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European Parliament and U.S. Interests [Updated October 25, 2019]
From the Document: "The European Parliament (EP) is the only directly elected institution of the 28-country European Union (EU). The EP's 751 members represent the EU's roughly 513 million citizens. The most recent EP elections were in May 2019. The EP has accumulated more power over time as part of EU efforts to improve democratic accountability and transparency in EU policymaking. Enhanced powers since the 2009 Lisbon Treaty have made the EP a more important actor on several issues of U.S. concern, including trade, data privacy, and counterterrorism. Congress-EP ties are long-standing, and Congress may be increasingly interested in EP activities given the EP's potential to influence key aspects of U.S.-EU relations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2019-10-25
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Transatlantic Relations in 2018 [January 10, 2018]
"As the second year of the Trump Administration begins, a degree of uncertainty lingers over transatlantic relations. The U.S.-European partnership could face challenges in 2018. Following the election of President Trump, numerous European officials and analysts expressed concern about the future trajectory of U.S.-European relations, particularly the U.S. commitment to NATO, the European Union (EU), and the multilateral trading system. Although the Trump Administration has not altered or withdrawn from the fundamental aspects of the transatlantic relationship, many European leaders appear uneasy with key parts of the Trump Administration's 'America First' foreign policy and some question whether the United States will remain a reliable partner in 2018."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morelli, Vincent L.; Archick, Kristin
2018-01-10
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Northern Ireland, Brexit, and the Irish Border [March 12, 2018]
"As the 20th anniversary of the April 1998 peace accord for Northern Ireland (known as the Good Friday Agreement or the Belfast Agreement) approaches, concerns are increasing about how the expected exit of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU)--or 'Brexit'--might affect Northern Ireland. The future of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland has become a central issue in the UK's withdrawal negotiations with the EU. Once the UK ceases to be a member of the EU--likely in March 2019-- Northern Ireland will be the only part of the UK to share a land border with an EU member state (Ireland and the UK both joined the EU in 1973). Agreeing upon arrangements for the post-Brexit UK-Irish border is particularly challenging because of Northern Ireland's history of political violence. Roughly 3,500 people died during 'the Troubles,' the 30-year sectarian conflict between unionists (Protestants who largely define themselves as British and support remaining part of the UK) and nationalists (Catholics who consider themselves Irish and may desire a united Ireland)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Mix, Derek E.
2018-03-12
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Northern Ireland: Current Issues and Ongoing Challenges in the Peace Process [March 12, 2018]
"Between 1969 and 1999, almost 3,500 people died as a result of political violence in Northern Ireland, which is one of four component 'nations' of the United Kingdom (UK). The conflict, often referred to as 'the Troubles,' has its origins in the 1921 division of Ireland and has reflected a struggle between different national, cultural, and religious identities. Protestants in Northern Ireland (48%) largely define themselves as British and support remaining part of the UK (unionists). Most Catholics in Northern Ireland (45%) consider themselves Irish, and many desire a united Ireland (nationalists). On April 10, 1998, the two governments and the Northern Ireland political parties participating in peace talks reached a political settlement. The resulting Good Friday Agreement (also known as the Belfast Agreement) recognized the 'consent principle' (i.e., a change in Northern Ireland's status can come about only with the consent of a majority of its people). It called for devolved government--the transfer of power from London to Belfast--with a Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive Committee in which unionist and nationalist parties would share power; it also contained provisions on decommissioning (disarmament) of paramilitary weapons, policing, human rights, UK security normalization (demilitarization), and the status of prisoners."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2018-03-12
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The European Union: Questions and Answers [February 23, 2018]
