Unit 4: EU Commission advises UK Government

The European Commission has called on the UK to raise taxes on higher value properties, build more houses and adjust the Help to Buy scheme.

As an article for your upcoming exam, it is interesting to see another way the Commission uses it's powers;

ie - as an advisory body to nation states.

If you are pro European, you would think this is a good thing. More points of view, debate etc can only make for better decisions and legislation.

If you are anti European, you will think it is another example of a non-elected body interfering in UK/Nations affairs.

Click here to access the article.

Unit 4: Essay on EU and it's future

The growth of nationalism around Europe as seen by the latest EU Parliament election results is a consequence of a 'Remote & complex' Union. Discuss! (45 marks)

or in Natasha language...

The European Union is a bit rubbish, how would you improve it?

in Dob's...I don't care about the EU, just give me some weights to lift!

or Vlad's...Рост национализма в Европе как видно из последнего парламент ЕС результаты выборов является следствием "Дистанционное и комплекс" Союза. Обсудить! (45 знаков)

1. Intro to aims/objectives. (include definitions of nationalism vs federalism)
2. How has EU developed in terms of it's institutions
3. How do institutions work with each other
4. Have the objectives been met in last 50 years (Economy, welfare, prosperity, political union etc)
5. What are the current main issues (immigration, growth etc)
6. Are there any solutions (look to what politicians from around EU are saying)
7. Will it impact on further integration (if you can use the word Sclerosis, that would be great - link to 70's)
8. Conclusion - anything you want that is relevant.

Units 3 & 4: Three useful articles for upcoming exams.

Click here to access a piece showing information about the EU Parliament, how it works, how many seats each country has etc. Useful for opening paragraphs on any Parliament essay.

Click here to access an editorial from BBC Politics correspondent Nick Robinson on what the latest results mean for the political parties (including UKIP).

Finally, the results from the recent local council elections. Click here. Try and find some political commentary on this. Useful for questions on unit 3 economic/welfare/immigration etc policy, as UKIP's rise and the Lib Dem fall is significant on where parties think they need to go as far as policy is concerned for next years General Election.

Unit 4: How the EU works!

Excellent article which explains the EU elections. What it also has is several related videos on the institutions.

Click here for article.

Unit 4: Poland doesn't want to join the Euro - Yet

Click here to access the article on Poland not wanting to joining the single currency.

Useful when answering questions on Euro and it's perceived success, failures.

Question for homework - Predictions that the Euro would fail have been misplaced. Discuss. (45 marks)

Unit 4: Difficult interview for Nigel Farage - A must watch!

Nigel Farage endured a car crash live radio interview with LBC presenter James O'Brien on Friday morning. In began with the Ukip leader challenged over the "avalanche" of controversial comments made by his candidates. One Ukip candidate was revealed to have made remarks about what would happen if he "shot one poofter". Farage said he was "perfectly happy for us to have a debate about our idiots" but complained that other political parties were not subject to the same level of scrutiny as his was. As the interview continued Ukip communications director Patrick O'Flynn intervened in an attempt to get the programme shut down. "We had an agreement and you've massively overrun," he said. But his protests were ignored. Farage said it was unfair for the media to hold up a "handful of people" who made racist or homophobic comments as being representative of Ukip. And he insisted he could not be expected to know the views of every Ukip politician as he did not run the "day-to-day management" of the party. O'Brien also took Farage to task over his previous remarks that he felt uncomfortable when he heard people speaking languages other than English. And he was asked whether that meant he felt awkward when his German wife spoke German not English, he replied: "I don't suppose she speaks it on the train."

Unit 4: How the Euro was saved

In this short video report, Peter Spiegel, the Financial Times's Brussels bureau chief, recounts the moments in 2011 and 2012 when the euro came closest to collapse, and how politicians and bureaucrats battled over the solutions that eventually saved the euro.

Excellent stuff for unit 4 essays on advantages, disadvantages and issues surrounding the single currency.




Related: Another piece on costs & benefits of EU membership.....

