European Integration Essay

1437 Words6 Pages
Essay question Describe the institutional design of the European Union today and discuss how different theories (Neo-Functionalism, Liberal Intergovernmentalism and Constructivism) conceptualize the role of the EU’s main institutions in the process of European Integration in accordance with the theories’ basic assumptions. Introduction European integration is the concept of the many countries of Europe working together more closely with the intention of creating common guidelines to trade, business and other matters. European integration if successful has many potential benefits and should conceivably strengthen alliances, build on the economy, and allow Europe to compete more equally with Asia and America. European integration is an continuing process with many countries still joining the EU. In this essay I would try to identify the aspects of Neo-functionalism, Liberal Intergovernmentalism and Constructivism in the supranational institutions of the EU. The first part of my essay will be a brief introduction to some of the main institutions in the EU and the different integration theories. I will then try to identify some aspects in the theories in the institutions. The core of the essay is build around the book The Government and Politics of the European Union by Neill Nugent The European institutions The European Union (EU) is vast system build up by several institutions. The main institutions in the EU are the European Council, the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Council of the European Union (EUC). The last three are the most important in EU legislation. These three institutions are the law making institutions of the EU and together they form the decision making triangle. The European Council only meets four times a year. The Council consists of the heads of state of every member state, the European Council President and the
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