"The European Union (EU) is a political and economic partnership that represents a unique form of cooperation among sovereign countries. The EU is the latest stage in a process of integration begun after World War II, initially by six Western European countries, to foster interdependence and make another war in Europe unthinkable. The EU currently consists of 28 member states, including most of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, and has helped to promote peace, stability, and economic prosperity throughout the European continent."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2018-02-23
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European Parliament and U.S. Interests [May 16, 2019]
From the Document: "Between May 23 and May 26, 2019, the 28 member states of the European Union (EU) are due to hold elections for the next European Parliament (EP). As the only EU institution that is directly elected, the 751 members of the EP represent the roughly 513 million citizens of the EU. The EP has accumulated more power over time, most recently with the EU's 2009 Lisbon Treaty, in an attempt to improve democratic accountability and transparency in EU policy making. Enhanced powers have made the EP a more important actor on several issues of U.S. concern, including trade, data privacy, and countering terrorism. Congress-EP ties are longstanding, and Congress may be increasingly interested in EP activities given the EP's potential to influence key aspects of U.S.-EU relations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2019-05-16
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U.S.-European Relations in the 116th Congress [Updated May 20, 2019]
From the Document: "Since the end of the Second World War, successive U.S. Administrations and many Members of Congress have supported a close U.S. partnership with Europe. Often termed the 'transatlantic relationship', the U.S.-European partnership encompasses NATO, the European Union (EU), and extensive bilateral political and economic ties. Over the past 70 years, political tensions, trade disputes, and changes in the security landscape have tested U.S.-European relations. Despite periodic difficulties, U.S. and European policymakers have valued the transatlantic partnership as serving their respective geostrategic and economic interests."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2019-05-20
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EU Data Protection Rules and U.S. Implications [Updated February 7, 2019]
From the Document: "U.S. and European citizens are increasingly concerned about ensuring the protection of personal data, especially online. A string of high-profile data breaches at companies such as Facebook and Google have contributed to heightened public awareness. The European Union's (EU) new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)--which took effect on May 25, 2018--has drawn the attention of U.S. businesses and other stakeholders, prompting debate on U.S. data privacy and protection policies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fefer, Rachel F.; Archick, Kristin
2019-02-07
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Northern Ireland: Current Issues and Ongoing Challenges in the Peace Process [Updated March 8, 2019]
From the Document: "Between 1969 and 1999, almost 3,500 people died as a result of political violence in Northern Ireland, which is one of four component 'nations' of the United Kingdom (UK). The conflict, often referred to as 'the Troubles,' has its origins in the 1921 division of Ireland and has reflected a struggle between different national, cultural, and religious identities. Protestants in Northern Ireland (48%) largely define themselves as British and support remaining part of the UK ('unionists'). Most Catholics in Northern Ireland (45%) consider themselves Irish, and many desire a united Ireland ('nationalists')."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2019-03-08
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U.S.-EU Cooperation on Ukraine and Russia [August 7, 2014]
"The United States and the European Union (EU) have pursued similar policies in response to the crisis in Ukraine. Both have provided additional financial aid to bolster Ukraine's political transition, condemned Russia's annexation of Crimea, and called for Russia to end its support of separatists in eastern and southern Ukraine. The United States and the EU have taken steps to isolate Russia diplomatically and imposed several rounds of sanctions in an effort to change Moscow's behavior and bring an end to the conflict in eastern Ukraine. (For background, see CRS Report RL33460, 'Ukraine: Current Issues and U.S. Policy,' by Steven Woehrel.) At the same time, some U.S.-EU tensions have been evident as the two sides have grappled with how best to respond to Russia's actions in Ukraine. Frictions have been perhaps most pronounced on the issue of sanctions. Between March and early July 2014, the EU and the United States announced visa bans and asset freezes on several dozen Russians and Ukrainians. In contrast to the United States, however, the EU did not sanction members of Russian President Vladimir Putin's 'inner circle' or key firms or banks associated with them due to concerns about antagonizing Russia."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Mix, Derek E.