With the European Parliament elections on the near horizon there is plenty of discussion about the merits and de-merits of continued UK membership of the European Union.
The Centre for Economic Performance (CEP) has just launched a new report in its series of CEP Policy Analyses: ‘Brexit or Fixit? The Trade and Welfare Effects of Leaving the European Union’ by Gianmarco Ottaviano, Joao Paulo Pessoa, Thomas Sampson and John Van Reenen. Here are their main findings:

1. Over half of all UK exports go to the rest of the European Union (EU) – this corresponds to almost 15% of national income (GDP)
2. One cost of the UK leaving the EU (‘Brexit’) would be less trade with the EU because of higher tariff and non-tariff barriers today and reduced benefits from lower trade costs in the future. A benefit of leaving would be a lower net fiscal contribution.
3. We consider a pessimistic scenario where the UK suffers some formal increase in trade costs compared with an optimistic one where it does not. A conventional calculation from a quantitative trade model produces income losses of around 3.1% of GDP (£50 billion) in the pessimistic case or 1.1% in the optimistic case (£18 billion).
4. When we factor in more realistic dynamic losses from lower productivity growth, a conservative estimate would double losses to 2.2% of GDP even in the most optimistic case. In the pessimistic case, there would be income falls of 6.3% to 9.5% of GDP, a loss of a similar size to that resulting from the global financial crisis of 2008/09.
5. There are further effects on immigration, foreign investment and regulations. Although harder to quantify, Brexit is also likely, on balance, to depress income through these channels.
6. Our current assessment is that leaving the EU would be likely to impose substantial costs on the UK economy and would be a very risky gamble.

Unit 4: Oh dear Mr Farage!

Jacob, read and explain? Click Here

Unit 3: Education and coalition disagreements

I reckon I could blog articles of coalition disagreements every day now until the election! Here is the latest argument over education funding. Again, really useful for Unit 3 education policy.

Unit 3: Law & Order and Coalition split

And so it begins!

After our discussion yesterday about how the coalition cracks would start appearing, here is a piece from the BBC highlighting the differences in ideology between the traditional punitive Tories and the more rehabilitating Liberal Democrats.

Excellent for any discussion on law & order and also for power of government in the current coalition!

Click here for article.

Unit 2: Some issues with an uncodified constitution

Problems with the British Constitution

Has produced an imperfect separation of powers, allowing the executive to exercise too much control over the legislative branch

The notion of the Rule of Law may be breaking down e.g. many people cannot afford to go to court

The sovereignty of Parliament is in doubt

The Constitution is far too easy to amend by a government with a large majority in Parliament

The Constitution still allows too many ‘relics’ of earlier times like the Lord Chancellor, the House of Lords and the Monarchy

It has become a messy mixture of written and unwritten elements

Because it is so vague and uncodified it does not carry the obvious authority of some other constitutions, such as that of the USA 

Unit 3: Two articles on Law & Education

The BBC have written two articles:

This one is based on the Police & Crime Commissioners and their success/lack of it. Some excellent up to date discussion on the governments Law & Order policy.

This article is about making examinations tougher. Again, useful when discussing education policy with up to date coalition government examples.

Unit 1: How democratic are Pressure Groups

Thanks to Qasim for this really useful article on pressure groups, a common 25 mark question on the unit 1 paper.

Unit 2 & 4: European Elections 2014 - excellent link

The BBC have created a link which updates all the relevant news regarding the upcoming elections in the EU.

Articles include explanations on how the EU elections work, who the leading players are in each country and what results could mean for the future direction of the EU. Click here to access link.

Great stuff for all Politics students.

Unit 3: Law & Order - Stop & Search police reforms

Thank you Jacob for finding this article on police reforms by Theresa may. Useful example to use on any essay on this topic.

Unit 2 & 4: Cameron and the EU Referendum

The latest attempt by Cameron to bolster support from potential UKIP voters is seen in this article. The article highlights the division on Europe, both between the major parties and within parties themselves.

Unit 3: Help to Work schemes for Unemployed

Click here to access the article on the Coalitions new policy on long term benefits. Useful for discussion on how Conservative policy/views have changed over the years.

