History of the European Union (2004–present)

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 (2003–2009)
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Treaties
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Rey Commission 1967
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Barroso Commission 2004
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The history of the European Union from 2004 to the present is the current timeline of the

European Constitution and its successor, the Treaty of Lisbon. Throughout this period, the European People's Party has been the largest group in the European Parliament and provides every President of the European Commission
.

Parliament and Commission

Further information: Barroso Commission, Juncker Commission, Von der Leyen Commission, sixth European Parliament, seventh European Parliament, eighth European Parliament, and ninth European Parliament
President Barroso

During 10–13 June 2004, the 25 member states participated in the largest trans-national election in history (with the second largest democratic electorate in the world). The result of the

European People's Party-European Democrats group. It also saw the lowest voter turnout of 45.5%, the second time it had fallen below 50%.[1]

Barroso I

The

European Constitution.[3] Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern (AEN) was also a popular candidate but did not wish to take up the job.[4]

Due to the victory of the

Commissioner for Regional Policy (France, EPP).[2]

Other candidates were

EPP-ED group. He did however earn praise for his later choice of candidates.[5][6]

During the hearings, members found fault in a number of Commissioners. Committees questioned the suitability of

civil rights committee to be the first committee to vote down an incoming Commissioner.[8]

The

People's Party backed the commission with the liberals split. Barroso attempted to offer small concessions to Parliament but they were not accepted as the Socialists made clear they would vote down the commission as it stood, leaving the divided liberals holding the balance of whether the Barroso Commission would be the first Commission in EU history to rejected by Parliament. The People's Party demanded that if Buttiglione were to go, then a Socialist commissioner must also be sacrificed for balance.[9]

Barroso eventually gave in and withdrew his proposed college of Commissioners and, following three weeks which left Prodi continuing as a caretaker, proposed a new line-up. There were three changes to help his dented authority and win the support of Parliament: Buttiglione had been withdrawn by Italy and replaced by foreign minister Franco Frattini, László Kovács was moved from Energy to Taxation and Ingrida Udre was withdrawn and replaced by Andris Piebalgs who took over the now vacant post of Energy.[10] The commission was approved on 18 November 2004, 449 votes in favour, 149 against and 82 abstentions, after Barroso gained the support of all three major parties and they took office on 22 November, three weeks after they were due to.[11]

2007

Health & Consumer Protection portfolio. She was welcomed by Parliament with the People's Party and Socialists being impressed by her aims and attitude.[13] Kuneva had 583 votes "in favour", 21 votes "against" and 28 votes "abstentions".[12]

Romania originally proposed

Education, Training & Culture.[14] This however was met a cool reception for being such a slim portfolio. Socialist leader Martin Schulz MEP suggested it should instead focus on ethnic minorities but this was rejected by Barroso.[15] Orban was approved by Parliament with 595 votes in favour, 16 against and 29 abstentions.[12]

Barroso II

The 2009 elections again saw a victory for the European People's Party, despite losing the British Conservatives who formed a smaller eurosceptic grouping with other anti-federalist right wing parties. Parliament's presidency was once again divided between the People's Party and the Socialists, with Jerzy Buzek elected as the first eastern European to become President of the European Parliament.

In 2008, Barroso had steadily won support from leaders for a second term as president, Nicolas Sarkozy and Silvio Berlusconi both declared their support for Barroso, though Barroso himself stated it is up to the political parties in Parliament.[16][17] On 19 July 2008 Barroso stated for the first time that he was seeking a second term[18] and was backed by the EPP for re-election.[19]

In the

the Greens–European Free Alliance) formed against him in an attempt to gain concessions from Barroso. They demanded Barroso set out clearly his policy guidelines for his next term and offer key posts in the commission to their group members.[22] They also attempted to push the vote back beyond the ratification date for the Treaty of Lisbon to have more power over his appointment.[23]

In a meeting with the political groups on 10 September 2009, Barroso argued his new policies to a packed room with an unusually lively debate as Barroso defended his record against the Greens, his most ardent opponents. Despite holding his own in the debate he did not win support from the Greens.

Freedom and Democracy group all declared opposition, criticising the liberals for switching camps.[26] However the groups struggled to enforce a party line as MEPs vote via a secret ballot.[25] The vote took place on 16 September 2009.[27]
On 16 September 2009, Barroso was re-elected by Parliament by 382 to 219 (out of 718, with 117 abstentions).

