C’EST QUOI L’UNION EUROPÉENNE ?

Summary

The video discusses the evolution of the European Union (EU) from its post-WWII origins to its current form. It details the formation of the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957 with six founding countries, followed by successive expansions and major events like the introduction of the euro in 2002, the joining of former Soviet bloc countries in 2004, and the Brexit referendum in 2016. It also explains the key institutions that govern the EU, such as the European Parliament, the European Council, and the European Commission, emphasizing their roles in shaping and enforcing EU legislation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The European Union (EU) was created after World War II to prevent further conflicts, especially between France and Germany.
• 😀 The Treaty of Rome in 1957 established the European Economic Community (EEC), consisting of six countries: France, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany.
• 😀 The EU expanded in 1973 with the inclusion of the UK, Ireland, and Denmark. Norway, however, voted against joining.
• 😀 In 1979, European citizens began electing Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) through universal suffrage.
• 😀 Greece joined the EU in 1981, followed by Spain and Portugal in 1986, marking the 'Europe of 12.'
• 😀 After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and German reunification in 1990, the Maastricht Treaty in 1992 created the European Union.
• 😀 The 'Europe of 15' emerged in 1995, with Austria, Finland, and Sweden joining the EU, while Norway again voted against membership.
• 😀 The introduction of the Euro in 2002 marked a significant milestone, with 12 of the 15 EU countries adopting the common currency.
• 😀 In 2004, the EU expanded to 25 members with the inclusion of 10 countries from Central and Eastern Europe, many of which were former Soviet bloc nations.
• 😀 The EU reached 27 members in 2007 with the entry of Bulgaria and Romania, and Croatia joined in 2013, completing the 'Europe of 28.'
• 😀 The UK voted to leave the EU in the 2016 Brexit referendum, reducing the number of EU members back to 27.
• 😀 The EU is governed by four main institutions: the European Parliament, the European Council, the European Commission, and the European Court of Justice, each with distinct roles in legislation and policy-making.

Q & A

What was the primary purpose of forming a European economic group after World War II?

The main purpose was to reconcile European countries with each other and make it materially impossible for war to occur between France and Germany, especially after the devastating consequences of the two world wars.

What event led to the establishment of the European Economic Community (EEC)?

The Treaty of Rome, signed on March 25, 1957, led to the establishment of the European Economic Community, involving six countries: France, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany.

What significant event occurred in 1979 in the European Union?

In 1979, a major development occurred with European citizens electing their members of the European Parliament by universal suffrage for the first time.

How did the European Union expand in 2004?

In 2004, the European Union expanded to include 10 new countries: Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Cyprus, Hungary, and Slovenia, many of which had previously been part of the Soviet bloc.

What marked the creation of the European Union as we know it today?

The Maastricht Treaty of 1992 marked the creation of the European Union, as it introduced key changes, including a shared currency and deeper political integration among member states.

What was the outcome of the Brexit referendum in 2016?

On June 24, 2016, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, an event known as Brexit, leading to the EU being restructured with 27 member states.

What are the four main institutions of the European Union?

The four main institutions of the European Union are the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union, the European Council, and the European Commission.

What is the role of the European Commission in the legislative process?

The European Commission proposes new laws and ensures their proper implementation across member states, monitoring compliance and enforcing penalties when necessary.

Which areas does the European Union legislate in, and which areas are excluded?

The EU legislates in various domains such as energy, health, transport, agriculture, and digital policy, but defense and foreign affairs remain the prerogative of national governments.

How are laws passed in the European Union?

Laws are proposed by the European Commission, debated and voted on by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. Once adopted, they are implemented by member states under the supervision of the Commission.