Unit 4: A few articles on Europe

I am sure you have read these, but just in case, click here for an article on why UK leaving EU would be bad for business (the 'related stories' provide further useful information)

and click here for UKIP perspective.

Unit 4: Usual from UKIP!

Click here to to access fear! :-)

Is this the way we want politics to run in UK. This does not help improve democracy, only panders to the fears of the electorate.

Unit 2: Minister resigns from the cabinet.

Click here to access a BBC article about Maria Miller, the (Former) Culture Secretary. She was forced to resign after falsely claiming thousands of pounds of taxpayers money.

Unit 4: EU - The Facts!

Economic Benefits of EU Membership

Membership of the European Union (EU) has had a big positive effect on average incomes in all but one of its member countries. That is the central finding of research by Nauro Campos, Fabrizio Coricelli and Luigi Moretti, to be presented at the Royal Economic Society’s 2014 annual conference. 

They also find that the more financially developed countries have grown significantly faster after joining the EU.

The study examines data for each EU member to answer the question, ‘what would levels of per capita income and labour productivity be if countries had not joined the EU when they did?’ Among the findings:

* For the average country, average incomes would be 12% lower if they had not joined – and annual rates would have been 1.2 percentage points lower.

* Denmark, Ireland, the UK, Portugal, Poland, Hungary, Estonia and Latvia have benefitted most from EU membership.

* Spain, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Lithuania have also benefitted financially, but by less.

* Greece is the only country where joining the EU has resulted in lower levels of per capita income.

* The benefits for the UK have slowed down over time, but the benefits for Ireland have not. This suggests that the former benefited more from the single market while the latter did mostly from the euro.

Cleeg v Farage fact check: www.theguardian.com/news/reality-check/2014...

Channel 4 news - does Europe bring each household £3000?: http://blogs.channel4.com/factcheck/factcheck-euro...

Unit 3: Law & Order - League tables criticised

An interesting article here, where the Metropolitan Police say there is a "culture of fear" in the force because of what it calls the "draconian" use of performance targets.

Useful when discussing the issue of targets and league tables.....this could be a pressure group response.

Unit 4: EU, UK and CFSP

Thanks to Jacob for finding this article where William Hague finally signs the UN arms treaty

Also, as the Clegg/Farage debate rumbles on, the BBC has written lots about the EU and the UK's relationship with it over the years. This article was one of the best, highlighting the key issues since the war.

Excellent contextual stuff. Also, here is the BBC coverage of the latest Farage/Clegg debate.

Nick Clegg and Nigel Farage in heated BBC debate over EU

COMMENTS (963)

Nigel Farage and Nick Clegg make their opening statements

Continue reading the main story

Nick Clegg has accused Nigel Farage of peddling "dangerous fantasies" in an ill-tempered BBC TV debate on Britain's future in Europe.

Mr Farage accused the Lib Dem leader of "wilfully lying" to the British people about Brussels' grip on UK laws.

He also claimed EU immigration had hit the "white working class" the hardest.

Instant polls said Mr Farage had won by a bigger margin than he did in their first debate last week.

YouGov's snap poll gives the debate to Mr Farage by 68% to 27%, while a poll by ICM/Guardian suggested 69% of people watching thought the UKIP man came out on top.

A YouGov/Sun poll suggested Mr Farage won their first clash last Wednesday by 57% to 36%.

The BBC's chief political correspondent Norman Smith said Mr Clegg was much more fired up than he had been last week, while Mr Farage had been more measured.

'Billy no mates'

Mr Clegg kicked off the one-hour debate - hosted by David Dimbleby - by accusing his opponent of foisting a "dangerous con" on the public by arguing for Britain's exit from the EU, telling the audience in the BBC's radio theatre "if it sounds too good to be true, it is".

He warned leaving the EU would lead to a 'Billy-no-mates Britain".

An early flashpoint was Mr Farage's support for Vladimir Putin over Syria.

The UKIP leader accused the Lib Dem leader of being "hell bent" on getting Britain involved in a war - but Mr Clegg accused him of trivialising the issue.

