Difference between revisions of "United Nations of the Auroran Continent"

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{{WIP}}
 
{{Infobox country
 
{{Infobox country
 
|conventional_long_name = The United Nations of the Auroran Continent
 
|conventional_long_name = The United Nations of the Auroran Continent
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|image_flag =        UNACflag.jpg
 
|image_flag =        UNACflag.jpg
 
|flag_footnote =      Flag
 
|flag_footnote =      Flag
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|national_motto =     
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|national_motto =    Iuncti Inde Diversitas
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|national_anthem =   
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|national_anthem =  "Ode to Joy"
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|image_map =           
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|image_map =          UNAC.png
 
|loctext =             
 
|loctext =             
 
|alt_map =             
 
|alt_map =             
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|capital =            Aura, Weyrcliff, Sani Bursil
 
|capital =            Aura, Weyrcliff, Sani Bursil
 
|largest_city =      Sani Bursil
 
|largest_city =      Sani Bursil
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|official_languages = [[wikipedia: english language|Codexian]], [[wikipedia: Japanese|Minarin]], [[Unonian]], [[wikipedia:Italian language|New Axdelian]], [[wikipedia:Faroese language|Staynish (simplified)]], [[wikipedia:Icelandic language|Old Staynic]], [[wikipedia:Irish Gaelic|Corstanese]], Lishboyara, Labian, [[wikipedia:Manx language|Jubliakese]], Rekliese, [[wikipedia:Vulgar Latin|Calth]], [[wikipedia:Cumbric|Higher Miyaron]], [[wikipedia:Norn language|Horkalese]], [[wikipedia:Cornish|Lower Miyaron]], [[wikipedia:Scotish Gaelic|Justelvardic]], [[wikipedia:Erzya language|Amos Noc]], [[wikipedia:Finland Swedish|Accerus]], Atlantean, [[wikipedia:Frisian|Frisian]], [[wikipedia: French language|Wachovian]],  and [[wikipedia: Arabic|Kostuvian]], [[Nation/The Oan Isles#Languages|Oan (Oalanu)]]
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|official_languages = [[wikipedia: english language|Codexian]], [[wikipedia: Japanese|Minarin]], [[Unonian]], [[wikipedia:Italian language|Axdan Language]], [[wikipedia:Faroese language|Staynish (simplified)]], [[wikipedia:Icelandic language|Old Staynic]], [[wikipedia:Irish Gaelic|Corstanese]], Lishboyara, Labian, [[wikipedia:Manx language|Jubliakese]], Rekliese, [[wikipedia:Vulgar Latin|Calth]], [[wikipedia:Cumbric|Higher Miyaron]], [[wikipedia:Norn language|Horkalese]], [[wikipedia:Cornish|Lower Miyaron]], [[wikipedia:Scotish Gaelic|Justelvardic]], [[wikipedia:Erzya language|Amos Noc]], [[wikipedia:Finland Swedish|Accerus]], Atlantean, [[wikipedia:Frisian|Frisian]], [[wikipedia: French language|Wachovian]],  and [[Nation/The Oan Isles#Languages|Oan (Oalanu)]]
 
|ethnic_groups =       
 
|ethnic_groups =       
 
|ethnic_groups_year = 2015 Estimate
 
|ethnic_groups_year = 2015 Estimate
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|population_density_km2 =  
 
|population_density_km2 =  
 
|population_density_sq_mi =  
 
|population_density_sq_mi =  
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|GDP_nominal = 25,553,412,960,404.35 KRB
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|GDP_nominal = 29.4 trillion 5 KRB
 
|GDP_nominal_year = 2015
 
|GDP_nominal_year = 2015
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|GDP_nominal_per_capita = 21,157.73 KRB
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|GDP_nominal_per_capita = 24,342.63 KRB
 
|Gini =                         
 
|Gini =                         
 
|Gini_year = 2016
 
|Gini_year = 2016
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}}
  
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The '''United Nations of the Auroran Continent''' ('''UNAC''') is a political and economic union of memberstates that are located primarily in Aurora. It has an area of , and an estimated population of over 1.1 billion. The UNAC has developed an internal single market through a standardised system of laws that apply in all member states. UNAC policies aim to ensure the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital within the internal market, enact legislation in justice and home affairs, and maintain common policies on trade, agriculture, and regional development. Within the ____ Area, passport controls have been abolished. A monetary union in the form of the Auroran Continental Bank was established in 1975, utilizing many aspects of the Bank of the Morstaybishlian Empire, and came into full force a few years after. Initially under direct regulation of the ACA, the Auroran Continental Bank was reorganized as its own independent organization, in an effort to decentralize the currency; a direct result of the "Auroran Split." The ____ Area is composed of __ member states which use the Kirib currency, which is at a current exchange rate of 1.15 KRB to 1 SHD.
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The '''United Nations of the Auroran Continent''' ('''UNAC''') is a political and economic union of 19 member states and two observer states ([[Nilovia]] and [[East Malaysia]]) that are located in Aurora, except for East Malaysia which exists directly north of the continent. It has an area of 14,360,300 sq km, and an estimated population of around 1 billion. The UNAC has developed an internal single market through a standardised system of laws that apply in all member states. UNAC policies aim to ensure the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital within the internal market, enact legislation in justice and home affairs, and maintain common policies on trade, agriculture, and regional development. Within the Aegis Area, passport controls have been abolished. A monetary union in the form of the Auroran Continental Bank was established in 1975, utilizing many aspects of the Bank of the Morstaybishlian Empire, and came into full force a few years after. Initially under direct regulation of the ACA, the Auroran Continental Bank was reorganized as its own independent organization, in an effort to make the currency more independent of political affairs; a direct result of the "[[United_Nations_of_the_Auroran_Continent#Renewed_Rise_in_Nationalism_and_The_Auroran_Split_.281996-2017.29|Auroran Split]]." The Aegis Area is composed of 15 member states, all of which use the Kirib currency, except [[Quartz Fern Coast]].
  
