The European Union (EU) is an economic and political union of 27 member states located primarily in Europe. The EU was established in 1993 with the aim of enhancing economic and political cooperation among its members. Over time, the EU has expanded its role to include areas such as foreign policy, environmental protection, and the promotion of human rights.
One of the essential aspects of the EU`s functioning is the agreement among the member states. The agreement is necessary to ensure that the EU can operate effectively and efficiently. Without agreement, the EU would not be able to achieve its objectives, which include promoting economic growth, social progress, and the well-being of its citizens.
The agreement on the functioning of the EU is outlined in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). The TFEU establishes the legal framework for the EU`s policies and actions. The treaty sets out the EU`s objectives, principles, and governance structures.
The agreement on the functioning of the EU includes several key elements. The first is the principle of subsidiarity, which means that decisions should be taken at the lowest possible level of government. This principle ensures that the EU respects the autonomy of its member states and only intervenes when necessary.
Another crucial element of the agreement is the principle of proportionality. This principle states that the EU should only take action that is necessary to achieve its objectives and should not exceed what is required to achieve those objectives.
The agreement also establishes the EU`s institutions, including the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council of the EU, the European Commission, and the European Court of Justice. These institutions work together to develop and implement EU policies and laws.
The agreement on the functioning of the EU also includes provisions for the EU`s policies in areas such as the single market, competition, and social policy. The single market ensures the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people within the EU. The competition policy promotes fair and open competition within the EU, while social policy aims to improve the living standards of EU citizens.
In conclusion, the agreement on the functioning of the EU is essential for the EU to operate effectively and achieve its objectives. It establishes the legal framework for EU policies and actions and ensures that decisions are taken at the appropriate level of government. The agreement also outlines the EU`s institutions and policies in areas such as the single market, competition, and social policy. As the EU continues to evolve, the agreement on the functioning of the EU will remain a crucial aspect of its operation.