Mr Clegg and Mr Farage both produced leaflets during the debate

Mr Clegg also said Mr Farage's views on Mr Putin were reminiscent of a "pub bar discussion" - and that the Russian leader could have brought the conflict in Syria to an end with "one phone call".

Poking fun at Mr Farage, the Lib Dem leader suggested the UKIP leader would claim next that "the moon landing never happened, Barack Obama is not American and Elvis is not dead".

Mr Farage said the British people had "had enough of getting involved in foreign wars".

'Making things up'

He said he did not want Britain to be part of an "expansionist" EU foreign policy, claiming that the EU wants its own "army and navy".

Mr Clegg said this was a "dangerous fantasy that is simply not true".

The pair traded verbal blows over the percentage of British laws made in Brussels, with Mr Clegg claiming it was only about 7%. He also said the European Commission only employed the same amount of staff as Derbyshire County Council.

Mr Farage told the Lib Dem leader: "When I said yes to these debates I thought you would honestly make the pro-EU case.

"By saying 7% of our laws are made in Brussels, you are wilfully lying to the British people about the extent to which we have given control of our country and our democracy and I am really shocked and surprised you would do that."

Mr Clegg hit back, accusing the UKIP leader of "making things up to make a point".

The pair again clashed on EU immigration, with Mr Farage saying it was "good for the rich because it's cheaper nannies and cheaper chauffer and cheaper gardeners but it's bad news for ordinary Britons".

The UKIP leader said the scale of immigration over recent years had "shocked" the country and increased segregation in towns and cities.

But he said the worst social impact was that "it has left the white working class effectively as an underclass, and I think that is a disaster for our society".

The Lib Dem leader suggested that Mr Farage "does not like modern Britain" and that, in contrast, he was very comfortable with it.

'Crazy Horse'

Mr Clegg attempted to mock the UKIP leader as someone who was not a serious politician.

At one point, he brandished a UKIP leaflet - featuring a picture of a Native American - which he said suggests that if the British people ignore immigration, they will "end up on a reservation".

"What are you going to say next, that you are Crazy Horse or Sitting Bull?," he asked.

Mr Farage said he did not "recognise" the leaflet and did not "endorse its sentiments".

The Lib Dem later claimed the leaflet was distributed in Lancaster and Fleetwood ahead of the 2010 election but UKIP said it was not "official" party literature.

Towards the end of the debate, the UKIP leader issued a warning about the rise of far right parties in Europe, saying: "I want the EU to end but I want it to end democratically. If it doesn't end democratically I'm afraid it will end very unpleasantly."

He used his closing statement to make a pitch for votes in May's European elections, saying: "Let's free ourselves up and in doing so let's give an example to the rest of Europe.

"I know the people are behind this. I would urge people - come and join the people's army. Let's topple the establishment who got us into this mess."

Mr Clegg sketched out a vision of Britain's future in Europe entirely at odds with his Eurosceptic opponent in his closing remarks, promising "real remedies for the way the world is today not dangerous fantasies about a bygone world that no longer exists

"And that is why I'm going to do everything I can to make sure that we remain part of the European Union because that is how we protect the Britain we love."

Conservative leader David Cameron and Labour leader Ed Miliband declined to take part in the debate.

Tory defence minister Anna Soubry said Mr Clegg backed the status quo in Europe while Nigel Farage could not deliver the change the British public wanted.

In contrast, she said the Conservatives were "absolutely united in our desire to renegotiate with Europe and to have a referendum - and to trust the British people to make up their minds".

For Labour, shadow attorney general Emily Thornberry said voters were more concerned about "making ends meet" than the future of Europe and the party's focus was on securing a debate between Mr Cameron and Mr Miliband in the run-up to next year's general election.

The SNP said it believed in "positive engagement" with the EU and an independent Scotland would have "a seat at the top table in Europe".

Plaid Cymru said it wanted a "strong voice" for Wales at the heart of Brussels and it was concerned that Wales could be "pulled out of the EU against its own will and its own interests".

Unit 2: Past Questions on Prime Ministerial Power

Past questions on ministerial power from mattbentley34

Unit 2 & 4: The Coalition - The first 2 1/2 years

Interesting clip discussing the effectiveness and issues of a coalition govt.