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The UNAC traces its origins from the [[Auroran Continental Assembly]] (ACA) and the short-lived [[Auroran Union]] (AU), established, respectively, by the 1976 Weyrcliff Pact and during the 2017 Sani Bursil Summit, the latter of which was formed in direct competition of the former due to apparent shortcomings in the ACA's enforcement of established policy during the Auroran-Pacific War. The ACA, having grandfathered the former members of the ACA and the AU, consists of __ members, and __ observer member(s).
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The UNAC traces its origins from the [[Auroran Continental Assembly]] (ACA) and the short-lived [[Auroran Union]] (AU), established, respectively, by the 1976 Weyrcliff Pact and during the 2017 Sani Bursil Summit, the latter of which was formed in direct competition of the former due to apparent shortcomings in the ACA's enforcement of established policy during the Auroran-Pacific War. The UNAC, having grandfathered the former members of the ACA and the AU, consists of 19 members, and 2 observer members.
  
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While no member state has left the UNAC, its predecessor, the Auroran Continental Assembly, saw the secession of Baykalia, a result of a major change in Baykalian leadership. The Grand Matriarchy of Ethalria, a former member of the ACA, fractured into four new nations following the conclusion of the [[Auroran-Pacific War]], all four aforementioned nations having been instated into the Union. All four nations, however, are exempt from certain secession rules applicable to other nations in an effort to allow the nations to "chart their own course".
  
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While no member state has left the UNAC, its predecessor, the Auroran Continental Assembly, saw the secession of Baykalia, a result of a major change in Baykalian leadership. The Grand Matriarchy of Ethalria, a former member of the ACA, fractured into four new nations following the conclusion of the [[Auroran-Pacific War]], all four of which have been instated into the Union, but all four have been exempt from certain secession rules applicable to other nations.
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Covering nearly 17% of the world population, the UNAC in 2017 generated a nominal [[gross domestic product]] (GDP) of 29.4 trillion SH dollars, constituting between 20% and 25% of global nominal GDP. Because of its global influence, the United Nations of the Auroran Continent has been described occasionally by some as a superpower.
  
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Covering 7.3% of the world population, the EU in 2016 generated a nominal [[gross domestic product]] (GDP) of _____ trillion US dollars, constituting approximately ____% of global [[nominal GDP]]. Through the [[Common Foreign and Security Policy]], the EU has developed a role in [[Foreign relations of the European Union|external relations]] and [[Military of the European Union|defence]]. The union maintains diplomatic missions throughout the world. Because of its global influence, the European Union has been described by some as an emerging superpower.
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== History ==
  
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==History==
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===Background===
  
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=== Background ===
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Pan-Auroran political thought emerged during the mid and late 20th century, prompted primarily by the devastating effects of the Auroran Imperial War. In the decades following the summit that formed the Weyrcliff Pact, ideals of Auroran unity were first introduced on the continent, with the majority of the continent adopting these new policies.
  
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Pan-Auroran political thought truly emerged during the mid and late 20th century, prompted primarily by the devastating effects of the Auroran Imperial War. In the decades following the outcomes of the Congress of Weyrcliff, ideals of Auroran unity were first introduced on the continent, with the majority of the continent adopting these new policies.
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During the long interwar period, the consciousness that national markets in Aurora were interdependent though confrontational, along with the observation of a larger and growing Yasterian (In particular, the members of the [[Kerilo Accord]] and the large Pax Caliphate) market to the north, fostered the urge for the economic integration of the continent.
  
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During the interwar period, the consciousness that national markets in Europe were interdependent though confrontational, along with the observation of a larger and growing Yasterian (In particular, the members of the [[Kerilo Accord]]) market on the other side of the ocean, nourished the urge for the economic integration of the continent.
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===The Weyrcliff Pact and The Auroran Continental Assembly(1975-2016)===
  
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===Preliminary (1975)===
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After the Auroran Imperial War (AIW), Auroran integration was seen as a solution to the extreme nationalism which had devastated the continent, and the participants of the AIW would attempt a Pan-Aurora unionization. In 1976, The Morstaybishlian Empire, The Grand Republic of Salovia, The Republic of Xagrurg, The Free State of Kostoria-Obertonia, The Republic of Norograd, and The Grand Matriarchy of Ethalria signed the Weyrcliff Pact, which established the baseline policy of future treaties and unions to come, in particular the then-newly-formed Auroran Continental Assembly (ACA). The first attempt at economic integration, it had relative success in its beginning years, setting the foundation for and the construction of numerous public works projects, most notably the Auroran highway system and the continent-widespread adoption of the [[Kirib]] as the de facto currency of Aurora.
  
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After the Auroran Imperial War, Auroran integration was seen as a solution to the extreme nationalism which had devastated the continent.
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===Renewed Rise in Nationalism and The Auroran Split (1996-2017)===
  
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===The Weyrcliff Pact and Auroran Continental Assembly(1976-2016)===
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The end of both the Norograd Civil War in 1996 and the Salovian Civil War in 2005 saw a dramatic rise in nationalism, especially within the former Salovian territories of Kostromastan and Baykalia. Radical nationalist factions within Ethalria also saw their popularity slowly grow through this period, and over time the growth of these factions would eventually result in the escalation of tensions within the continent. Ethalria and its neighbor, the Greater Xagrurgian Empire, along with the northern half of the Kostrom Confederation, would form an alliance of its own, known as the Axis. Despite the obvious threat this alliance posed to the continent's peace, the ACA would do nothing in opposition to it. In response to this lack of action, the Oan Isles sent to other Auroran nations an offer to join a new union that would take the form of the Auroran Union. The nations of The United Kingdom, Tivot, Tuvaltastan, Blueacia, The Oan Isles, and The Yor Isles would ratify the Auroran Union's treaty. This rapid ratification would soon be called the "Auroran Split" by some.
  
