Key Concept

Audits EU finances for accountability.

* _Analogy:_ The financial watchdog of the EU.
Key Concept

EU policies can supersede national legislation in certain areas.

* _Example:_ Trade policy is set at the EU level, not by individual member states.

#โš ๏ธ Challenges to the EU: Navigating the 21st Century

The EU faces several significant challenges:

#๐Ÿ“‰ Euro Crisis

Key Concept

A period of financial and economic turmoil in the eurozone.

* Triggered by the 2007-2008 global financial crisis and exacerbated by high debt and economic imbalances. * Led to high unemployment, financial instability, and questions about the eurozone's viability. * _Example:_ Bailouts of heavily indebted countries by the European Central Bank.

#๐Ÿ›ฌ Refugee Crisis

Key Concept

Large influx of refugees and asylum seekers since 2015.

  • Caused by conflicts and instability in the Middle East and North Africa.
  • Strained resources, infrastructure, and caused tensions between member states.
  • Example: Establishment of a common European asylum system and refugee relocation mechanisms.

#๐Ÿ’” Diverging Values

Key Concept

Democratic backsliding in some member states, particularly Hungary and Poland.

* Erosion of the rule of law, independent judiciaries, and media freedom. * _Example:_ EU Article 7 procedures launched against Hungary and Poland. *
Quick Fact

The EU Parliament declared that Hungary could "no longer be considered a full democracy."

#๐Ÿคจ Euroskepticism

Key Concept

Critical attitude towards the EU and European integration.

* Driven by concerns about loss of national identity, control over domestic policy, and economic costs. *
Key Concept

Has led to the rise of Euroskeptic parties and movements.

* _Example:_ The United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU (**Brexit**).

#๐ŸŽฏ Final Exam Focus

#High-Value Topics:

  • The evolution of the EU: From ECSC to the current EU structure.
  • Key EU institutions: Their roles and functions.
  • Challenges to the EU: Euro crisis, refugee crisis, democratic backsliding, and Euroskepticism.
  • Impact of EU policies: How they affect member states.

#Common Question Types:

  • Multiple Choice: Testing your knowledge of key terms, institutions, and events.
  • Short Answer: Requiring you to explain concepts and analyze challenges.
  • Essay Questions: Asking you to synthesize information and develop arguments about the EU's past, present, and future.

#Last-Minute Tips:

  • Time Management: Allocate time for each question and stick to your plan.
  • Common Pitfalls: Avoid vague answers; be specific and use examples.
  • Strategic Approach: Start with questions you know well to build confidence.
  • Stay Calm: Take deep breaths and trust your preparation. You've got this! ๐Ÿ’ก
Exam Tip

Remember to connect historical events to their impact on the EU's development and challenges.

Common Mistake

Don't confuse the European Council with the Council of the European Union. They have different roles!

Good luck on your exam! You are well-prepared and ready to succeed. ๐Ÿ’ช

Explore more resources

FlashcardFlashcard

Flashcard

Continute to Flashcard

Question BankQuestion Bank

Question Bank

Continute to Question Bank

Mock ExamMock Exam

Mock Exam

Continute to Mock Exam

Feedback stars icon

How are we doing?

Give us your feedback and let us know how we can improve

Previous Topic - DecolonizationNext Topic - Migrations within and to Europe Since 1945

Question 1 of 12

What was the primary motivation behind the formation of the European Union after World War II? ๐Ÿค”

To establish a military alliance against the Soviet Union

To promote nationalistic sentiments across Europe

To foster interdependence and prevent future wars

To create a unified European currency