2014-08-07
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European Union: Questions and Answers [January 15, 2014]
"The European Union (EU) is a political and economic partnership that represents a unique form of cooperation among sovereign countries. The Union is the latest stage in a process of integration begun after World War II, initially by six Western European countries, to foster interdependence and make another war in Europe unthinkable. Today, the EU is composed of 28 member states, including most of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, and has helped to promote peace, stability, and economic prosperity throughout the European continent. The EU has been built through a series of binding treaties, and over the years, EU member states have sought to harmonize laws and adopt common policies on an increasing number of economic, social, and political issues. EU member states share a customs union, a single market in which goods, people, and capital move freely, a common trade policy, and a common agricultural policy. Eighteen EU member states use a common currency (the euro). In addition, the EU has been developing a Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), which includes a Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP), and pursuing cooperation in the area of Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) to forge common internal security measures. […] Data privacy also continues to be a sticking point, especially following the recent allegations of U.S. surveillance activities in Europe. This report serves as a primer on the EU and provides a brief description of U.S.-EU relations that may be of interest in the 113th Congress. For more information, also see CRS Report RS22163, 'The United States and Europe: Current Issues', by Derek E. Mix."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2014-01-15
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European Union Enlargement [February 19, 2014]
"The European Union (EU) has long viewed the enlargement process as an extraordinary opportunity to promote political stability and economic prosperity in Europe. Since 2004, EU membership has grown from 15 to 28 countries, bringing in most states of Central and Eastern Europe and fulfilling an historic pledge to further the integration of the continent by peaceful means. Croatia is the EU's newest member, acceding to the EU on July 1, 2013. Analysts contend that the carefully managed process of enlargement is one of the EU's most powerful policy tools, and that, over the years, it has helped transform many European states into functioning democracies and more affluent countries. The EU maintains that the enlargement door remains open to any European country that fulfills the EU's political and economic criteria for membership. At the same time, EU enlargement is also very much a political process; most all significant steps on the long path to accession require the unanimous agreement of the existing 28 member states. As such, a prospective EU candidate's relationship or conflicts with individual member states may also influence a country's EU accession prospects and timeline. […] The status of EU enlargement and its implications for both the EU itself and U.S.-EU relations may be of interest to the 113th Congress. For additional information, see also CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RS21372, 'The European Union: Questions and Answers,' by Kristin Archick; and CRS Report RS22517, 'European Union Enlargement: A Status Report on Turkey's Accession Negotiations,' by Vincent L. Morelli."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Morelli, Vincent L.
2014-02-19
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European Parliament [February 4, 2014]
"The 766-member European Parliament (EP) is a key institution of the European Union (EU), a unique political and economic partnership composed of 28 member states. The EP is the only EU institution that is directly elected. Although the EP does not formally initiate EU legislation, it plays a significant role in the EU's legislative and budgeting processes, and works closely with the two other main EU bodies, the European Commission and the Council of the European Union (also known as the Council of Ministers). Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are organized into political groups, which caucus according to political ideology rather than nationality. The EP's standing committees are key actors in the adoption of EU legislation, and EP delegations maintain international parliament-toparliament relations. The EP is led by a President, who oversees its work and represents the EP externally. MEPs serve five-year terms. The last EP elections were held in June 2009; the next EP elections are expected in May 2014. Voting for the EP takes place on a national basis. Some analysts suggest that the recent rise of anti-EU populist parties in several EU member states may have significant implications for the upcoming EP elections and the composition of the next EP."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2014-02-04
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Northern Ireland: The Peace Process [January 8, 2014]
"Since 1969, over 3,500 people have died as a result of political violence in Northern Ireland, which is a part of the United Kingdom. The conflict, which has its origins in the 1921 division of Ireland, has reflected a struggle between different national, cultural, and religious identities. The Protestant majority (53%) in Northern Ireland defines itself as British and largely supports continued incorporation in the UK (unionists). The Catholic minority (44%) considers itself Irish, and many Catholics desire a united Ireland (nationalists). For years, the British and Irish governments sought to facilitate a political settlement. After many ups and downs, the two governments and the Northern Ireland political parties participating in the peace talks announced an agreement on April 10, 1998. The resulting Good Friday Agreement (also known as the Belfast Agreement) called for devolved government--the transfer of power from London to Belfast--with a Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive Committee in which unionist and nationalist parties would share power. The agreement also contained provisions on decommissioning (disarmament), policing, human rights, UK security normalization (demilitarization), and the status of prisoners. [...] In recent years, congressional hearings have focused on the peace process, police reforms, and the status of public inquiries into several murders in Northern Ireland in which collusion between the security forces and paramilitary groups is suspected. Such issues related to Northern Ireland may continue to be of interest in the second session of the 113th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2014-01-08
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U.S.-EU Cooperation on Ukraine and Russia [September 16, 2014]
"The United States and the 28-member European Union (EU) have pursued similar policies in response to the crisis in Ukraine. Both have provided additional financial aid to bolster Ukraine's political transition, condemned Russia's annexation of Crimea, and called for Russia to end its support of separatists in eastern and southern Ukraine. The United States and the EU have taken steps to isolate Russia diplomatically and imposed targeted economic sanctions in an effort to change Moscow's behavior and bring an end to the conflict. […] Initially, some U.S.-EU differences were evident as the two sides grappled with how best to respond to Russia's actions. EU officials were more wary than their U.S. counterparts of sanctioning Russia because of significant EU-Russian trade and investment ties and the dependence of some EU countries on Russian oil and gas supplies […]."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Mix, Derek E.
