INTERNATIONAL BURCH UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF ECONOMICS – DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT
EU INTEGRATION & BOSNIAN ECONOMY

MRS. NATAŠA TANDIR

INAS ZUKIC 31. MAY, 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

HOW TO WRITE A SEMINAR PAPER...... 3
THREE FACTS ABOUT EU...... 4
FOUNDING FATHERS OF THE EU...... 5
EU INSTITUTIONS...... 11
EU TRATIES...... 13
EU AGENCIES...... 16
DEBATE...... 19
CYPRUS CRISIS...... 20
EU ACCESSION PROGRESS...... 21
- TURKEY...... 22
- CROATIA...... 23
- ICELAND...... 24
- SERBIA...... 25
- MACEDONIA...... 26
- MONTENEGRO...... 27
- KOSOVO...... 28
- ALBANIA...... 29
- BOSNIA...... 30
EFFECT OF CROATIA'S ACCESSION TO EU ON BOSNIA...... 31

HOW TO WRITE A SEMINAR PAPER

A seminar paper is an essay made of referenced facts, research and unbiased opinion.
It should be consisted of a cover page in which a name of institutio, research topic, name and a date should be written.

Every fact that we collect from either a primary or a secondary source should be referenced in a sophisticated, clear and easily understood style.

This paper should be consisted of thefollowing parts:
1. Cover page
2. Table of Contents
3. Introduction
4. Body
5. Conclusion
6. Bibliography/ References
7. Methodology

THREE FACTS ABOUT EU

  1. Anthem of the European Union is Beethoven's 9th symphony.
  2. Motto of the EU is: „United in Diversity“. Via the EU, Europeans are united in working together for peace and prosperity, and that the many differentcultures, traditions andlanguages in Europe area positive asset for the continent.
  3. Largest city of the EU is London.

FOUNDING FATHERS OF THE EU

This paper discusses the Founding Fathers of the European Union and reveals that without their help Europe wouldn’t be what it is today. It outlines their brief biography and their contributions to the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), the European Defense Community (EDC), European Economic Community (EEC) and in the final outcome ; the European Union. It is important to make clear that they were not “European Saints” or “heroes”, but simply practical politicians who dealt real problems in more durable and attractive ways than those ways that earlier proved to be a cause to economic, social and political depression and therefore would lead to war and unrest. And it is these facts that portray these people in a manner that deserves more respect than a name “European saint”, “hero” or a “legend” does.

INTRODUCTION

“As long as Europe remains divided it will be weak and a constant source of conflict. […] With the Schuman Plan and a European army, we have laid the foundations on which we shall be able to build the United States of Europe which will be free, vigorous, peaceful and prosperous.”
(Jean Monnet, speech to the National Press Club, 30th April 1952, Washington).

Twentieth century. World separated in blocks and zones. Hostility. Time when Europe was on the edge of reason due to economic, political and social difficulties, only few individuals who witnessed the harsh side of the wars, treaties, and desperate measures saw an opportunity to create a „brave new world“ where balance of powers will not be the final solution to cooling the tensions and ambitions of the growing nationalism, but instead Europe was to become a home to one of the best inventions of the twentieth century.

Founding fathers of Europe included a diverse group of people; from resistance fighters to lawyers.[1] They were Konrad Adenauer, Joseph Bech, Johan Willem Beyen, Winston Churchill, Alcide De Gasperi, Walter Hallstein, Sicco Mansholt, Jean Monnet, Robert Schuman, Paul-Henri Spaak and Altiero Spinelli. Coming from different parts of Europe they all shared the same desire; pacification of Europe through the reconciliation of Europen nations. Without their energy and motivation, society could not live in the sphere of peace and stability that it takess for granted today. [2]

Main ideal of Founding Fathers of EU was to have a peaceful, united and prosperous Europe and it could be only achieved by implementing the idea of working for prosperity on the behalf of, not just the representing nation involved, but on the behalf of overall peace, justice and wealth.

Even though many people played important roles in the creation of the Europen Union, most agree that there are seven official founders. „Robert Schuman due to his Declaration on 9th May 1950, Jean Monnet, who was the latter’s source of inspiration and first president of the High Authority of the ECSC, Kondrad Adenauer, the German Chancellor who brought the young FRG (Federal Republic of Germany) into the project and also Alcide de Gasperi, President of the Italian Council, Paul-Henri Spaak, the Belgian Prime Minister, Johan Willem Beyen, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands and Joseph Bech, the head of the Luxembourg government. Seven founding fathers for the emerging ECSC – which was heading towards a great future – the European Union.“[3]

FOUNDING FATHERS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, BIOGRAPHY AND THE CONTRIBUTION

Robert Schuman (1886 - 1963), born in the Luxembourg City is also known as the architect of the European integration project. As a qualified lawyer and a French foreign minister, he stated that only a lasting reconciliation with Germany could form the basis for a united Europe, and that was a result of his experiences in Nazi Germany.[4] Along with Jean Monnet, he participated in the drawing of the Schuman Plan published in May 9th, 1950 which is today regarded as the birth of EU. Schuman also supported the formation of a common European defense policy, and was, from 1958-1960, president of the European Parliament. [5]

