Daria Dolinenko
Week 9
2AJEIEb1
The Member States
The Foundational Role of Member States in the EU
Member states were the architects of the European integration project, created in the aftermath of World War II to foster economic
cooperation and ensure peace. The six founding members—Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands—
established the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1951 to manage vital resources collectively and prevent future conflicts.
This initiative laid the groundwork for the Treaty of Rome in 1957, which established the European Economic Community (EEC) and
Euratom.
Enlargement and Membership Development
Since its inception, the EU has undergone significant expansions.
• 1973 Expansion: Denmark, Ireland, and the UK joined, marking the first enlargement.
• 1980s Expansion: Southern Europe became part of the EU as Greece (1981), Spain, and Portugal (1986) joined, transitioning from
dictatorships to democracies.
• Post-Cold War Enlargement: Austria, Finland, and Sweden entered the EU in 1995, reflecting the appeal of European integration after
the Cold War.
• Largest Expansion: In 2004, ten Central and Eastern European nations joined, followed by Bulgaria and Romania in 2007. Croatia
became the 28th member in 2013.
These enlargements diversified the EU but also introduced new challenges, including economic disparities and differing political priorities
among members.
Key Treaties and Their Impact on Member States
The evolution of the EU has been shaped by several foundational treaties:
• Treaty of Maastricht (1993): This treaty formally established the EU, introduced European citizenship, and expanded cooperation to new
areas such as foreign policy, justice, and home affairs.
• Treaty of Amsterdam (1999): Focused on institutional reforms, promoting transparency, and strengthening justice and home affairs
cooperation.
• Treaty of Lisbon (2009): Clarified the distribution of competences between the EU and member states, emphasizing principles like
subsidiarity and proportionality to balance EU authority and national sovereignty.
The Role of Member States in EU Governance
Member states actively shape EU policies and legislation through their participation in the European Council and the Council of Ministers.
These institutions allow states to defend national interests while contributing to collective decisions.
• European Council: Comprising heads of state or government, this body sets the EU’s strategic agenda.
• Council of Ministers: Ministers from each member state negotiate and adopt legislation, with voting mechanisms including unanimity for
sensitive issues and qualified majority voting for others.
• COREPER (Committee of Permanent Representatives): Prepares the groundwork for Council decisions, ensuring effective negotiation
and consensus-building.
Sovereignty vs. Integration
The balance between national sovereignty and deeper EU integration remains a contentious issue. Member states face the challenge of
aligning their domestic policies with EU directives, particularly in areas like immigration, economic governance, and judicial reforms.
• Subsidiarity Principle: Ensures that decisions are made at the most appropriate level—EU or national—preventing unnecessary
centralization.
• European Court of Justice (ECJ): Enforces EU law and resolves disputes between member states and institutions. Notable cases like
Van Gend en Loos established the doctrine of direct effect, while Costa v ENEL confirmed the supremacy of EU law over national
legislation.
Responsibilities and Obligations of Member States
Membership in the EU comes with significant responsibilities:
• Implementation of EU Law: Member states must adopt and enforce EU directives and regulations, with the European Commission
monitoring compliance. Infringement procedures can be initiated for non-compliance.
• Budget Contributions: States contribute to the EU budget based on their economic size, funding programs in regional development,
agriculture, and innovation.
• Policy Alignment: National policies must align with EU goals, particularly in areas like environmental protection, consumer rights, and
market regulation.
Special Arrangements and Opt-Outs
Some member states have negotiated opt-outs or special arrangements to address domestic concerns:
• Denmark and the UK: Opted out of the Eurozone and certain aspects of defense and justice cooperation.
• Sweden: Legally obligated to adopt the euro but has delayed doing so indefinitely.
• Non-Eurozone Members: Countries like Poland and Hungary have chosen not to join the Eurozone, citing economic and political
reasons.
Economic and Regional Disparities
Economic inequalities between member states have led to tensions over funding and redistribution. Cohesion policies aim to reduce
disparities by supporting less developed regions through structural funds. However, debates persist over the fairness of contributions and
benefits, particularly between wealthier northern states and less affluent southern and eastern members.
Current Challenges and Emerging Issues
• Brexit: The UK’s departure in 2020 highlighted tensions between sovereignty and EU integration, raising questions about the future of the
Union.
• Migration Crisis: Divergent approaches to asylum and border control have strained solidarity, with some states resisting mandatory
refugee quotas.
• Rule of Law Disputes: Concerns about democratic backsliding in Hungary and Poland have led to clashes with EU institutions over
judicial independence and media freedom.
• Climate Change and Energy Policy: The EU’s Green Deal and energy transition require collective action, but states differ in their
capacity and willingness to implement these measures.
Globalization and External Pressures
Globalization has brought opportunities for economic growth but also challenges such as increased competition, labor market pressures, and
cultural tensions. External crises, including geopolitical conflicts and climate change, require coordinated responses, testing the unity and
resilience of member states.
National Identity and European Identity
The relationship between national and European identities is complex. While the EU promotes shared values and integration, member states
often prioritize their unique cultures and traditions. This tension is particularly evident in debates over sovereignty, immigration, and the
role of EU institutions.
The Future of Member States in the EU
As the EU evolves, member states face critical decisions about the extent of integration. Key questions include the future of the Eurozone,
the development of a common defense policy, and strategies for addressing global challenges like climate change and digital transformation.
The ability of member states to cooperate while maintaining their distinct identities will shape the Union’s trajectory.
These notes provide a comprehensive overview of the chapter’s key themes, reflecting the complexities of EU membership and the evolving
roles of its member states. This dynamic relationship underscores the challenges and opportunities inherent in balancing national interests
with collective goals.