2014-09-16
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European Union: Questions and Answers [September 29, 2014]
"The European Union (EU) is a political and economic partnership that represents a unique form of cooperation among sovereign countries. The Union is the latest stage in a process of integration begun after World War II, initially by six Western European countries, to foster interdependence and make another war in Europe unthinkable. Today, the EU is composed of 28 member states, including most of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, and has helped to promote peace, stability, and economic prosperity throughout the European continent. The EU has been built through a series of binding treaties, and over the years, EU member states have sought to harmonize laws and adopt common policies on an increasing number of economic, social, and political issues. EU member states share a customs union; a single market in which goods, people, and capital move freely; a common trade policy; and a common agricultural policy. Eighteen EU member states use a common currency (the euro). In addition, the EU has been developing a Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), which includes a Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP), and pursuing cooperation in the area of Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) to forge common internal security measures."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2014-09-29
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European Union: Questions and Answers [July 31, 2014]
"The European Union (EU) is a political and economic partnership that represents a unique form of cooperation among sovereign countries. The Union is the latest stage in a process of integration begun after World War II, initially by six Western European countries, to foster interdependence and make another war in Europe unthinkable. Today, the EU is composed of 28 member states, including most of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, and has helped to promote peace, stability, and economic prosperity throughout the European continent. The EU has been built through a series of binding treaties, and over the years, EU member states have sought to harmonize laws and adopt common policies on an increasing number of economic, social, and political issues. EU member states share a customs union, a single market in which goods, people, and capital move freely, a common trade policy, and a common agricultural policy. Eighteen EU member states use a common currency (the euro). In addition, the EU has been developing a Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), which includes a Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP), and pursuing cooperation in the area of Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) to forge common internal security measures."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2014-07-31
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Nordic Countries and U.S. Relations [Updated August 26, 2019]
From the Document: "The five Nordic countries--Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden--share deep historical, linguistic, and cultural ties and many political and economic similarities. They are all stable democracies with parliamentary systems of government and prosperous market economies with relatively high standards of living. With a total population of roughly 27 million people, the Nordics collectively form the world's 12th-largest economy. [...] In recent years, migration policy has become a key political issue in the Nordics. The spike in refugees and migrants in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden during the height of the flows into Europe in 2015 strained education, housing, and welfare systems in all four countries. Most Nordic governments introduced tighter asylum policies and curtailed some welfare benefits. Refugees and migrants also have stirred debate about identity, integration, and security in the Nordics. Promoting societal integration has received heightened attention given that several hundred Nordic citizens fought and/or trained with the Islamic State terrorist group (also known as ISIS or ISIL) in Syria and Iraq, and in light of two terrorist attacks carried out by asylum-seekers in Sweden and Finland in 2017."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2019-08-26
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Greenland, Denmark, and U.S. Relations [August 30, 2019]
From the Document: "In August 2019, President Trump expressed interest in purchasing Greenland--a self-governing part of the Kingdom of Denmark--due to the island's strategic location in the Arctic and its increasingly accessible natural resources. After Greenlandic and Danish officials asserted that Greenland is 'open for business, not for sale,' President Trump canceled a previously scheduled state visit to Denmark in early September and subsequently objected to Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's description of his proposal as 'absurd.' The incident sparked tensions with Denmark--a close U.S. ally in NATO and fellow member of the Arctic Council--and led some experts to raise concerns about the future trajectory of U.S.-Nordic and U.S.-European relations more broadly."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2019-08-30
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U.S.-EU Cooperation Against Terrorism [August 10, 2007]
