European Union

Status

The members of the European Union have transferred to it considerable sovereignty — more than that of any other non-sovereign regional organisation. As has been mentioned, in certain areas the EU begins to take on the character of a federation or confederation. However, in legal terms, member states remain the masters of the Treaties, which means that the Union does not have the power to transfer additional powers from states onto itself without their agreement through further international treaties. Further, in many areas member states have given up relatively little national sovereignty, particularly in key areas of national interest such as foreign relations and defence. This unique structure means the European Union is perhaps best seen as a sui generis entity.

Related Topics:
Sovereignty - Regional organisation - Federation - Confederation - Sui generis

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On 29 October, 2004, European heads of government and state signed the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe. This has been ratified by some member states and is currently awaiting ratification by the other states. However, this process faltered on May 29, 2005 when the majority of French voters rejected the constitution in a referendum by 54.7%. The French rejection was followed three days later by a Dutch one on June 1 when in the Netherlands 61.6% of voters refused the constitution as well.

Related Topics:
29 October - 2004 - Sign - Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe - The French rejection - Dutch one - June 1 - Netherlands

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The current and future status of the European Union therefore continues to be subject of political controversy, with widely differing views both within and between member states. This debate has gained intensity following the rejection of the constitutional treaty by France and the Netherlands.

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For example, in the United Kingdom, currently holding the EU presidency, one poll suggested that around 75% of the population are indifferent or opposed to the European Union. However, other countries are more in favour of European integration — soon after the Netherlands and the French voted "no" on the constitution, Luxembourg voted "yes."

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