Issues raised include:

Prime Ministerial Power
Splits in party are greater than coalition

Unit 2: The 5 days that changed Britain

This is your task for the Spring Break. Check out the presentation, then watch the video. It is long, but it does highlight issues such as Prime Ministerial power, coalition governments, constitutional affairs and generally, how governments work.

The coalition - 5 Days that changed britain from mattbentley34

Five days that changed britain bbc documentary (student question sheet) from mattbentley34

Unit 4: Infographic on the EU.

The economics team at Deutche Bank have produced this infographic on aspects of the EU single market. Useful for extra background on the EU economy.

Unit 3: No lesson today - Strike action!

Apologies, but click here to see why I am 'downing tools'. Marching on, comrades!

Unit 1: Question for homework

(a) Distinguish between a mandate and a manifesto.
(5)
(b) Explain the workings of three electoral systems used in the UK.
(10)
(c) Should the Westminster electoral system be reformed?
(25)

http://politics-blog.ashbournecollege.co.uk/unit-3-key-themes-in-political-analysis/route-auk-eu-issues/economic-policy/

http://politics-blog.ashbournecollege.co.uk/unit-3-key-themes-in-political-analysis/route-auk-eu-issues/economic-policy/

Unit 4: EU seals closer ties with Ukraine

Is this political, economic or just posturing by the EU. Click here for article. From purely a Unit 4, EU perspective, what are the possible advantages of this further enlargement and do they outweigh the potential issues. A poignant point!

Unit 3: Pension Reforms + the 2014 budget

Click on this link to access the BBC article which discusses Labour's response to the recent budget. It is useful as it looks at government policy and what the opposition think about it. Essential when looking at the economy for unit 3.

Unit 4: 45 Markers on EU

Morning all,

I am out today, so please attempt one of these (can two of you do one, and the other two the other)

‘The advantages of the Single Market outweigh its disadvantages.’ Discuss.

(Total for Question 6 = 45 marks)

7 To what extent has EU enlargement slowed down the process of deeper integration?

(Total for Question 7 = 45 marks)

Unit 2: Reforming the House of Lords

Morning all,

below is the power point I promised yesterday, sorry it's late. There is an exam question I woule like you to do for Thursday 27th March.

Reforming the House of Lords from mattbentley34

All students of Politics: This months 'Politics Review'

There are some excellent articles in this months Politics Review. Available in the library right now. There are also lots of back copies with useful tips and revision help, including lots of up to date examples.

Politics review feb 2014 from mattbentley34

Unit 1 & 4: EU Elections

Click here to access a bbc article on the upcoming elections in EU. Essential for all politics students.

R.I.P. Tony Benn

A really sad day today. A true giant of British politics has sadly past away today. Click here to access news article about Tony Benn's life.

Unit 1 & 4: EU referendum timeline....

An interesting article about the complicated relationship between the EU and the UK. It not only highlights the issue of referendums and should we leave / not leave, but also useful for the different parties views on EU. It is one of the few political issues that both the far left and far right in British politics have agreed on.

Unit 1: Democratic elections - North Korean Style

and you thought FPTP created a two party system....well what about the system used in North Korea...I love it!.

Click here to access the BBC article discussing the latest election results in North Korea.

Unit 3: Labour, welfare and the long term unemployed.

Click here for BBC article on Labour's policy to get the long term unemployed back to work. Under the scheme 18 to 24-year-olds who have been out of work for a year will be offered a taxpayer-subsidised job lasting six months - with those who refuse losing benefits.

Q) Will this help people out of welfare dependency?
Q) How will they pay for it?
Q) Will it work?

Unit 4: Catherine Ashton visits Iran

Click here to access a BBC article where the EU's head of foreign policy, Catherine Ashton, is due to begin talks with Iranian leaders in Tehran.

Try and keep up to date with current events regarding the EU and Catherine Ashton. Useful for any question on CFSP.

Unit 4: The Social Chapter

The Social Chapter, signed at Maastricht in 1992 (but not by UK until 1997) contained far reaching regulations on the social rights of workers in the EU.

