【Read in 4 Minutes!】What is the EU (European Union)? Explaining the Differences with Nation-States and the Reasons Behind Brexit Clearly!

 In this article, we will explain what the EU is, the differences between the EU and nation-states, and the reasons behind Brexit in an easy-to-understand manner!

What is the EU?

The European Union (EU) refers to a political and economic integration body progressing cooperation in a broader range of areas such as economic and monetary union, common foreign and security policy, and police and judicial cooperation based on the Treaty on European Union (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Its main features include:

1. Economic Integration and Common Market:

 The EU promotes free movement of trade and capital among member states, forming a common market. This eliminates tariff and regulatory barriers, fostering increased trade among member states.

2. Common Currency Euro:

 Some EU member states have adopted the common currency, the Euro. In the Eurozone, the Euro is used as the official currency and is managed by the European Central.

3. Political Coordination:

 The EU emphasizes political cooperation among member states. Through institutions such as the European Parliament and the European Commission, member states jointly formulate policies and make decisions.

4. Shared Values: 

 The EU shares values such as freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Upholding and promoting these values is one of the EU's important missions.

Key Historical Turning Points Related to the Above Features Include: 

1. Establishment of the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957.
2. The Maastricht Treaty in 1992, which laid the groundwork for the development of the EU from its precursor, the European Communities, and included provisions for monetary integration and political coordination.
3. Introduction of the Euro in 1999.
4. Enlargement of the EU to include many countries, advancing integration across Europe.

Differences Between the EU and Nation-States:

While the EU holds decision-making powers even in areas such as currency and law, how does it differ from nation-states? There are four main points of distinction:

1. Sovereignty and Independence:

 Nation-states exercise sovereignty with full authority over their territories and citizens, whereas the EU is an organization composed of sovereign member states that delegate certain powers to it.

2. Scope of Authority:

 Nation-states have authority over nearly all areas, while the EU has authority only in specific areas defined by the EU treaties.

3. Legal Authority:

 National laws hold supreme authority within a country, while both national laws and EU laws apply within EU member states, with EU law taking precedence in case of conflict.

4. Representation and Decision-Making Process:

 National governments represent citizens in making political and economic decisions domestically and internationally, while in the EU, member state governments participate in the decision-making process, with EU institutions jointly formulating policies.

Brexit (British Exit):

In the 2016 referendum, the United Kingdom, one of the member states, voted to leave the EU (Brexit). Based on the above, we will briefly explain the reasons for the UK's departure in four points:

1. Economic Disparities and Financial Burden:

 The UK, being relatively economically affluent within the EU, was discontent with the uneven distribution of EU economic support, especially concerning subsidies and development aid.

2. Grievances Regarding EU Regulations and Laws:

 There were opinions in the UK that laws and regulations imposed by the EU were disadvantageous to its domestic economy and businesses, with complaints about excessive regulations and unjust laws impacting business and daily life.

3. Immigration Issues and Population Growth:

 The EU's free movement policy led to a significant increase in immigration to the UK from other EU member states. This led to increased burdens on social welfare and public services, as well as impacts on the domestic labor and housing markets.

4. Recovery of Sovereignty and Independence in Domestic Policies:

 There was a demand in the UK to regain sovereignty and make decisions freely regarding its domestic policies and laws without being bound by EU regulations. Especially concerning issues like immigration and social policies, there was dissatisfaction with being influenced by the EU.

Conclusion

How was it? We hope this article has deepened your understanding of the EU even a little bit.

Thank you for reading until the end!