The European Union

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses the motivations behind the establishment of the European Union and explains the structure of the EU as we know it today. The paper outlines the steps taken by the European Union to achieve a "superstate", including the introduction of a common currency, the euro. The paper also discusses the continued expansion of the European Union and shows how it has both positives and negatives associated with it. The paper concludes that despite its expansion in membership and functions, the EU has proven pivotal in creating a unified Europe which can compete on an international scale and have a say in global economic affairs.

From the Paper:

"With the ending of the Second World War the continent of Europe was an abyss of chaos, along with the destruction of lives there was also a shattering of faith and trust among its countries. While the concept of a confederation within Europe was not a new concept, the Second World War proved a catalyst in the creation of such in the form of what is now known as the European Union. Prior to this many countries were opposed to unification "due to fears that such a union would infringe on their powers." Previous attempts had proven ineffective because the organizations lacked the power to enforce rules and regulations. Following the War however, there was renewed vigor and a new motive behind the creation of unified Europe. It was to be a means of preventing future wars from reoccurring and also to aid in the reconstruction of post war countries."

Sample of Sources Used:

• A Chronological History of the EU 1946 - 1998, WimF.V. Vanthoor, Edward Elgar Publishing ltd, 1999
• "Better off out?" The Benefits or costs of EU Membership, Brian Hindley and Martin Howe, The Insatiate of Economic Affairs 1996
• "The European Union", David Wood and Birol Yesilada, Longman publishers USA, 1996
• "Europe Recast: A History of the European Union" Desmond Dinan, Lynne Rienner Publishers, Inc 2004
• John Pinder.The European Union: A Very Short Introduction. Justein Publishers, 2001

More papers on The European Union:

• Book Review # 145645 : "The European Union: Politics and Policies" - A Review"
• Research Paper # 84230 : "Multilevel Governance in the European Union"
• Essay # 71054 : " Turkey and the European Union"
• Essay # 69414 : "Turkey and the European Union"

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