The main provisions are as follows:

• A maximum working week (48 Hours)
• A minimum working age of 16
• Equality of pay & conditions for all 
• Protect rights of disabled workers
• Protect right to join a trade union
• Pension rights for workers
• Rights for maternity & paternity leave
• Rights to training
• Rights to redundancy payments
• Right to work flexible hours

Click here for an article written in the Independent newspaper in 1993 to see why John Major and the Conservatives were against it.

Click here to read an article written in 2007 from the Guardian newspaper about Cameron's view on the Social Chapter.

Click here for another article written in 1996 on why Blair wanted to sign but the Conservatives were still against.

What are the arguments for & against the Social Chapter?

Exam Question: What is the Social Chapter, and why has it been controversial? (15 Marks)

All students: Check out the header

Just posted a great quote from one of the truly great presidents. Just in case you forget to look at the header.....

Q) How could you incorporate the quote into an essay?

Q) Who are the four US Presidents?

Unit 1: Link to Politics presentations

Click here to access several politics presentations from tutor2u. They are relatively old, but still useful when looking at theories.

Unit 4: CFSP - An EU perspective

The European Union has its own foreign and security policy, which has developed gradually over many years and which enables it to speak – and act – as one in world affairs.
Acting together as the EU, the 28 member countries have far greater weight and influence than if they act individually, following 28 different policies.

Exam question: How significant is the post of High Representative for Foreign Policy, as established in
2009? (15 Marks)

The EU's common foreign and security policy has been further strengthened by the 2009 Lisbon Treaty, which created the post of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. At the same time, it created a European Diplomatic Service – the European External Action Service (EEAS).
Peace and security
The role of the EU's foreign and security policy is to preserve peace and strengthen international security; to promote international cooperation; and to develop and consolidate democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

EU election monitors in Sierra Leone, 2012. The EU promotes democracy & human rights worldwide

Diplomacy and partnership

The EU is a key player in international issues – from global warming to the conflict in the Middle East. The EU’s common foreign and security policy is based on diplomacy – backed where necessary by trade, aid and security and defence – to resolve conflicts and bring about international understanding. The Union is the largest donor of Development Aid Internationally and this leaves it in a unique position to reach out in cooperation with developing countries.

The sheer size of the 28-nation EU – in economic, trade and financial terms – makes it a major force in the world. It is the world’s biggest trader, with the world’s second currency, the euro. The EU plays an important role in global affairs – and its weight is growing as EU countries increasingly make collective foreign policy decisions.

The EU maintains partnerships with all the world's key players – including new ones – each with their own world views and interests. It seeks to ensure that its partnerships are based on mutual interests and benefits, in which both parties have rights as well as duties.

The EU holds regular summits with the United States, Japan, Canada, Russia, India and China. Its relations with these and other countries span many fields, including education, the environment, security and defence, crime and human rights dialogues.

Peacekeeping missions

The EU has sent peacekeeping missions to several of the world’s trouble spots. In August 2008, the EU helped broker a ceasefire between Georgia and Russia, deployed EU observers to monitor the situation (EU monitoring mission in Georgia) and provided humanitarian aid to people displaced by the fighting.

The EU also has a leading role in the Balkans, where it is funding assistance projects in seven countries to help them build stable societies. In Kosovo, the EU deployed a 1900-strong police and justice force (EULEX Kosovo) in December 2008 to help ensure law and order.

Officer from EULEX Mission in Kosovo distributes info on EU role in rebuildng Western Balkans

The means to intervene

The EU has no standing army. Instead, under its common security and defence policy (CSDP), it relies on ad hoc forces contributed by EU countries for:

• joint disarmament operations
• humanitarian and rescue tasks
• military advice and assistance
• conflict prevention and peace-keeping
• tasks of combat forces in crisis management, including peace-making and post-conflict stabilisation.

All these tasks may contribute to the fight against terrorism, sometimes by supporting non-EU countries in combating terrorism on their soil.