"The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks gave new momentum to European Union (EU) initiatives to improve law enforcement cooperation against terrorism both among its member states and with the United States. Washington has largely welcomed these efforts, recognizing that they may help root out terrorist cells and prevent future attacks. However, the United States and the EU continue to face several challenges as they seek to promote closer cooperation in the police, judicial, and border control fields. This report examines the evolution of U.S.-EU counter-terrorism cooperation and the ongoing challenges that may be of interest in the 110th Congress. This report will be updated as needed. For more information, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL31509, 'Europe and Counterterrorism: Strengthening Police and Judicial Cooperation', by Kristin Archick."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2007-08-10
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Northern Ireland: The Peace Process [July 3, 2008]
"For years, the British and Irish governments sought to facilitate a peaceful settlement to the conflict in Northern Ireland. After many ups and downs, the two governments and the Northern Ireland political parties participating in the peace talks announced an agreement on April 10, 1998. Despite a much improved security situation in the years since then, full implementation of the resulting Good Friday Agreement has been difficult. On May 8, 2007, however, Northern Ireland's devolved political institutions were restored after an almost five-year suspension following a power-sharing deal between the largest unionist and nationalist parties. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2008-07-03
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Northern Ireland: The Peace Process [January 10, 2013]
"Since 1969, over 3,500 people have died as a result of political violence in Northern Ireland, which is a part of the United Kingdom. The conflict, which has its origins in the 1921 division of Ireland, has reflected a struggle between different national, cultural, and religious identities. The Protestant majority (53%) in Northern Ireland defines itself as British and largely supports continued incorporation in the UK (unionists). The Catholic minority (44%) considers itself Irish, and many Catholics desire a united Ireland (nationalists). For years, the British and Irish governments sought to facilitate a political settlement. After many ups and downs, the two governments and the Northern Ireland political parties participating in the peace talks announced an agreement on April 10, 1998. The resulting Good Friday Agreement (also known as the Belfast Agreement) called for devolved government--the transfer of power from London to Belfast--with a Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive Committee in which unionist and nationalist parties would share power. The agreement also contained provisions on decommissioning (disarmament), policing, human rights, UK security normalization (demilitarization), and the status of prisoners."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2013-01-10
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European Parliament [January 14, 2013]
"Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) serve five-year terms. The most recent EP [European Parliament] elections were held in June 2009. The EP currently has seven political groups, which caucus according to political ideology rather than nationality, plus a number of 'non-attached' or independent members. The EP has 20 standing committees that are key actors in the adoption of EU legislation and a total of 41 delegations that maintain international parliament-to-parliament relations. The EP is led by a President, who oversees its work and represents the EP externally. Once limited to being a consultative assembly, the EP has accumulated more power over time. Experts assert that the EU's latest effort at institutional reform--the Lisbon Treaty, which entered into force on December 1, 2009--increases the relative power of the EP within the EU considerably. The EP now shares legislative power with the Council of Ministers in most policy areas, giving the EP the right to accept, amend, or reject the vast majority of EU laws (with some exceptions in areas such as tax matters or foreign policy). The Lisbon Treaty also gives the EP the power to decide on the allocation of the EU budget jointly with the Council, the right to approve or reject international agreements, and greater decision-making authority on trade-related issues. Many analysts note that the EP has not been shy about exerting its new powers under the Lisbon Treaty, and in some areas, with implications for U.S. interests. In February 2010, the EP rejected the U.S.-EU SWIFT agreement allowing U.S. authorities access to European financial data to help counter terrorism; in July 2010, the EP approved a revised U.S.-EU SWIFT accord, but only after several EP demands related to strengthening data privacy protections were agreed to by the United States and the other EU institutions. EP data privacy concerns also necessitated a new round of U.S.-EU negotiations on another anti-terrorism measure that permits the sharing of airline Passenger Name Record (PNR) data; an updated U.S.-EU PNR accord was ultimately approved by the EP in April 2012. Meanwhile, the EU and its member states are currently unable to join a new Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA)--negotiated by the United States, the EU, and several other countries to strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights-- because the EP has rejected it due to civil liberty and free speech concerns."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2013-01-14