Jean Monnet (1888 - 1979), was born in a Cognac region in France and his job as a political and economic advisor helped him dedicate himself to the cause of European integration.[6] During both world wars he held high-level positions relating the coordination of industrial production in France and Uk which later actually helped him foresaw the merger of west European heavy industry.[7] Monnet was one of the authors of the Schuman declaration which led to the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community. He became the first president of the High Authority of the ECSC and is today known as the unifying force behind the birth of the European Union famous for his much-quoted phase: “We unite people, not states.”[8]

Konrad Adenauer (1876 - 1967), was born in Cologne in German Empire (Germany) and was the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, a newly-formed state, from 1949 – 1963.[9] Along with other Founding Fathers, he realized that lasting peace in Europe could only be achieved through a united Europe[10], and therefore worked accordingly. He achieved that Germany became part of the Council of Europe, the European Coal and Steel Community and the NATO.[11] He also achieved peace with France, Germany’s arch enemy, by signing a treaty of friendship in 1963.[12] It is the fact that he changed the face of post-war German and European history more than any other individual that earned him recognition of being the most pragmatic democrat and a tireless unifier.[13]

Alcide de Gasperi (1881 - 1954), was born in the former Austria-Hungarian Empire. From 1945-1953, he was the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Italy.[14] It was him who led Italy during the post-war years. Because of his experiences as an imprisoner during the war strenghtened his conviction that only the union of Europe could prevent their reccurence.[15] He promoted initiatives for the fusion of Western Europe and worked on the realisation of the Marshall Plan, along with creating close economic ties with other European countries, especially France.[16] Being one of the Founding Fathers he become known as the inspired mediator for democracy and freedom in Europe.[17]

Paul-Henri Spaak (1899-1972), was born in Belgium and because of his negative experiences during the First World War and due to his inability to preserve Belgium's neutrality during the Second World war, he placed his efforts in unifying Europe.[18] Therefore, he did not only support the European Coal and Steel Community, but also supported the European defence community.[19] All these achievements were possible when he became the president of the first full meeting of the United Nations and as General Secretary of NATO.[20] He also served as a leading figure in formulating the content of the Treaty of Rome.[21]

Johan Willem Beyen (1894-1976) a Dutch-born banker, businessman and a politician who breathed new life into the process of European integration in the mid-1950's with his „Beyen Plan“ which was a proposal for a customs union and far-reaching economic cooperation within a common European market..[22] Even though he is one of the less-known Founding Fathers of the EU, he gave an important input to the European unification process as a Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs. [23] It is him who was the author of the plan for a common market.[24]

Joseph Bech (1887 - 1975), was born in Luxembourg City and served as the head of the Luxembourg government and by doing so he helped set up the European Coal and Steel Community in the early 1950s.[25] He was also a leading architect behind European integration in the late 1950s.[26] „It was a joint memorandum from the Benelux countries that led to the convening of the Messina Conference in June 1955, paving the way for the European Economic Community.“[27] He is known as a Founding Fatehr who proved how a small country can play a crucial role in European integration.[28]

„In the past a great number had already put forward the idea of a united Europe, notably Aristide Briand and Richard Nikolaus de Coudenhove-Kalergi, and also in a more distant past, Victor Hugo when he delivered his famous speech on the “United States of Europe” on 21st August 1849 at the Peace Congress; there was also Winston Churchill who put forward his vision of a united Europe as a remedy to nationalist passions during his speech to students at the University of Zurich in 1946. Many others after them played key roles in European integration: German, Walter Hallstein, the first President of the European Commission in 1958, Italian Altiero Spinelli, intellectual and politician, author of the Ventotene Manifesto and the inspiration behind the draft treaty on European Union in 1984 and of course Jacques Delors, the charismatic President of the European Commission in the 1980’s and 90’s.“ [29]
("Foundation Robert Schuman."Fathers of Europe)

CONCLUSION

Beside the original seven Founding Fathers of the European Union, but also anyone who contributed to the making of the force, was strong enough to unite arch enemies and encourage them to put their guard down and hopes up for a better future of next generations.They all shared the same negative war experience, perverse effects of protectionism and political weakiningof Germany caused by the Versailles Treaty of 1919.[30]

Also, each of them had the same vision of a prosperous Europe with an identical political approach (Christian Democracy).[31] This encouraged them to create a peaceful Europe united by the economy with a high-level of cooperation between States and populations which would one day evolve to a political unity. [32]

REFERENCES

"EUROPEAN FOUNDING FATHERS | CONTEMPORARY HISTORY." <

"Foundation Robert Schuman."Fathers of Europe
<

"The Founding Fathers of the EU."European Union.
<europa.eu/about-eu/eu-history/founding-fathers/index_en.htm#box_6>.