Bulgaria's initial Commission candidate, Rumiana Jeleva, was forced to step down due to opposition from MEPs, mainly the Socialists, who questioned her suitability and financial interests despite backing from the People's Party (to which her national party belongs). Bulgaria rapidly submitted Kristalina Georgieva but this forced the vote on the commission to be delayed weeks so Georgieva's hearings could be arranged.[28] The only other commissioner-designate to lack support was returning commissioner Neelie Kroes, who was also seen to perform poorly in her hearing. However, she was invited back and secured more support, indicating she will get approval from Parliament.[29]

Parliament approved the new line-up on 9 February 2010 with 488 votes in favour. 137, the

far left, voted against while 72 MEPs abstained; including the conservative and reformists who abstained on democracy grounds.[30] The greens criticised the other parties for opposing Barroso's team and then voting in favour anyway, protesting that Barroso "assigned portfolios without respect to the prospective commissioners' competences. Worse still, he moved commissioners from posts where they were doing a good job. The new college risks being characterised by internal power struggles instead of teamwork due to the unclear division of responsibilities." while the conservatives desired a vote for them individually as "there were strong candidates who we would have endorsed, and weak candidates who we would have opposed."[31]

Juncker

Von der Leyen

Institutional reform

Constitution

Main article:
European Constitution
Ratifications in member states and candidate countries
  Yes – Accession treaty
  Yes – Parliament only
  Yes – Referendum
  No – Referendum
  Referendum postponed indefinitely
  No referendum was proposed

In 2003 the

European Constitution
which would consolidate all existing treaties and simplify the workings of the EU. The draft was backed by the Commission and in June 2004 the final text was settled. On 29 October 2004, the European Constitution was signed by EU leaders in Rome.

The constitution proposed a number of changes. Although its powers were not extended, more decisions would be taken by majority voting and involve the Parliament. It did this by abolishing the

High Representative with the European Commissioner for External Relations to provide a single diplomatic representation. It also included articles regarding the EU flag and anthem (for detail of the changes, see Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe#Content
).

Rejection

The treaty was put to ratification in each member state. Every state had to approve it before it could come into force. In most, this was done by a Parliamentary vote (referendums are banned in Germany) but in others, it was put to a referendum. Spain was the first country to hold a referendum on the Constitution. The referendum approved the Constitution by 76% of the votes, although participation was only around 43%. On 29 May 2005 the French public rejected the Constitution by margin of 55% to 45% on a turn out of 69%. And just three days later the Dutch rejected the constitution by a margin of 61% to 39% on a turnout of 62%. Notwithstanding the rejection in France and the Netherlands, Luxembourg held a referendum on 10 July 2005 approving the Constitution by 57% to 43%. It was the last referendum to be held on the Constitution as all of the other member states that had proposed to hold referendums cancelled them.

Following the constitution's rejection by such central states, the EU leaders declared a "period of reflection" while they decided what to do next. This period ending with the

Treaty establishing the European Community and give the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union a legally binding status. The new treaty would be based on the first and fourth parts of the Constitution, the rest of the Constitution's changes being achieved through amendments to the Treaty of Rome.[33]

Lisbon

Main article: Treaty of Lisbon
The Treaty of Lisbon entered into force on 1 December.

Agreement was reached on a 16-page mandate for an

Treaty on the Functioning of the Union". In addition it was agreed, that unlike the European Constitution where a Charter was part of the document, there would only be a reference to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union to make that text legally binding.[34]

The signing of the

the referendum was lost, setting back the treaty's implementation. However, after a series of guarantees was given to Ireland, the Irish reversed their decision in a second referendum
in 2009.

The

High Representative. After much debate about what kind of person should be president, the European Council agreed on a low-key personality and chose Herman Van Rompuy while foreign policy-novice Catherine Ashton became High Representative. Ashton was given the task of drawing up the plan for the new European External Action Service (EEAS) and soon received criticism on her abilities, her diplomatic decisions and her plans for the EEAS though many dismissed these criticisms as unwarranted. Finally, with the financial crisis, there developed a new impetus for reform of the eurozone
governance (see below).

Lisbon also abolished the pillar system, extending parliamentary oversight to the areas formerly under

Police and Judicial Co-operation in Criminal Matters and to a limited extent the Common Foreign and Security Policy. Despite not having total control over that area, Parliament did have budgetary powers over the setting up of the EEAS and held it hostage until its demands on the EEAS were met. Extension of the EU's role in defence and oversight on it also led to the decision on 31 March 2010 to abolish the Western European Union
.

Membership changes

Enlargement

Main articles: Enlargement of the European Union, 2007 enlargement of the European Union, and 2013 enlargement of the European Union
2007–2013 EU enlargements
  existing members
  new members in 2007

Bulgaria
Romania
  existing members
  new members in 2013

Croatia

In 2007, the

Multilingualism, which was criticised by some for its narrow scope.[35]

Negotiating process with

Slovenia's blockade of Croatia's EU accession, which was lifted in September 2009 after an agreement. Croatia joined the EU as the 28th member on 1 July 2013 in the sixth enlargement.[36]

Proposed enlargement

Further information: Potential enlargement of the European Union
  Current members
  Candidates negotiating
  Candidates
  Applicants
  Potential candidates
  Candidates with frozen negotiations

The financial crisis hit Eurosceptic Iceland hard and its desire to seek haven in the EU and the euro led to it lodging its first formal application. Negotiations were expected to be concluded quickly. If disputes over fisheries were resolved and the Icelandic people consented, then Iceland would join. A new government was elected in Iceland during April 2013 and this government froze negotiations until a referendum could be held.[37]

In an ongoing program of enlargement, there were nine other candidates: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine. Also within the enlargement agenda were the states of Kosovo.

