"In just 50 years, Europeans have made war between European powers unthinkable; European economies have closed the gap with the US; and Europe has brought successive waves of countries out of dictatorship and into democracy" (Leonard 2005). Due to the enormous achievements the European Union (EU) brought to its member states, the question of whether the EU is a superpower right now or if it will become a superpower in the future has been and continues to be discussed. In 2002, the then-president of the European Commission stated “that one of the EU’s chief goals is to create a superpower on the European continent that stands equal to the United States” (Kupchan 2003, p.211). This essay aims to answer the question if the EU has reached this chief goal.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The European Union
- The History and Development of the European Union
- The European Union after the Treaty of Lisbon
- Is the EU a superpower, after the Treaty of Lisbon?
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to determine whether the European Union (EU) has achieved its goal of becoming a superpower, a question frequently debated given the EU's significant accomplishments. The essay examines the EU's development, focusing on the impact of the Treaty of Lisbon.
- The historical development and integration of the European Union.
- The economic power and influence of the EU.
- The impact of the Treaty of Lisbon on the EU's structure and function.
- Analysis of whether the EU meets the criteria of a superpower.
- The EU's role on the global stage.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by highlighting the remarkable achievements of the European Union, including the establishment of peace among European nations and significant economic progress. It introduces the central question of whether the EU is or will become a superpower, referencing various publications on the topic, particularly emphasizing the significance of the Treaty of Lisbon in shaping the EU's trajectory and the need to analyze its impact on the EU's superpower potential.
The European Union: This chapter provides an overview of the European Union, emphasizing its vast size and economic influence. It establishes the EU as a unique entity, a hybrid of international and supranational organizations, highlighting the contrasting roles of the Council of Ministers, European Council, European Commission, and the European Parliament, particularly after the Treaty of Lisbon. This complex institutional structure is essential in understanding the EU’s capacity for global action and its potential as a superpower. The chapter lays the groundwork for examining how this institutional interplay affects the EU’s ability to act decisively on the world stage.
The History and Development of the European Union: This section traces the EU's historical trajectory, starting from Europe's hegemonic position in the 15th century to its post-World War II integration efforts. It details the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM), and the European Economic Community (EEC), emphasizing their roles in fostering economic and political unity and securing lasting peace. The signing of the Treaties of Rome in 1957 and the subsequent merging of the three communities are also highlighted, establishing the foundations for the modern EU’s institutions and illustrating the gradual process of European integration.
Keywords
European Union, superpower, Treaty of Lisbon, European integration, economic power, supranational institutions, global politics, international relations, peace, prosperity.
Frequently Asked Questions: European Union Superpower Status After the Treaty of Lisbon
What is the main topic of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of an essay analyzing whether the European Union (EU) has achieved superpower status, particularly focusing on the impact of the Treaty of Lisbon. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
The essay examines the historical development and integration of the EU, its economic power and influence, the impact of the Treaty of Lisbon on its structure and function, an analysis of whether it meets the criteria of a superpower, and its role on the global stage.
What is the significance of the Treaty of Lisbon?
The Treaty of Lisbon is central to the essay's analysis. It's considered a crucial turning point in the EU's development, and the essay explores its impact on the EU's structure, function, and ultimately, its potential as a superpower.
What aspects of the EU's development are discussed?
The essay traces the EU's development from its early stages (e.g., the creation of the ECSC, EURATOM, and EEC) to its current form, emphasizing the gradual process of European integration and the roles of various institutions (Council of Ministers, European Council, European Commission, and European Parliament).
What is the overall question the essay seeks to answer?
The core question is whether the EU has achieved or will achieve superpower status, given its significant accomplishments and complex institutional structure. The essay analyzes this question by examining the EU's historical development, economic strength, and its role in global affairs.
What are the key institutions of the EU mentioned?
The document highlights the Council of Ministers, European Council, European Commission, and European Parliament, emphasizing their roles and contrasting functions within the EU's complex institutional framework, especially after the Treaty of Lisbon.
What are some keywords associated with this essay?
Keywords include European Union, superpower, Treaty of Lisbon, European integration, economic power, supranational institutions, global politics, international relations, peace, and prosperity.
What is included in the chapter summaries?
Chapter summaries provide an overview of the introduction, a chapter on the EU itself, and a chapter dedicated to its history and development. The summaries highlight key points and arguments presented in each chapter.
- Quote paper
- Hendrik Hillebrand (Author), 2010, The European Union: Is Europe a superpower? Will Europe ever be a superpower?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/168240
