https://arqshah.wordpress.com/2014/05/19/is-the-eu-a-federal-state-discuss-government-and-politics-a2-edexcel-unit-3d-option-d/
The European Union is sometimes considered a ‘federal state.’ But what exactly does this mean, and can this argument truly be justified?
But first, what is the European Union?
The European Union is the an economic and political union, consisting of 28 countries that share a common ground in relation to borders and location. The EU operates in a supranational system, where member states are required to devote a limited amount of sovereignty. It surrounds itself in offering peace and stability within Europe, seen through Germany and France’s stable relationship after the formation of the European Union, as well as free trade and movement of people, seen through the Union’s free trade agreements. Europe is a combination of different states, cities and interests all combined together to work under a common fate, forming a system of cohesion.
So what is a federal state?
A federal state is a political entity characterised by a union of self governing states or regions under a central government. Examples include the USA, Argentina and Australia.
“Yes, I believe the EU is a federal state.”
No, to call the EU a “federal state” is far too exaggerated. Whilst the EU maintains SOME aspects similar to a federalist state, it is far from it.
Personal opinion: I believe that whilst the EU successfully combines supranational as well as intergovernmental aspects of cooperation, in a system that works together pooling sovereignty, the EU is not yet a federalist state. The EU’s inability to form a combined armed force, as well as it’s lack of consensus (single currency) still shows the Union as not fully operating in cohesion and thus perhaps the Union has not yet reached the level of devoted sovereignty required for a federal state system.
The European Union is sometimes considered a ‘federal state.’ But what exactly does this mean, and can this argument truly be justified?
But first, what is the European Union?
The European Union is the an economic and political union, consisting of 28 countries that share a common ground in relation to borders and location. The EU operates in a supranational system, where member states are required to devote a limited amount of sovereignty. It surrounds itself in offering peace and stability within Europe, seen through Germany and France’s stable relationship after the formation of the European Union, as well as free trade and movement of people, seen through the Union’s free trade agreements. Europe is a combination of different states, cities and interests all combined together to work under a common fate, forming a system of cohesion.
So what is a federal state?
A federal state is a political entity characterised by a union of self governing states or regions under a central government. Examples include the USA, Argentina and Australia.
“Yes, I believe the EU is a federal state.”
- Shared sovereignty is the core feature of federalism and by this test the Union already possesses a broadly federal character.
- Similar to the US’ federal state, the EU has a strong legal basis in the treaties it operates under. For example the Maastricht and Lisbon treaty are unique of that of a federal state
- The influential European Court of Justice, just like America’s Supreme Court adjudicates disputes between levels of governments.
- The political structure of the EU is similar to that of a federal state: European Commission, European Court, European Council of Ministers.
No, to call the EU a “federal state” is far too exaggerated. Whilst the EU maintains SOME aspects similar to a federalist state, it is far from it.
- The USA possesses single currency and freedom of movement: this has only partially been achieved with the EU for example UK choosing to not adopt the Euro.
- The EU is still governed by treaties between states whereas the United States was founded on a constitution.
- The EU does not tax its citizens directly, its main revenue is a levy on the gross income of member states.
- Member states have retained national control of foreign and defence policy including the armed force.
Personal opinion: I believe that whilst the EU successfully combines supranational as well as intergovernmental aspects of cooperation, in a system that works together pooling sovereignty, the EU is not yet a federalist state. The EU’s inability to form a combined armed force, as well as it’s lack of consensus (single currency) still shows the Union as not fully operating in cohesion and thus perhaps the Union has not yet reached the level of devoted sovereignty required for a federal state system.