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In 1976, The Morstaybishlian Empire, The Grand Republic of Kostuvastan, The Republic of Xagrurg, The Free State of Kostoria-Obertonia, The Republic of Norograd, and The Grand Matriarchy of Ethalria signed the Weyrcliff Pact, which established the baseline policy of future treaties and unions to come.
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===The Aurora-Pacific War and The Aura Reunification Summit of 2018 (2017-Present)===
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The EEC and Euratom were created separately from the ECSC, although they shared the same courts and the Common Assembly.  The EEC was headed by [[Walter Hallstein]] ([[Hallstein Commission]]) and Euratom was headed by [[Louis Armand]] ([[Armand Commission]]) and then [[Étienne Hirsch]]. Euratom was to integrate sectors in nuclear energy while the EEC would develop a customs union among members.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cvce.eu/obj/a_european_atomic_energy_community-en-19bc7f11-bea1-49c7-b534-18327c303f41.html |title=A European Atomic Energy Community |publisher=Cvce.eu |date=13 October 1997 |accessdate=13 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cvce.eu/obj/a_european_customs_union-en-a11a5f17-d744-479e-ba75-2c70b6058608.html|title=A European Customs Union|work=cvce.eu}}</ref>
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During the 1960s, tensions began to show, with France seeking to limit supranational power. Nevertheless, in 1965 an agreement was reached and on 1 July 1967 the [[Merger Treaty]] created a single set of institutions for the three communities, which were collectively referred to as the ''[[European Communities]]''.<ref name="ENA Merge">{{cite web|url=http://www.cvce.eu/obj/merging_the_executives-en-575850b6-f472-406a-936d-8c08a9e0db32.html|title=Merging the executives|publisher=CVCE&nbsp;– Centre Virtuel de la Connaissance sur l'Europe|accessdate=28 April 2013}}</ref><ref>[http://www.cvce.eu/obj/merging_the_executives-en-575850b6-f472-406a-936d-8c08a9e0db32.html Merging the executives] CVCE.eu</ref> [[Jean Rey (politician)|Jean Rey]] [[President of the European Commission|presided over]] the first merged Commission ([[Rey Commission]]).<ref>[http://ec.europa.eu/archives/commission_2004-2009/index_en.htm Discover the former Presidents: The Rey Commission], Europa (web portal). Retrieved 28 April 2013.</ref>
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[[File:Thefalloftheberlinwall1989.JPG|thumb|In 1989, the [[Iron Curtain]] fell, enabling the union to [[Enlargement of the European Union|expand]] further ([[Berlin Wall]] pictured).]]
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In 1973, the Communities were enlarged to include [[Denmark]] (including [[Greenland]], which later [[Greenlandic European Communities membership referendum, 1982|left the Communities]] in 1985, following a dispute over fishing rights), [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]], and the [[Accession of the United Kingdom to the European Communities|United Kingdom]].<ref name="ENA First enlargement">{{cite web|title=The first enlargement|publisher=CVCE|url=http://www.cvce.eu/obj/the_first_enlargement-en-fa871903-53b5-497e-855f-01c9842c7b94.html|accessdate=28 April 2013}}</ref> Norway had negotiated to join at the same time, but Norwegian voters rejected membership in a [[Norwegian European Communities membership referendum, 1972|referendum]]. In 1979, the [[European Parliament election, 1979|first direct elections]] to the European Parliament were held.<ref name="ENA New Parliament">{{cite web|title=The new European Parliament|publisher=CVCE|url=http://www.cvce.eu/obj/the_new_european_parliament-en-e40aba1b-45f1-43bf-bbd1-a34bb52f15db.html|accessdate=28 April 2013}}</ref> This was marked by a special international friendly football match at [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley Stadium]] between two teams called "The Three" and "The Six" which finished 2-0 to "The Three".
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[[Greece]] joined in 1981, [[Portugal]] and [[Spain]] following in 1986.<ref name="ENA Enlargement negotiations">{{cite web|title=Negotiations for enlargement|publisher=CVCE|url=http://www.cvce.eu/obj/negotiations_for_enlargement-en-19a4fd81-119d-4090-bfac-c7cc8ae64a20.html|accessdate=28 April 2013}}</ref> In 1985, the [[Schengen Agreement]] paved the way for the creation of open borders without passport controls between most member states and some non-member states.<ref>{{cite news |title=Schengen agreement |date=30 April 2001 |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=18 September 2009 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/europe/euro-glossary/1230052.stm}}</ref> In 1986, the [[Flag of Europe|European flag]] began to be used by the EEC<ref>{{cite web|title=History of the flag|publisher=Europa web portal|url=http://europa.eu/abc/symbols/emblem/index_en.htm|accessdate=13 March 2009}}</ref> and the [[Single European Act]] was signed.
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In 1990, after [[revolutions of 1989|the fall of the Eastern Bloc]], the former [[East Germany]] became part of the Communities as part of a [[German reunification|reunified Germany]].<ref name="Europa History 80-89">{{cite web|url=http://europa.eu/abc/history/1980-1989/index_en.htm|title=1980–1989 The changing face of Europe – the fall of the Berlin Wall|publisher=Europa web portal|accessdate=25 June 2007}}</ref> A close fiscal integration with the introduction of the euro was not matched by institutional oversight making things more troubling. Attempts to solve the problems and to make the EU more efficient and coherent had limited success.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=The World Transformed, 1945 to the Present|last=Hunt|first=Michael H.|publisher=Oxford University press|year=2014|isbn=9780199371037|location=New York, New York|pages=516–517}}</ref>&nbsp;With further enlargement planned to include the former [[communist state]]s of Central and Eastern Europe, as well as [[Cyprus]] and [[Malta]], the [[Copenhagen criteria]] for candidate members to join the EU were agreed upon in June 1993. The expansion of the EU introduced a new level of complexity and discord.<ref name=":0" />
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===2017 Sani Bursil Summit and the Auroran Union (2017-2018) ===
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[[File:Euro banknotes 2002.png|thumb|right|The [[euro]] was introduced in 2002, replacing 12 national currencies. Seven countries have since joined.]]
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The European Union was formally established when the [[Maastricht Treaty]]—whose main architects were [[Helmut Kohl]] and [[François Mitterrand]]—came into force on 1 November 1993.{{sfn|Craig |De Burca|2011|page=15}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Treaty of Maastricht on European Union|url=http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/economic_and_monetary_affairs/institutional_and_economic_framework/treaties_maastricht_en.htm|work=Activities of the European Union|publisher=Europa web portal|accessdate=20 October 2007}}</ref> The treaty also gave the name [[European Community]] to the EEC, even if it was referred as such before the treaty. In 1995, [[Austria]], [[Finland]], and [[Sweden]] joined the EU.
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In 2002, euro banknotes and coins replaced national currencies in 12 of the member states. Since then, the [[eurozone]] has increased to encompass 19 countries. The euro currency became the second largest reserve currency in the world. In 2004, the EU saw [[2004 enlargement of the European Union|its biggest enlargement to date]] when [[Cyprus]], the [[Czech Republic]], [[Estonia]], [[Hungary]], [[Latvia]], [[Lithuania]], [[Malta]], [[Poland]], [[Slovakia]], and [[Slovenia]] joined the Union.<ref name="Europa History 00">{{cite web|title=A decade of further expansion |publisher=Europa web portal |url=http://europa.eu/abc/history/2000_today/index_en.htm |accessdate=25 June 2007 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070615031714/http://europa.eu/abc/history/2000_today/index_en.htm |archivedate=15 June 2007 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref>
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===Renewed Rise in Nationalism (2017)===
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===The Aura Reunification Summit and Formation of the UNAC===
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===Structural evolution===
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{{main|Treaties of the European Union}}
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The following timeline illustrates the [[European integration|integration]] that has led to the formation of the present union, in terms of structural development driven by international treaties:
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{{EU evolution timeline}}
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==Geography==
 
