1. What is the EU?

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Unifying ideal: a peaceful, united and prosperous Europe
Principle of four freedoms (goods, services, persons, capital) established in 1958
When UK joined in 1973, it was clear that membership involved more than trade
As a member state, UK had strong influence through formal structures and informally
Comprises four principal institutions:
- European Parliament (elected members, debates and passes legislation, decides on international agreements and enlargements, oversees the other institutions)
- European Council (heads of state of members, provides political direction)
- Council of the European Union (ministers of member states, policy coordination)
- European Commission (executive branch, proposes and enforces laws in line with political direction)
Supported by:
- Court of Justice of the European Union (interpretation and arbitration of EU law)
- European Court of Auditors (independent, external auditor)
- European Central Bank (monetary authority of the eurozone)
- Specialist bodies (e.g. European External Action Service) and agencies (e.g. European Medicines Agency)
Uses a democratic model to govern the European Commission and approve laws
European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) is a separate institution
The EU’s ‘democratic deficit’ is often exaggerated
- Citizen views are overwhelmingly positive (both EU members and non-members)
- Nine candidate countries are in the accession process to join