This paper gives answers to the role of the four fundamental freedoms in the EU (free movement of persons, goods, services and capital), their shaping factors and importance throughout history until today.
In the first step, the fundamental freedoms are characterized and distinguished. Afterwards, a detailed look at their history is taken and their most important milestones discussed. Furthermore, their development is traced. Subsequently, two exemplary recent events, the British exit out of the European Union and the European refugee crisis, are examined. On their basis, the importance of the four fundamental freedoms today, is discussed. Special attention is paid on the free movement of persons, as this appears to be the one which has arisen the most displease. In connection to this, possible implications are weighted and the actual discontent of the free movement of persons questioned.
Table of Contents
1 Research Question
2 The four fundamental freedoms
3 Historic development
4 Recent events shaping the four fundamental freedoms
5 Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the history, development, and current significance of the four fundamental freedoms within the European Union, specifically addressing how recent events like the British exit (Brexit) and the European refugee crisis have challenged and destabilized these core pillars of the Single Market.
- Historical evolution of the four fundamental freedoms since 1957.
- Analysis of the four fundamental freedoms: goods, persons, services, and capital.
- Evaluation of the impact of the Brexit on the European Single Market.
- Assessment of the effects of the European refugee crisis on border controls and freedom of movement.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1 Free movement of goods
The first fundamental freedom is the free movement of goods which is dictated in Article 28 to 44 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). It defines that “quantitative restrictions on imports and all measures having equivalent effect shall be prohibited between Member States” (Smith, Rook & Murrell, 2008: p. 133). In other words, all measures that might be an obstacle to the unobstructed free movement of goods in the EU, shall be eliminated. Therefore, distinctions between different types of commodities need to be made: There are community goods, goods from third countries and transferred community goods. The former category includes the ones that are produced in one of the EU countries, whereas the second category is concerned with goods produced in a country outside of the EU. The latter are goods which are treated like community commodities by transferring them in the area of free circulation, as long as the final product is fully made in the EU. Additionally, the prohibition of internal customs and other fees between the member states is guaranteed and the installment of common customs for external parties stipulated. The European Trade Policy facilitates this principle, as regulations for the whole EU have been made possible (Hailbronner & Jochum, 2006: p. 95-99; Epiney, 2014: pp. 315-316).
In the European Community Treaty (TEC) the containment of the free movement of goods is dictated in order to protect elementary legal interests such as the protection of health and life of humans. However, this derogation needs to be on a reliable basis (Smith, Rook & Murrell, 2008: pp. 134-135).
Summary of Chapters
1 Research Question: This chapter introduces the European Single Market, its global economic importance, and sets the research focus on how the four fundamental freedoms have been shaped over time and how they are currently affected by recent challenges.
2 The four fundamental freedoms: This section provides a detailed characterization and distinction of the four core freedoms: the free movement of goods, persons, services, and capital, highlighting their legal status and historical origins.
3 Historic development: This chapter traces the evolution of the European Union from the 1950s through the 1990s, detailing key treaties and achievements that have contributed to the establishment and strengthening of the four fundamental freedoms.
4 Recent events shaping the four fundamental freedoms: This chapter analyzes how contemporary political and economic challenges, specifically the Brexit and the European refugee crisis, have impacted the stability and perception of the freedoms.
5 Conclusion: The final chapter summarizes the importance of the fundamental freedoms for European integration and offers a concluding perspective on their future, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining them despite temporary destabilizations.
Keywords
European Union, European Single Market, Four Fundamental Freedoms, Free movement of goods, Free movement of persons, Free movement of services, Free movement of capital, Brexit, European refugee crisis, Treaty of Rome, European integration, Border controls, Schengen Agreement, European Law, Economic stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on the history, development, and current state of the four fundamental freedoms within the European Union, exploring their importance in the Single Market.
What are the four fundamental freedoms of the European Union?
The four fundamental freedoms are the free movement of goods, the free movement of persons, the free movement of services, and the free movement of capital.
What is the central research question addressed by the author?
The author investigates how the four fundamental freedoms have been shaped historically and what their current position and importance are in light of recent economic and political events.
Which scientific methodology is primarily applied in this work?
The paper utilizes a literature-based analysis of historical treaties, European legislation, and recent case studies to trace the development and examine the impact of current challenges on the freedoms.
What topics are discussed in the main part of the paper?
The main part covers the definitions of the four freedoms, their historical milestones from the 1950s to the 1990s, and an analysis of how the Brexit and the European refugee crisis affect these freedoms today.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Key terms include European Single Market, four fundamental freedoms, European integration, Brexit, refugee crisis, and economic policy.
How does the Brexit influence the four fundamental freedoms?
The Brexit creates significant uncertainty regarding future trade and movement rights, as the exit negotiations challenge the existing integration and the free movement of persons.
What is the impact of the European refugee crisis on the freedom of movement?
The crisis has led several member states to implement temporary border controls, which directly restrict the free movement of persons and also negatively impact the transit of goods and services.
Is the European population generally against the free movement of persons?
No, the research indicates that the majority of EU citizens remain in favor of the freedom to live, work, and study across borders, despite political tensions and recent crises.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2018, The four freedoms of the European Union, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/934292