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Islamist Extremism in Europe [January 6, 2006]
"Although the vast majority of Muslims in Europe are not involved in radical activities, Islamist extremists and vocal fringe communities that advocate terrorism exist and reportedly have provided cover for terrorist cells. Germany and Spain were identified as key logistical and planning bases for the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. The March 2004 terrorist bombings in Madrid have been attributed to an Al Qaeda-inspired group of North Africans. And UK authorities are investigating suspected Al Qaeda support to the British perpetrators of the July 7, 2005, terrorist attacks on London. This report provides an overview of Islamist extremism in Europe, possible terrorist links, European responses, and implications for the United States. It will be updated as needed. See also CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL31612, 'European Counterterrorist Efforts: Political Will and Diverse Responses in the First Year after September 11', and CRS Report RL33166, 'Muslims in Europe: Integration in Selected Countries', by Paul Gallis."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Rollins, John; Woehrel, Steven J.
2006-01-06
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Northern Ireland: The Peace Process [October 17, 2011]
"Since 1969, over 3,500 people have died as a result of political violence in Northern Ireland, which is a part of the United Kingdom. The conflict, which has its origins in the 1921 division of Ireland, has reflected a struggle between different national, cultural, and religious identities. The Protestant majority (53%) in Northern Ireland defines itself as British and largely supports continued incorporation in the UK (unionists). The Catholic minority (44%) considers itself Irish, and many Catholics desire a united Ireland (nationalists). […] In 2008, the DUP [Democratic Unionist Party] and Sinn Fein clashed over the outstanding issue of transferring authority for policing and justice affairs from London to Belfast. Given the sensitive nature of this portfolio, the parties had been unable to agree on its devolution at the time of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. After protracted negotiations, the parties reached a deal in February 2010 paving the way for the devolution of police and justice powers in April 2010. Successive U.S. administrations and many Members of Congress have actively supported the Northern Ireland peace process. The United States provided development aid through the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) between 1986 and 2010. In recent years, congressional hearings have focused on the peace process, police reforms, and the status of public inquiries into several murders in Northern Ireland in which collusion between the security forces and paramilitary groups is suspected. Many such issues related to Northern Ireland, including the future of the IFI, may continue to be of interest in the 112th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2011-10-17
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European Union Enlargement [February 4, 2013]
"The European Union (EU) has long viewed the enlargement process as an extraordinary opportunity to promote political stability and economic prosperity in Europe. Since 2004, EU membership has grown from 15 to 27 countries, bringing in most states of Central and Eastern Europe and fulfilling an historic pledge to further the integration of the continent by peaceful means. Analysts contend that the carefully managed process of enlargement is one of the EU's most powerful policy tools, and that, over the years, it has helped transform many European states into functioning democracies and more affluent countries. The EU maintains that the enlargement door remains open to any European country that fulfills the EU's political and economic criteria for membership. At the same time, EU enlargement is also very much a political process; most all significant steps on the long path to accession require the unanimous agreement of the existing 27 member states. As such, a prospective EU candidate's relationship or conflicts with individual member states may also influence a country's EU accession prospects and timeline. […] Successive U.S. Administrations and many Members of Congress have long backed EU enlargement, believing that it serves U.S. interests by advancing democracy and economic prosperity throughout the European continent. Over the years, the only significant U.S. criticism of the EU's enlargement process has been that the Union was moving too slowly, especially with respect to Turkey, which Washington believes should be anchored firmly to Europe. Some U.S. officials are concerned that 'enlargement fatigue' as well as the EU's ongoing financial crisis could hinder EU expansion."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2013-02-04
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European Union: Questions and Answers [January 16, 2013]