In Afghanistan, the EU supports training for judiciary & police officers

Over the last decade, the EU has launched 23 civilian missions and military operations on 3 continents. These were in response to crises – post-tsunami peace building in Aceh, protecting refugees in Chad and fighting piracy off Somalia and the Horn of Africa. 

The EU's role as a security player is expanding.

Since January 2007, the EU has been able to undertake rapid-response operations with two concurrent 1500-strong single-battle groups and, if required, to launch both operations almost simultaneously. Deployment decisions are taken by national ministers from EU countries meeting in the Council of the EU.

Reaching out eastwards

As with Russia, the EU is moving to strengthen ties with Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Ukraine and Belarus. The August 2008 Russia-Georgia war, which ended in an EU-brokered ceasefire and the deployment of an EU monitoring mission in Georgia, raised concerns over the region’s stability. 

The EU offers considerable funding for these countries, as well as the prospect of free-trade agreements if they undertake political and economic reforms to strengthen democracy.

Closer ties: Mediterranean and Middle East

In the wake of the Arab Spring in 2011, the EU re-launched its European neighbourhood policy to express its solidarity with those calling for democracy. Designed to strengthen the EU’s relations with its neighbours to the east and south, the policy offers political association, economic integration and increased mobility. The re-launch promised more EU support for those neighbours committed to political and economic reform, and more interaction with the people living in these neighbouring countries.

An EU-Tunisia Task Force is in place to coordinate European and international support intended to help Tunisia as it makes the transition to democracy and restarts its economy. A similar EU-Egypt Task Force was launched in November 2012.

The EU is providing support of a different kind to international efforts to bring peace to the Middle East. A two-state arrangement in which the Palestinian state lives side-by-side with Israel is the EU’s objective, and it is working with the UN, the US and Russia (together comprising the ‘Quartet’) to encourage both sides to reach an agreement.

The EU has an equally active role in Iran, where it is leading negotiations aimed at encouraging the country to scale back its nuclear programme.

Asia and Latin America

The EU is intensifying relations with regional groups, particularly in Asia and Latin America. With its fast-developing Asian partners, the EU has created ‘enhanced partnerships’ – agreements which balance the economic, political, social and cultural elements of the relationships.

EU members-in-waiting: the Balkans

Croatia became the 28th EU member in July 2013, whilst the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Montenegro and Serbia have been officially accepted as candidates for EU membership. Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina have applied.

Kosovo declared itself independent from Serbia in 2008, but there is still no international agreement on its status. The EU is actively seeking a diplomatic solution by leading the Pristina-Belgrade dialogue, while providing practical help.

Decision-making in EU foreign policy

The ultimate decision-making body in the European Union is the European Council, bringing together Heads of State and Government from the 28 member countries. The Council meets four times a year to define the principles and general guidelines of policy.

EU High Representative Catherine Ashton meets UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon - supporting peace through multilateral cooperation

The role of High Representative Catherine Ashton is to bring more coherence to the EU's foreign policies. Accordingly, she chairs the monthly meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council where the 28 EU Foreign Ministers meet. The High Representative also attends the European Council and reports on foreign affairs issues.

Most foreign and security policy decisions are taken by unanimity – all EU countries have to agree on a decision.

The role of the External Action Service (EEAS) is to support the role of the High Representative. It functions as the EU's diplomatic service, with a network of over 140 Delegations and Offices around the world responsible for promoting and protecting Europe's interests.

Unit 4: Presentations on C.A.P

Below are a couple of useful resources to help you understand how CAP reform is working. Remember, it is essential that you understand and discuss the controversy surrounding CAP reform. Which countries are pro and which are against and why....and how does this effect reform?

Cap powerpoint presentation March 2013 from mattbentley34

Click here for a website straight from the European Union.

This additional webpage (Click here) gives you a brief insight into what thew French are thinking.

Unit 4: EU Policy - C.A.P.

Common Agricultural Policy

Past Questions

To what extent has the Common Agricultural Policy been reformed since 1992? (15 Marks)

Has the Common Agricultural Policy been effectively reformed since 1992? (45 Marks)

Assess the impact of the reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy. (15 Marks)

‘Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy is always doomed to fail.’ Discuss.(45 Marks)

Questions for you to focus on today are the following:

When was it established?