==Geography==
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===Urbanisation===
 
===Urbanisation===
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The continent contains numerous densely-populated metropolitan areas, notably the Sani Bursil Metropolitan Area, the Aura Metropolitan Area, the Imperium Metropolitan Area, and the Shagonar-Omsk Metropolitan Area. A continent-wide highway system connects most, if not all of the major urban areas.
  
 
===Languages===
 
===Languages===
  
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The UNAC has __ official languages: . Important documents, such as legislation, are translated into every official language and the Auroran Council provides translation for documents and plenary sessions. Due to the high number of official idioms, most of the institutions use the global lingua franca of Codexian. Even though language policy is the responsibility of member states, UNAC institutions promote multilingualism among its citizens.
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The UNAC has 23 official languages: Codexian, Minarin, Unonian, Axdan, Simplified Staynish, Old Staynic, Corstanese, Lishboyara, Labian, Jubliakese, Rekliese, Calth, Higher Miyaron, Horkalese, Lower Miyaron, Justelvardic, Amos Noc, Accerus, Atlantean, Frisian, Wachovian, Kostuvian, and Oan. Important documents, such as legislation, are translated into every official language and the Auroran Council provides translation for documents and plenary sessions. Due to the high number of official idioms, most of the institutions use the global lingua franca of Codexian. Even though language policy is the responsibility of member states, UNAC institutions promote multilingualism among its citizens.
  
 
===Education and Science===
 
===Education and Science===
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===Member states===
 
===Member states===
  
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===Institutions===
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===Auroran Parliament===
  
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===Constitutional nature===
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The Auroran Parliament forms the lower branch of the legislature of the Auroran continent. Although it lacks legislative initiative, has the power to debate and vote upon legislative proposals from the Commission. The Auroran Parliament is comprised of approximately 700 seats. It is elected by proportional representation, but seats are assured for all nations irrespective of size.
  
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===Governance===
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===Auroran Commission===
  
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====Auroran Council====
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The Auroran Commission has the power to develop policy and administer laws and treaties. Representation is assured for each member state. Some, if not all members, are allocated portfolios by which they oversee policy, hold agencies to account and bear a portion of the workload. The Commission has the power to propose legislation to the Parliament and Council.
  
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====Auroran Commission====
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===Council of the UNAC===
  
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====Council of the European Union====
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The Council of the UNAC is made up of representatives from each member state. Such representatives may be leaders or ambassadors depending on the system that the state has adopted to elect its representatives. The Council has the power to veto the vote of the Auroran Parliament by a two thirds majority. The Council has some powers to give instruction to the Auroran Commission. It has exclusive decision-making power over certain topics. It has reserve powers that are exercised during an emergency such as the dissolution of the Auroran Parliament.
  
 
===Competences===
 
===Competences===
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UNAC member states retain all powers not explicitly handed to the Union. In some areas the UNAC enjoys exclusive competence. These are areas in which member states have renounced any capacity to enact legislation. In other areas the EU and its member states share the competence to legislate. While both can legislate, member states can only legislate to the extent to which the UNAC has not. In other policy areas the Union can only co-ordinate, support and supplement member state action but cannot enact legislation with the aim of harmonising national laws.
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UNAC member states retain all powers not explicitly handed to the Union. In some areas the UNAC enjoys exclusive competence. These are areas in which member states have renounced any capacity to enact legislation. In other areas the UNAC and its member states share the competence to legislate. While both can legislate, member states can only legislate to the extent to which the UNAC has not. In other policy areas the Union can only co-ordinate, support and supplement member state action but cannot enact legislation with the aim of harmonizing national laws.
  
 
That a particular policy area falls into a certain category of competence is not necessarily indicative of what legislative procedure is used for enacting legislation within that policy area. Different legislative procedures are used within the same category of competence, and even with the same policy area.
 
That a particular policy area falls into a certain category of competence is not necessarily indicative of what legislative procedure is used for enacting legislation within that policy area. Different legislative procedures are used within the same category of competence, and even with the same policy area.
  
 
The distribution of competences in various policy areas between Member States and the Union is divided into __ categories:
 
The distribution of competences in various policy areas between Member States and the Union is divided into __ categories:
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==Legal system==
 
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{{Further|European Union law|Treaties of the European Union|Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union}}
 
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[[File:European Court of Justice - Luxembourg (1674586821).jpg|thumb|The [[European Court of Justice|Court of Justice]], seated in [[Luxembourg City|Luxembourg]].]]
 
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The EU is based on a series of [[Treaties of the European Union|treaties]]. These first established the European Community and the EU, and then made amendments to those founding treaties.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sources of EU law|url=http://ec.europa.eu/ireland/general_information/legal_information_and_eu_law/sources_eu_law/index_en.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228193407/http://ec.europa.eu/ireland/general_information/legal_information_and_eu_law/sources_eu_law/index_en.htm|archivedate=28 February 2008|publisher=European Commission|accessdate=5 September 2007}}</ref> These are power-giving treaties which set broad policy goals and establish institutions with the necessary legal powers to implement those goals. These legal powers include the ability to enact legislation<ref group="lower-alpha" name="art249">See Article 288 (ex Article 249 TEC) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, on [http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:C:2010:083:0047:0200:EN:PDF eur-lex.europa.eu]</ref> which can directly affect all member states and their inhabitants.<ref group="lower-alpha" name="Direct Effect">According to the principle of Direct Effect first invoked in the Court of Justice's decision in {{cite court|litigants=Van Gend en Loos v Nederlandse Administratie der Belastingen|reporter=Eur-Lex|court=European Court of Justice|year=1963|url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:61962J0026:EN:NOT}} See: Craig and de Búrca, ch. 5.</ref> The EU has [[legal personality]], with the right to sign agreements and international treaties.<ref>{{cite journal |first=Philippe |last=de Schoutheete|last2=Andoura |first2=Sami |title=The Legal Personality of the European Union |journal=Studia Diplomatica |volume=LX |year=2007 |issue=1 |url=http://aei.pitt.edu/9083/01/Legal.Personality.EU-PDS-SA.pdf |accessdate=15 November 2010}} Its examples are the ratifications of [[United Nations Convention against Corruption]] and [[Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities]] by EU. And Article 47 of the Consolidated Treaty on European Union.</ref>
 