Brexit

Main articles: Brexit, Brexit negotiations, and Brexit withdrawal agreement

On 1 February 2020

transition period was in operation that kept in place all other aspects of the relationship to allow businesses to prepare and for a free trade agreement to be negotiated.[38] The EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement was subsequently signed and has applied provisionally since 1 January 2021.[39][40]

Euro and recession

Further information: Enlargement of the eurozone, History of the euro, Eurozone, European debt crisis, and Great Recession in Europe

2007 saw Slovenia adopt the euro,[41] Malta and Cyprus in 2008,[42] Slovakia in 2009, Estonia in 2011, Latvia in 2014, Lithuania in 2015 and Croatia in 2023. However trouble developed with existing members as the eurozone entered its first recession in 2008.[43] Members co-operated and the ECB intervened to help restore economic growth and the euro was seen as a safe haven, particularly by those outside such as Iceland.[44][45][46]

However, with the risk of a default in

European Monetary Fund or federal treasury.[47][48][49]

Migrant crisis

Main article:
European migrant crisis

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

Ursula von der Leyen President of the European Commission (since 1 December 2019)
See also: European Union response to the COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19 pandemic in Europe

After the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic the EU leaders agreed for the first time to emit common debt to finance the European Recovery Program called Next Generation EU (NGEU).[50]

Impact of the Russo-Ukrainian War

Main articles:
2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and Russo-Ukrainian War

On 24 February 2022, after massing on the borders of Ukraine, the Russian Armed Forces undertook an attempt for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.[51][52]

The European Union imposed

mass influx of Ukrainian refugees fleeing the conflict over the course of the first weeks of the war.[55] The conflict exposed the EU energy dependency on Russia, deemed as a supplier "explicitly" threatening the EU.[56] This development injected a sense of urgency in the switch towards alternative energy suppliers and further development of clean energy sources.[56]