What are/were the aims?

Why does/did it need reform?

What are the issues with reform?

What reforms have actually happened?

McSharry & Agenda 2000

Decoupling (Single Farm Payments – SFP’s)

Doha trade talks

2007-13 proposals

When looking for evidence, please ensure you have actual proposals and some factually based material to refer to, so as to effectively answer questions like the ones above.

Use your text book, course companion and this link to help you. 

Unit 4: Angela Merkel & EU Reform

Click here to read the BBC article on Angela Merkel's recent visit to Parliament. Cameron wants EU reform, specifically targeting 'Benefit Tourists', whilst Merkel agrees to some of this in principal, reform will be difficult.

Useful for questions on future direction of EU and UK party policy on this.

Unit 2: Select Committees handout & how Parliament works

Click on this link and read the interactive article on how Parliament works....really useful and links to all topics on Parliament, including select committees. This is the handout based on the lesson tomorrow (Wednesday 26th Feb 2014).

Public bill committees handout from mattbentley34

Unit 4: Excellent Eurozone video - a must watch!

Gains from international trade, the history of European economic integration, fiscal and monetary policy, the launch of the €uro and the 2008 financial crisis are all clearly animated and explained in this superb video. 

In just over 12 minutes it explains the problems of the €urozone and the threats and challenges it still faces. Definitely one to watch for the closing stages of an A2 macro course.

Hat tip to Isaac Duffy who spotted this Bloomberg video.

Thank you to Jacob for this article, which links to the possible solution above.

Unit 4: Barroso making a case against an independent Scotland

Scottish independence: Barroso says joining EU would be 'difficult'

Mr Barroso made his comments during an interview with Andrew Marr

Continue reading the main story

Scotland's Future

• Salmond hits back in currency row
• 'Yes' vote 'means leaving pound'
• 'No cross-party plan' on devolution
• The currency debate explained

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has said it would be "extremely difficult, if not impossible" for an independent Scotland to join the European Union.

Speaking to the BBC's Andrew Marr he said an independent Scotland would have to apply for membership and get the approval of all current member states.

Scotland's Finance Minister described his comments as "pretty preposterous".

John Swinney said Mr Barroso's view was based on a false comparison.

The referendum on Scottish independence will be held on 18 September, with voters being asked the Yes/No question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"

New state

In his interview with Andrew Marr, Mr Barroso said: "In case there is a new country, a new state, coming out of a current member state it will have to apply."

He said it was important that "accession to the European Union will have to be approved by all other member states of the European Union."

He went on: "Of course it will be extremely difficult to get the approval of all the other member states to have a new member coming from one member state."

Continue reading the main story

“Start Quote

Scotland has been a member of the EU for 40 years - we're already part of the European Union”

John SwinneyFinance Secretary

Mr Barroso cited the example of the Spanish not recognising Kosovo.

He said: "We have seen Spain has been opposing even the recognition of Kosovo, for instance. So it is to some extent a similar case because it's a new country and so I believe it's going to be extremely difficult, if not impossible, a new member state coming out of our countries getting the agreement of the others."

However, Mr Barroso made clear that it was up to the people of Scotland to decide their future, and he said he did not want to interfere in that process.

In its White Paper on independence, launched in November, the Scottish government said the country would look to gain membership through Article 48 of the Treaty of the European Union.

It said such a move could be achieved within 18 months of a "Yes" vote.

Speaking on the BBC's Sunday Politics programme, Mr Swinney said: "I think President Barroso's remarks are pretty preposterous.

"He's set out his position linking and comparing Scotland to the situation in Kosovo.

"Scotland has been a member of the EU for 40 years - we're already part of the European Union."

'Agreed process'

Mr Swinney said there was no indication any member state would veto Scotland's membership, including Spain where Catalan separatists are pushing for independence.

He added: "The Spanish Foreign Minister said if there is an agreed process within the United Kingdom by which Scotland becomes an independent country then Spain has nothing to say about the whole issue.

"That indicates to me quite clearly that the Spanish government will have no stance to take on the question of Scottish membership of the European Union."