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Under the principle of [[Supremacy (European Union law)|supremacy]], national courts are required to enforce the treaties that their member states have ratified, and thus the laws enacted under them, even if doing so requires them to ignore conflicting national law, and (within limits) even constitutional provisions.<ref group="lower-alpha" name="Supremacy">According to the principle of [[Law of the European Union#Supremacy|Supremacy]] as established by the ECJ in Case 6/64, ''Falminio Costa v. ENEL'' [1964] ECR 585. See Craig and de Búrca, ch. 7. See also: [[Factortame litigation]]: ''Factortame Ltd. v. Secretary of State for Transport (No. 2) [1991] 1 AC 603'', ''Solange II'' (''Re Wuensche Handelsgesellschaft'', BVerfG decision of 22 October 1986 [1987] 3 CMLR 225,265) and ''Frontini v. Ministero delle Finanze'' [1974] 2 CMLR 372; ''Raoul George Nicolo'' [1990] 1 CMLR 173.</ref>
 
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===Courts of Justice===
 
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The [[judiciary|judicial branch]] of the EU—formally called the [[Court of Justice of the European Union]]—consists of two courts: the [[European Court of Justice|Court of Justice]] and the [[General Court (European Union)|General Court]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:C:2010:083:0013:0046:EN:PDF |title=Article 19 of the Treaty on European Union |publisher=eur-lex.europa.eu |accessdate=31 October 2010}}</ref>
 
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The Court of Justice primarily deals with cases taken by member states, the institutions, and [[Preliminary ruling|cases referred to it]] by the courts of member states.<ref>{{cite web |title=Court of Justice: presentation |url=http://curia.europa.eu/jcms/jcms/Jo2_7024/#competences |publisher=Europa web portal |accessdate=26 December 2009}}</ref> The General Court mainly deals with cases taken by individuals and companies directly before the EU's courts,<ref>{{cite web |title=General Court: presentation |url=http://curia.europa.eu/jcms/jcms/Jo2_7033/#compet |publisher=Europa web portal |accessdate=26 December 2009}}</ref> and the European Union Civil Service Tribunal adjudicates in disputes between the European Union and [[European Civil Service|its civil service]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Civil Service Tribunal: presentation |url=http://curia.europa.eu/jcms/jcms/T5_5230/#compétence |publisher=Europa web portal |accessdate=26 December 2009}}</ref> Decisions from the General Court can be appealed to the Court of Justice but only on a point of law.<ref>Article 256(1) (ex article 225(1)) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, on [http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:C:2010:083:0047:0200:EN:PDF eur-lex.europa.eu]</ref>
 
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===Fundamental rights===
 
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[[File:Remise du Prix Sakharov à Aung San Suu Kyi Strasbourg 22 octobre 2013-14.jpg|right|thumb|The ceremony of the 1990 [[Sakharov Prize]] awarded to [[Aung San Suu Kyi]] by [[Martin Schulz]], inside the Parliament's Strasbourg hemicycle, in 2013.]]
 
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The treaties declare that the EU itself is "founded on the values of respect for [[human dignity]], [[liberty|freedom]], democracy, [[equality before the law|equality]], the [[rule of law]] and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to [[minority group|minorities]]&nbsp;... in a society in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail."<ref>[[s:Consolidated version of the Treaty on European Union/Title I: Common Provisions#Article 2|Article 2, Treaty on European Union (consolidated 1 December 2009)]]</ref>
 
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In 2009, the [[Lisbon Treaty]] gave legal effect to the [[Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union]]. The charter is a codified catalogue of [[fundamental right]]s against which the EU's legal acts can be judged. It consolidates many rights which were previously recognised by the Court of Justice and derived from the "constitutional traditions common to the member states."<ref>Case 11/70, Internationale Handelsgesellschaft v. Einfuhr und Vorratstelle für Getreide und Futtermittel; Article 6(2) of the Maastricht Treaty (as amended).</ref> The Court of Justice has long recognised fundamental rights and has, on occasion, invalidated EU legislation based on its failure to adhere to those fundamental rights.<ref name="europarl-rights">{{cite web|url=http://www.europarl.europa.eu/factsheets/2_1_1_en.htm|title=Respect for fundamental rights in the EU – general development|publisher=The [[European Parliament]]|work=European Parliament Fact Sheets|accessdate=6 September 2008}}</ref>
 
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Although signing the [[European Convention on Human Rights]] (ECHR) is a condition for EU membership,<ref group="lower-alpha">It is effectively treated as one of the Copenhagen criteria, [http://assembly.coe.int/Main.asp?link=/Documents/AdoptedText/ta08/ERES1610.htm Assembly.coe.int.] This is a political and not a legal requirement for membership. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080626175941/http://assembly.coe.int/Main.asp?link=/Documents/AdoptedText/ta08/ERES1610.htm |date=26 June 2008 }}</ref> previously, the EU itself could not accede to the Convention as it is neither a state<ref group="lower-alpha">The European Convention on Human Rights was previously only open to members of the [[Council of Europe]] ([http://conventions.coe.int/Treaty/en/Treaties/Html/005.htm Article 59.1 of the Convention]), and even now only states may become member of the Council of Europe ([http://conventions.coe.int/Treaty/en/Treaties/Html/001.htm Article 4 of the Statute of the Council of Europe]).</ref> nor had the competence to accede.<ref group="lower-alpha">Opinion (2/92) of the European Court of Justice on "Accession by the Community to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms" [http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:61994V0002:FR:NOT 1996 E.C.R. I-1759] (in French), ruled that the European Community did not have the competence to accede to the ECHR.</ref> The Lisbon Treaty and Protocol 14 to the ECHR have changed this: the former binds the EU to accede to the Convention while the latter formally permits it.
 