See also

References

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  2. ^ a b c d "Choosing a New EU Commission President". Deutsche Welle. 4 June 2004. Retrieved 26 November 2007.
  3. ^ "Two more candidates for Commission President". EPHA. 18 June 2004. Retrieved 26 November 2007.
  4. ^ a b "Commission president: Key candidates". BBC News. 27 June 2004. Retrieved 26 November 2007.
  5. ^ "The European Commission's new president has shown bold political judgement". The Independent. 13 August 2004. Archived from the original on 25 October 2007. Retrieved 26 November 2007.
  6. ^ "MEPs confirm new Brussels chief". BBC News. 22 July 2004. Retrieved 26 November 2007.
  7. ^ Bowley, Graham (22 October 2004). "EU deputies not swayed on Buttiglione : Barroso proposals fail to quell revolt". International Herald Tribune. Retrieved 23 November 2007.
  8. ^ Bowley, Graham (18 October 2004). "Buttiglione affair highlights evolving role of Parliament : Questions arise on democracy at the EU". International Herald Tribune. Retrieved 23 November 2007.
  9. ^ Bowley, Graham (26 October 2004). "Socialists vow to oppose incoming team : Barroso optimistic on commission vote". International Herald Tribune. Retrieved 23 November 2007.
  10. ^ Bowley, Graham (17 November 2004). "EU Parliament likely to accept commission : Barroso set to win with new team". International Herald Tribune. Retrieved 23 November 2007.
  11. ^ Bowley, Graham (19 November 2004). "MEPs approve revamped Commission". BBC News. Retrieved 23 November 2007.
  12. ^ a b c "Bulgarian, Romanian EU commissioners approved". Reuters. 12 December 2006. Archived from the original on 11 November 2007. Retrieved 23 November 2007.
  13. ^ "Kuneva to boost consumer confidence in business". EurActiv. 13 December 2006. Archived from the original on 8 February 2009. Retrieved 23 November 2007.
  14. ^ "EU's Barroso backs Romania's nominee for commissioner". EU Business. 30 October 2006. Retrieved 23 November 2007.
  15. ^ "Socialists criticise new commissioner's portfolio". EurActiv. 23 May 2007. Archived from the original on 16 May 2013. Retrieved 23 November 2007.
  16. ^ "Berlusconi backs Barroso to head EU Commission again". AFP. 9 July 2008. Archived from the original on 12 February 2009. Retrieved 16 July 2008.
  17. ^ Mahony, Honor (10 July 2008). "Sarkozy backs Barroso for second go as EU commission president". EU Observer. Retrieved 10 July 2008.
  18. ^ Mahony, Honor (19 July 2008). "Barroso admits he wants to be EU commission president for a second time". EU Observer. Retrieved 21 July 2008.
  19. ^ Taylor, Simon (16 October 2008). "Barroso wins backing for second term". European Voice. Retrieved 18 October 2008.
  20. ^ Mahony, Honor (13 June 2009) Socialists warn EU leaders to respect parliament on Barroso issue, EU Observer, Accessed 3 September 2009.
  21. ^ Simon, Joan Marc (23 March 2009) Barroso: the candidate of all European parties, European Federalists (Cafe Babel), Accessed 3 September 2009.
  22. ^ Mahony, Honor (2 September 2009) Barroso to publish policy programme for next commission, EU Observer, Accessed 3 September 2009.
  23. ^ Phillips, Leigh (28 August 2009) Parliament chief wants mid-September decision on Barroso, EU Observer, Accessed 3 September 2009.
  24. ^ Phillips, Liegh (10 September 2009) Barroso holds his own in spectacular brawl with Greens, EU Observer
  25. ^ a b Mahony, Honor (10 September 2009) Next commission set for human rights post, EU Observer
  26. ^ Mahony, Honor (15 September 2009) Barroso fails to convince critics in parliament speech, EU Observer
  27. ^ Mahony, Honor (10 September 2009) Commission president vote confirmed for next week, EU Observer
  28. ^ Mahony, Honor (19 January 2009) EU commission vote delayed as Bulgarian nominee steps down, EU Observer
  29. ^ Willis, Andrew (19 January 2009) Kroes performs better in second EP audition, EU Observer
  30. ^ Mahony, Honor (9 February 2010) EU votes in new commission after long delay, EU Observer
  31. ^ Banks, Martin (9 February 2010) EU commission wins seal of approval[dead link], theParliament.com
  32. ^ EU Leaders Adopt 50th Anniversary Berlin Declaration dw-world.de 25 March 2007
  33. ^ A New Treaty and Supplementary Protocols – Explanatory Memorandum (PDF), Brussels: Action Committee for European Democracy, 4 June 2007, p. 2, archived from the original (PDF) on 8 July 2007, retrieved 27 February 2009.
  34. ^ a b "Presidency Conclusions Brussels European Council 21/22 June 2007" (PDF). Council of the European Union. 23 June 2007. Archived (PDF) from the original on 27 June 2007. Retrieved 26 June 2007.; Honor Mahony (21 June 2007). "Stakes high as EU tries to put 2005 referendums behind it". EU Observer. Retrieved 26 June 2007.
  35. ^ "Romanian to Become EU's First Commissioner for Multilingualism". Deutsche Welle. 11 December 2006. Retrieved 18 January 2009.
  36. ^ "Croatia's Accession to the European Union". state.gov. Archived from the original on 21 January 2017. Retrieved 18 April 2018.
  37. ^ "Finish Line Promo Codes and Lacoste: A New European-American Partnership". publicserviceeurope.com. Archived from the original on 2 July 2013. Retrieved 18 April 2018.
  38. ^ McGee, Luke (31 January 2020). "Britain is leaving the European Union today. The hard part comes next". CNN.
  39. ^ "EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement: Council adopts decision on the signing". Consilium. 29 December 2020.
  40. ^ "Notice concerning the provisional application of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, of the one part, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, of the other part, of the Agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning security procedures for exchanging and protecting classified information and of the Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the European Atomic Energy Community for Cooperation on the Safe and Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy". Official Journal of the European Union. 31 December 2020.
  41. ^ "Slovenia clear to adopt the euro". BBC. 16 June 2006. Retrieved 18 January 2009.
  42. euractiv.com. 16 May 2007. Archived from the original
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  43. ^ EU data confirms eurozone's first recession Archived 30 December 2010 at the Wayback Machine, EUbusiness.com, 8 January 2009
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  47. ^ Willis, Andrew (25 March 2010) Eurozone leaders agree on Franco-German bail-out mechanism, EU Observer
  48. ^ Eurozone overhaul Archived 14 February 2010 at the Wayback Machine Die Zeit on Presseurop, 12 February 2010
  49. ^ Plans emerge for 'European Monetary Fund' EU Observer
  50. ^ "Recovery plan for Europe". ec.europa.eu. ec.europa.eu. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
  51. ^ "Russia-Ukraine war: humanitarian corridor opened from Sumy; Moscow threatens to cut gas supplies to Europe". theguardian.com. theguardian.com. 8 March 2022. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
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  54. ^ "Chelsea's oligarch owner is selling. Will scrutiny of other Premier League owners follow?". washingtonpost.com. washingtonpost.com. 8 March 2022. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
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  56. ^
    dw.com
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