Orchestrating Europe: A Comprehensive Guide to the European Union and Beyond

The European Union (EU) is a unique political and economic entity that has played a major role in shaping the world we live in today. It is a union of 28 member states that are located primarily in Europe. The EU has a population of over 500 million people and a combined GDP of over $17 trillion.

The EU was founded in 1957 with the signing of the Treaty of Rome. The treaty established the European Economic Community (EEC),which was a free trade area among six countries: Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany. The EEC was later expanded to include Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. In 1993, the EEC was renamed the European Union.

Orchestrating Europe (Text Only): The Informal Politics of the European Union, 1943-95

by Michael Withey

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8078 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	448 pages

FREE

The EU has undergone a number of major changes since its founding. In 1999, the euro was introduced as the single currency of the eurozone, which is made up of 19 EU member states. In 2004, the EU expanded to include 10 new member states: Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In 2013, Croatia became the 28th member state of the EU.

The EU is a complex and multifaceted organization. It has a wide range of powers and responsibilities, including:

* Setting trade policy * Negotiating international agreements * Managing the eurozone * Promoting economic growth and stability * Protecting the environment * Fighting crime and terrorism * Providing humanitarian aid

The EU is also a major player in global affairs. It is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and it has a strong voice in international organizations such as the World Trade Organization and the International Monetary Fund.

The European Union's Institutions

The EU is governed by a number of institutions, including:

* The European Parliament: The European Parliament is the directly elected legislative body of the EU. It is composed of 751 members who represent the citizens of the EU member states. * The European Council: The European Council is the highest political body of the EU. It is composed of the heads of state or government of the EU member states. * The Council of the European Union: The Council of the European Union is the main decision-making body of the EU. It is composed of ministers from the EU member states. * The European Commission: The European Commission is the executive body of the EU. It is composed of 28 commissioners who are appointed by the European Council.

These institutions work together to make laws, implement policies, and manage the day-to-day affairs of the EU.

The European Union's Policies

The EU has a wide range of policies that cover a variety of areas, including:

* Economic policy: The EU's economic policy is based on the principles of free trade, competition, and economic integration. The EU has a single market which allows for the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor. * Social policy: The EU's social policy is based on the principles of solidarity, equality, and social justice. The EU has a number of social programs that provide benefits to citizens, such as unemployment insurance, healthcare, and education. * Environmental policy: The EU's environmental policy is based on the principles of sustainability and environmental protection. The EU has a number of environmental regulations that aim to reduce pollution, protect biodiversity, and combat climate change. * Foreign policy: The EU's foreign policy is based on the principles of peace, democracy, and human rights. The EU has a common foreign and security policy that is coordinated by the European External Action Service.

The EU's policies have a significant impact on the lives of citizens in the EU member states. The EU's single market has helped to boost trade and economic growth. The EU's social programs have helped to reduce poverty and inequality. The EU's environmental regulations have helped to protect the environment and improve public health. The EU's foreign policy has helped to promote peace and stability in Europe and around the world.

The European Union's Challenges

The EU is facing a number of challenges, including:

* The eurozone crisis: The eurozone crisis is a financial crisis that has affected the eurozone since 2010. The crisis has caused a number of countries to experience high levels of unemployment and government debt. * The refugee crisis: The refugee crisis is a humanitarian crisis that has forced millions of people to flee their homes in the Middle East and North Africa. The EU has been struggling to respond to the crisis and to provide adequate support to refugees. * The rise of populism: Populist parties have been gaining popularity in a number of EU member states. These parties are often critical of the EU and they advocate for a return to national sovereignty. * Brexit: The United Kingdom voted to leave the EU in a referendum in 2016. The UK is due to leave the EU in March 2019. Brexit is a major challenge for the EU and it could have a significant impact on the future of the organization.

The EU is a complex and multifaceted organization that is facing a number of challenges. However, the EU has also made significant progress towards achieving its goals of peace, prosperity, and cooperation. The EU is a unique and valuable organization that has played a major role in shaping the world we live in today.

Orchestrating Europe is the definitive guide to the European Union. It provides a comprehensive overview of the EU's history, institutions, and policies. The book is written by a team of experts and it is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the EU.

Free Download your copy of Orchestrating Europe today!

Orchestrating Europe (Text Only): The Informal Politics of the European Union, 1943-95

by Michael Withey

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8078 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	448 pages

FREE