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Although, the EU is independent from Council of Europe, they share purpose and ideas especially on rule of law, human rights and democracy. Further [[European Convention on Human Rights]] and [[European Social Charter]], the [[source of law]] of [[Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union|Charter of Fundamental Rights]] are created by Council of Europe. The EU also promoted human rights issues in the wider world. The EU opposes the death penalty and has proposed its worldwide abolition. Abolition of the death penalty is a condition for EU membership.<ref>{{cite web|title=EU Policy on Death Penalty|url=http://eeas.europa.eu/human_rights/adp/index_en.htm|work=Europa|publisher=European Union External Action Service|accessdate=4 June 2013}}</ref>
 
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===Acts===
 
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The main legal acts of the EU come in three forms: [[Regulation (European Union)|regulations]], [[Directive (European Union)|directives]], and [[Decision (European Union)|decisions]]. Regulations become law in all member states the moment they come into force, without the requirement for any implementing measures,<ref group="lower-alpha">See: Case 34/73, ''Variola v. Amministrazione delle Finanze'' [http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:61973J0034:EN:NOT <nowiki>[1973]</nowiki> ECR 981].</ref> and automatically override conflicting domestic provisions.<ref group="lower-alpha" name="art249"/> Directives require member states to achieve a certain result while leaving them discretion as to how to achieve the result. The details of how they are to be implemented are left to member states.<ref group="lower-alpha">To do otherwise would require the drafting of legislation which would have to cope with the frequently divergent legal systems and administrative systems of all of the now 28 member states. See Craig and de Búrca, p. 115</ref> When the time limit for implementing directives passes, they may, under certain conditions, have [[direct effect]] in national law against member states.
 
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Decisions offer an alternative to the two above modes of legislation. They are legal acts which only apply to specified individuals, companies or a particular member state. They are most often used in [[competition law]], or on rulings on State Aid, but are also frequently used for procedural or administrative matters within the institutions. Regulations, directives, and decisions are of equal legal value and apply without any formal hierarchy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://europa.eu/institutions/decision-making/index_en.htm|title=How EU takes decisions|accessdate=1 November 2010|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110102215021/http://europa.eu/institutions/decision-making/index_en.htm|archivedate=2 January 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
 
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===Area of freedom, security and justice===
 
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{{Further|Area of freedom, security and justice}}
 
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[[File:OffeneGrenzeNiederndorf-Oberaudorf.jpg|thumb|right|The borders inside the [[Schengen Area]] between Germany and Austria]]
 
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[[File:Europol Building; The Hague; Eisenhowerlaan; Statenkwartier; 2014; photo nr. 41860.jpg|thumb|left|[[Europol]] Headquarters in [[The Hague]], [[Netherlands]]]]
 
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Since the creation of the EU in 1993, it has developed its competencies in the area of freedom, security and justice, initially at an intergovernmental level and later by supranationalism. To this end, agencies have been established that co-ordinate associated actions: [[Europol]] for co-operation of police forces,<ref>{{cite web|title=European police office now in full swing|url=http://ec.europa.eu/justice_home/fsj/police/europol/fsj_police_europol_en.htm|publisher=Europa web portal|accessdate=4 September 2007}}</ref> [[Eurojust]] for co-operation between prosecutors,<ref>{{cite web|title=Eurojust coordinating cross-border prosecutions at EU level|url=http://ec.europa.eu/justice_home/fsj/criminal/eurojust/fsj_criminal_eurojust_en.htm|publisher=Europa web portal|accessdate=4 September 2007}}</ref> and [[Frontex]] for co-operation between border control authorities.<ref>{{cite web|title=What is Frontex?|url=http://www.frontex.europa.eu/|author=Frontex|publisher=Europa web portal|accessdate=4 September 2007}}</ref> The EU also operates the [[Schengen Information System]]<ref name="Internal borders"/> which provides a common database for police and immigration authorities. This co-operation had to particularly be developed with the advent of open borders through the [[Schengen Agreement]] and the associated cross border crime.
 
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Furthermore, the Union has legislated in areas such as [[European Arrest Warrant|extradition]],<ref>{{cite web|title=European arrest warrant replaces extradition between EU Member States|url=http://ec.europa.eu/justice_home/fsj/criminal/extradition/fsj_criminal_extradition_en.htm|publisher=Europa web portal|accessdate=4 September 2007}}</ref> family law,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/justice_freedom_security/judicial_cooperation_in_civil_matters/l33194_en.htm|title=Jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in matrimonial matters and in matters of parental responsibility (Brussels II)|publisher=Europa web portal|accessdate=5 September 2008}}</ref> asylum law,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/justice_freedom_security/free_movement_of_persons_asylum_immigration/l33150_en.htm|title=Minimum standards on the reception of applicants for asylum in Member States|publisher=Europa web portal|accessdate=5 September 2008}}</ref> and criminal justice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/justice_freedom_security/judicial_cooperation_in_criminal_matters/l10110_en.htm|title=Specific Programme: 'Criminal Justice'|publisher=Europa web portal|accessdate=5 September 2008}}</ref> Prohibitions against sexual and nationality discrimination have a long standing in the treaties.<ref group="lower-alpha" name="art39/141 Rome">See Articles 157 (ex Article 141) of the [[Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union]], on [http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:C:2010:083:0013:0046:EN:PDF eur-lex.europa.eu]</ref> In more recent years, these have been supplemented by powers to legislate against discrimination based on race, religion, disability, age, and sexual orientation.<ref group="lower-alpha" name="art2(7) Amsterdam">See Article 2(7) of the [[Amsterdam Treaty]] on [http://eur-lex.europa.eu/en/treaties/dat/11997D/htm/11997D.html#0001010001 eur-lex.europa.eu] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080217024604/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/en/treaties/dat/11997D/htm/11997D.html#0001010001 |date=17 February 2008 }}</ref> By virtue of these powers, the EU has enacted legislation on [[sexism|sexual discrimination]] in the work-place, [[ageism|age discrimination]], and [[racism|racial discrimination]].<ref group="lower-alpha">Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin (OJ L 180, 19 July 2000, p. 22–26); Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation (OJ L 303, 2 December 2000, p. 16–22).</ref>
 
  
 
==Foreign relations==
 
==Foreign relations==
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{{Main|Foreign relations of the European Union|Common Foreign and Security Policy|European External Action Service}}
 