"The European Union (EU) is a political and economic partnership that represents a unique form of cooperation among sovereign countries. The Union is the latest stage in a process of integration begun after World War II, initially by six Western European countries, to foster interdependence and make another war in Europe unthinkable. Today, the EU is composed of 27 member states, including most of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, and has helped to promote peace, stability, and economic prosperity throughout the European continent. The EU has been built through a series of binding treaties, and over the years, EU member states have sought to harmonize laws and adopt common policies on an increasing number of economic, social, and political issues. EU member states share a customs union, a single market in which goods, people, and capital move freely, a common trade policy, and a common agricultural policy. Seventeen EU member states use a common currency (the euro). In addition, the EU has been developing a Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), which includes a Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP), and pursuing cooperation in the area of Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) to forge common internal security measures. EU member states work together through common institutions to set policy and to promote their collective interests. Key EU institutions include the European Council, composed of EU Heads of State or Government, which acts as the strategic guide and driving force for EU policy; the European Commission, which upholds the common interest of the Union as a whole and functions as the EU's executive; the Council of the European Union (also known as the Council of Ministers), which represents the national governments; and the directly elected European Parliament, which represents the citizens of the EU. […] This report serves as a primer on the EU and provides a brief description of U.S.-EU relations that may be of interest in the 113th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2013-01-16
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U.S. Congress and the European Parliament: Evolving Transatlantic Legislative Cooperation [January 2, 2013]
"The United States and the European Union (EU) share an extensive, dynamic, and for many a mutually beneficial political and economic partnership. A growing element of that relationship is the role that the U.S. Congress and the European Parliament (EP)--a key EU institution--have begun to play, including in areas ranging from foreign and economic policy to regulatory reform. Proponents of establishing closer relations between the U.S. Congress and the EP point to the Parliament's growing influence as a result of the EU's Lisbon Treaty which increased the relative power of the EP within the EU, and in some cases, with significant implications for U.S. interests. Consequently, some officials and experts on both sides of the Atlantic have asked whether it would be beneficial for Congress and the EP to strengthen institutional ties further and to explore the possibility of coordinating efforts to develop more complementary approaches to policies in areas of mutual interest. […] This report provides background on the Congress--EP relationship and the role of the TLD [Transatlantic Legislator's Dialogue]. It also explores potential future options that could be considered during the 113th Congress should an effort to strengthen ties between the two bodies gain momentum."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin; Morelli, Vincent L.
2013-01-02
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European Union: Questions and Answers [May 4, 2011]
"The United States and the EU have an extensive and dynamic political partnership and share a large, mutually beneficial trade and investment relationship. The global financial crisis has challenged both sides to forge a common response. The United States and the EU have a number of lingering trade disputes, but have led the push to liberalize world trade, and have sought to reduce non-tariff and regulatory barriers in the transatlantic marketplace. This report provides a brief overview of these issues, many of which may be of interest to the 112th Congress. For more information, also see CRS Report RS21618, 'The European Union's Reform Process: The Lisbon Treaty', by Kristin Archick and Derek E. Mix; CRS Report R41088, 'The European Union: Leadership Changes Resulting from the Lisbon Treaty'; by Derek E. Mix, and CRS Report RS21998, 'The European Parliament', by Kristin Archick and Derek E. Mix."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Mix, Derek E.; Archick, Kristin
2011-05-04
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European Union: Questions and Answers [Updated September 9, 2019]
From the Summary: "The European Union (EU) is a political and economic partnership that represents a unique form of cooperation among sovereign countries. The EU is the latest stage in a process of integration begun after World War II, initially by six Western European countries, to foster interdependence and make another war in Europe unthinkable. The EU currently consists of 28 member states, including most of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, and has helped to promote peace, stability, and economic prosperity throughout the European continent."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Archick, Kristin
2019-09-09