"The Founding Fathers."European Union.
<europa.eu/about-eu/eu-history/founding-fathers/index_en.htm>

"The Founding Fathers of the European Union » QualiTrainer
<

"Johan Willem Beyen."European Commission.
<europa.eu/about-eu/eu-history/founding-fathers/pdf/johan_willem_beyen_en.pdf>.

EU INSTITUTIONS

EUROPEAN UNION COMMITTEE

The European Union Committee considers EU documents and other EU-related matters in advance of decisions being taken on them. It aims to hold the Government to account for its actions at EU level. The work of the Select Committee is assisted byits Sub-Committees, which deal with different policy areas, listed under 'Related Links'. The Select Committee and the Sub-Committees scrutinise proposals, conduct inquiries, and prepare reports.

THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

The Committee of the Regions is an advisory body representing local and regional authorities in the European Union. The role of the Committee of the Regions (CoR) is to put forward local and regional points of view on EU legislation. It does so by issuing reports (‘opinions’) on Commission proposals. The Commission, the Council and the Parliament must consult the Committee of the Regions before EU decisions are taken on matters concerning local and regional government (for example on employment policy, the environment, education or public health). The Committee of the Regions currently has 344 members (and as many alternate members) from all 27 EU countries. Further expansion of the EU could take the number of members (and alternates) to a maximum of 350.

EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK

The EIB is the European Union's bank. The only bank owned by and representing the interests of theEuropean Union Member States. Works closely with otherEU institutionsto implement EU policy. As the largest multilateralborrowerand lender by volume, provides finance and expertises for sound and sustainable investment projects which contribute to furthering EU policy objectives. More than 90% of its activity is focused onEuropebut it also implements the financial aspects of theEU's external and development policies.
Lending: The vast majority of our financing is through loans, but we also offer guarantees, microfinance, equity investment, etc.

Blending: Our support helps us unlock financing from other sources, particularly from the EU budget. This is blended together to form the full financing package.
Advising: Lack of finance is often only one barrier to investment. We can help with administrative and project management capacity which facilitates investment implementation.

THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK

The ECB is the central bank for Europe's single currency, the euro. The ECB’s main task is to maintain the euro's purchasing power and thus price stability in the euro area. The euro area comprises the 17 European Union countries that have introduced the euro since 1999.

THE EUROPEAN OMBUDSMAN

The European Ombudsman investigates complaints against EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies.

The Ombudsman responds to complaints from EU citizens, businesses and organisations, helping to uncover cases of 'maladministration' – where EU institutions, bodies, offices or agencies have broken the law, failed to respect the principles of sound administration or violated human rights. Examples include: unfairness, discrimination, abuse of power, lack of or refusal to provide information, unnecessary delay and incorrect procedures.
The Ombudsman's office launches investigations after receiving a complaint or on its own initiative. It is completely independent and does not take orders from any government or organisation. Once a year, it presents the European Parliament with an activity report.

AGENCIES OF THE EU

Anagency of the European Unionis a decentralised body of theEuropean Union(EU), which are distinct from theinstitutions. Agencies are established to accomplish specific tasks. Each agency has its own legal personality. Some answer the need to develop scientific or technical know-how in certain fields, others bring together different interest groups to facilitate dialogue at European and international level.

EU TREATIES

Everything that European Union does today is done according to the treaties it had signed, therefore, we sometimes refer to them as the stepping stones of the three pillars that represent different policy areas of the EU. These treaties are amended each time a new state joins or EU's institution reforms with an aim of giving it a new area of responsibility. There are several treaties of the European Union and each one of them has its significant importance and a role to play.

The Treaty of Paris, formally the Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community, was signed on April 18., 1951 between Belgium, France, West Germany, italy Luxembourg and the Netherlands. It was the first founding treaty. Its aim was to establish the common market for the strategic products.

Treaty of Rome was signed on March 25., 1957. It was consisted of two treaties. It established the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom). Its advantages were that it was a ticket to greater economic growth because it started to break down the barriers of trade and investment that had existed in Europe since the 1930s. Treaty of Rome also fulfilled the dream of a United Europe that would make it impossible for European countries to go to war again, and therefore it would imporve the European reconciliation and theencourage the spread of democracy. However, most think that the Treaty set the impossible goal of creating a United Europe without having on mind the obvious linguistic and cultural barriers. It also seemed very confusing and contradictory and it allowed many decisions to be brought behind closed doors without open debate and participation.

SEA or the Single European Act was signed on 17th and 28th February in 1986 and created an act of qualified majority voting. It was also a beginning of Legislative cooperation between the Council and the European Parliament. SEA headed towards a large internal market and also encouraged foreign policy co-operation. European Council was first mentioned then. The benefits of SEA was that it pushed European Community in a liberalising direction that has benefited everyone in the EU by increasing competition and wealth. It also introduced more democracy and was vital to cope with the changing character of the community since it had absorbed so many new members. Its disadvantages were that SEA had expended the role of commission and by expending the QMV, it made the EU less accountable to member states because a law could easily be made without everyone's agreement.