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[[File:Federica Mogherini Official.jpg|thumb|left|upright|[[High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy]], [[Federica Mogherini]]]]
 
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[[File:Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit in Hangzhou, China.jpg|thumb|The EU participates in all [[G8]] and [[G-20 major economies|G20]] summits. ([[2016 G20 Hangzhou summit|G20 summit in Hangzhou, 2016]])]]
 
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[[File:Juncker Trump Tusk Brussels 2017.jpg|thumb|[[Donald Tusk]] and [[Jean-Claude Juncker]] with U.S. President [[Donald Trump]]]]
 
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Foreign policy co-operation between member states dates from the establishment of the Community in 1957, when member states negotiated as a bloc in international trade negotiations under the [[EU's common commercial policy]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Qualified-Majority Voting: Common commercial policy|url=http://ec.europa.eu/archives/igc2000/geninfo/fact-sheets/fact-sheet6/index_en.htm|accessdate=3 September 2007|publisher=Europa web portal}}</ref> Steps for a more wide-ranging co-ordination in foreign relations began in 1970 with the establishment of [[European Political Cooperation]] which created an informal consultation process between member states with the aim of forming common foreign policies. It was not, however, until 1987 when European Political Cooperation was introduced on a formal basis by the [[Single European Act]]. EPC was renamed as the [[Common Foreign and Security Policy]] (CFSP) by the [[Maastricht Treaty]].<ref name="EPC">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070708111806/http://europa.eu/scadplus/glossary/european_political_cooperation_en.htm |dead-url=yes |archive-date= 8 July 2007 |url=http://europa.eu/scadplus/glossary/european_political_cooperation_en.htm |title=European political co-operation (EPC) |accessdate=3 September 2007 |publisher=Europa web portal |author=The European commission |work=Europa Glossary |df= }}</ref>
 
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The aims of the CFSP are to promote both the EU's own interests and those of the [[international community]] as a whole, including the furtherance of international co-operation, respect for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.<ref name="art11 Union">Article 21 of the [[Maastricht Treaty|Treaty on European Union]] (as inserted by the Treaty of Lisbon), on [http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:C:2010:083:0013:0046:EN:PDF eur-lex.europa.eu]</ref> The CFSP requires unanimity among the member states on the appropriate policy to follow on any particular issue. The unanimity and difficult issues treated under the CFSP sometimes lead to disagreements, such as those which occurred over the [[Iraq War|war in Iraq]].<ref name="BBC Iraq statement">{{cite news|title=Divided EU agrees Iraq statement|work =[[BBC News]]|publisher=[[BBC]]|date=27 January 2003|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/2697667.stm|accessdate=13 March 2009}}</ref>
 
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The coordinator and representative of the CFSP within the EU is the [[High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy]] who speaks on behalf of the EU in foreign policy and defence matters, and has the task of articulating the positions expressed by the member states on these fields of policy into a common alignment. The High Representative heads up the [[European External Action Service]] (EEAS), a unique EU department<ref name="23Oct">Rettman, Andrew (23 October 2009) [http://euobserver.com/9/28878 EU states envisage new foreign policy giant], EU Observer</ref> that has been officially implemented and operational since 1 December 2010 on the occasion of the first anniversary of the entry into force of the [[Treaty of Lisbon]].<ref>{{cite web|title=European External Action Service gives Europe voice on world stage|url=http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN/Infoservice/Presse/Meldungen/2010/101201-EAD.html|publisher=German Foreign Ministry|accessdate=4 June 2013|date=1 December 2010}}</ref> The EEAS will serve as a foreign ministry and [[diplomatic corps]] for the European Union.<ref name="Europa EEAS">{{cite web|title=European External Action Service|publisher=Europa web portal|year=2010|url=http://eeas.europa.eu/background/index_en.htm|accessdate=26 June 2010}}</ref>
 
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Besides the emerging international policy of the European Union, the international influence of the EU is also felt through [[Enlargement of the European Union|enlargement]]. The perceived benefits of becoming a member of the EU act as an incentive for both political and economic reform in states wishing to fulfil the EU's accession criteria, and are considered an important factor contributing to the reform of European formerly Communist countries.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Peterson|first=John|date=August 2008|title=Enlargement, reform and the European Commission. Weathering a perfect storm?|url=https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13501760802133328|journal=[[Journal of European Public Policy]], special issue: Reforming the European Commission|publisher=[[Taylor and Francis]]|volume=15|issue=5|pages=761–780|doi=10.1080/13501760802133328|postscript=.|ref=harv}}</ref>{{rp|762}} This influence on the internal affairs of other countries is generally referred to as "[[soft power]]", as opposed to military "hard power".<ref name="Soft Power">{{cite web|last=Bildt |first=Carl |authorlink=Carl Bildt |title=Europe must keep its 'soft power' |work=Financial Times on Centre for European Reform |year=2005 |url=http://www.cer.org.uk/articles/bildt_ft_1june05.html |accessdate=26 June 2007 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070609135542/http://www.cer.org.uk/articles/bildt_ft_1june05.html |archivedate=9 June 2007 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref>
 
  
 
===Defence===
 
===Defence===
−
{{Main|Common Security and Defence Policy}}
 
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[[File:Frontex HQ Warsaw Spire office complex Warsaw.jpg|thumb|upright|Seat of [[Frontex]]  in [[Warsaw]]]]
 
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The predecessors of the European Union were not devised as a military alliance because [[NATO]] was largely seen as appropriate and sufficient for defence purposes.{{sfn|Wilkinson|2007|page=100}} 22 EU members are members of NATO<ref>{{cite web|title=NATO Member Countries|url=http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/nato_countries.htm|accessdate=25 August 2009}}</ref> while the remaining member states follow policies of [[Neutrality (international relations)|neutrality]].<ref>{{cite conference|first=Finn|last=Laursen|title=The EU 'neutrals,' the CFSP and defence policy|booktitle=Biennial Conference of the European Union Studies Association|page=27|publisher=University of Pittsburgh|date=29 May – 1 June 1997|location=Seattle, WA.|url=http://aei.pitt.edu/2657/|accessdate=24 July 2009}}</ref> The [[Western European Union]], a military alliance with a mutual defence clause, was disbanded in 2010 as its role had been transferred to the EU.<ref>[http://www.weu.int/Declaration_E.pdf Statement of the Presidency of the Permanent Council of the WEU] – on behalf of the High Contracting Parties to the Modified Brussels Treaty – Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom – Western European Union 31 March 2010.</ref>
 
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[[File:A400M.jpg|thumb|left|An [[Airbus A400M Atlas|A400M]] [[military transport aircraft]] built by [[Airbus|Airbus SE]] (''[[Societas Europaea]]''; [[Latin language|Latin]]: European company)]]
 
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According to the [[Stockholm International Peace Research Institute]] (SIPRI), the United Kingdom spent $61 billion on defence in 2014, placing it fifth in the world, while France spent $53 billion, the sixth largest.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://milexdata.sipri.org/ |title=The SIPRI Military Expenditure Database |publisher=Milexdata.sipri.org |accessdate=3 June 2013 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100328072123/http://milexdata.sipri.org/ |archivedate=28 March 2010 }}</ref> Together, the UK and France account for approximately 40 per cent of European countries' defence budget and 50 per cent of their military capacity.<ref>[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10685127 "Britain and France to work together"] by Catherine Field. 4 November 2010. nzherald.co.nz. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Britain spent more than US$69 billion on defence last year, placing it third in the world after the United States and China, while France spent US$67.31 billion, the fourth largest. Together, Britain and France account for 45 per cent of Europe's defence budget, 50 per cent of its military capacity and 70 per cent of all spending in military research and development. Copyright 2010, APN Holdings NZ Limited.</ref> Both are officially recognised [[List of states with nuclear weapons|nuclear weapon states]] holding [[Permanent members of the United Nations Security Council|permanent seats]] on the [[United Nations Security Council]].
 
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Following the [[Kosovo War]] in 1999, the [[European Council]] agreed that "the Union must have the capacity for autonomous action, backed by credible military forces, the means to decide to use them, and the readiness to do so, in order to respond to international crises without prejudice to actions by NATO". To that end, a number of efforts were made to increase the EU's military capability, notably the [[Helsinki Headline Goal]] process. After much discussion, the most concrete result was the [[EU Battlegroup]]s initiative, each of which is planned to be able to deploy quickly about 1500&nbsp;personnel.<ref name="Council Capabilities">{{cite web|title=EU battlegroups |publisher=Europa web portal|author=Council of the European Union|url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cmsUpload/090720-Factsheet-Battlegroups_EN.pdf|date=July 2009|accessdate=3 June 2013}}</ref>
 
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[[EUFOR|EU forces]] have been deployed on peacekeeping missions from middle and northern Africa to the [[western Balkans]] and western Asia.<ref name="Council Operations">{{cite web|title=Overview of the missions and operations of the European Union|date=April 2003|publisher=Europa web portal|author=Council of the European Union|url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/eeas/security-defence/eu-operations?amp;lang=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111202213910/http://www.consilium.europa.eu/eeas/security-defence/eu-operations?amp;lang=en|dead-url=yes|archive-date=2 December 2011|accessdate=3 June 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> EU military operations are supported by a number of bodies, including the [[European Defence Agency]], [[European Union Satellite Centre]] and the [[European Union Military Staff]].<ref name="Council Structures">{{cite web|title=CSDP structures and instruments|publisher=Europa web portal|author=Council of the European Union|url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/eeas/security-defence/csdp-structures-and-instruments?lang=en|accessdate=3 June 2013}}</ref> [[Frontex]] is an [[Agencies of the European Union|agency of the EU]] established to manage the cooperation between national [[border guard]]s securing its external [[border]]s. It aims to detect and stop illegal immigration, [[human trafficking]] and terrorist infiltration. In 2015 the European Commission presented its proposal for a new European Border and Coast Guard Agency having a stronger role and mandate along with national authorities for border management. In an EU consisting of 28 members, substantial security and defence co-operation is increasingly relying on collaboration among all member states.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.diis.dk/sw87465.asp?csref=RSS |title=The Russo-Georgian War and Beyond: towards a European Great Power Concert, Danish ''Institute of International Studies'' |publisher=Diis.dk |accessdate=27 April 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429211047/http://www.diis.dk/sw87465.asp?csref=RSS |archivedate=29 April 2011 }}</ref>
 
  
 
===Humanitarian aid===
 
===Humanitarian aid===
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{{Further|Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations}}
 
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[[File:ECHO plane.jpg|thumb|Collectively, the EU is the largest contributor of [[ECHO (European Commission)|foreign aid]] in the world.<ref name="GHA report 2014">{{cite web|title=GHA report 2014|publisher=globalhumanitarianassistance.org|author=GHA|date=22 February 2015|url=http://www.globalhumanitarianassistance.org/report/gha-report-2014}}</ref><ref name="OECD aid report 2013">{{cite web|title=Aid to developing countries (2013)|publisher=OECD|author=OECD|date=4 August 2013|url=http://www.oecd.org/newsroom/aid-to-developing-countries-rebounds-in-2013-to-reach-an-all-time-high.htm}}</ref>]]
 
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[[File:IAHV, Jordan Program At Syrian Refugee Camp.jpg|thumb|left|The European Union co-funds [[psychosocial]] support by the IAHV, Jordan at the [[Zaatari refugee camp]] for the [[Syrian refugees]].]]
 
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The [[ECHO (European Commission)|European Commission's Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department]], or "ECHO", provides [[humanitarian aid]] from the EU to [[developing country|developing countries]]. In 2012, its budget amounted to €874 million, 51% of the budget went to Africa and 20% to Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and Pacific, and 20% to the Middle East and Mediterranean.<ref>{{cite web | title = ECHO's finances | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130718150202/http://ec.europa.eu/echo/funding/finances_en.htm | archive-date = 18 July 2013 | url = http://ec.europa.eu/echo/funding/finances_en.htm | website = ec.europa.eu | publisher = Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection, [[European Commission]]}}</ref>
 
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Humanitarian aid is financed directly by the budget (70%) as part of the financial instruments for external action and also by the [[European Development Fund]] (30%).<ref name="ODI">Mikaela Gavas 2010. [http://www.odi.org.uk/resources/details.asp?id=5078&title=european-development-cooperation-financial-perspectives Financing European development cooperation: the Financial Perspectives 2014–2020.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110316022518/http://www.odi.org.uk/resources/details.asp?id=5078&title=european-development-cooperation-financial-perspectives|date=16 March 2011}} London: [[Overseas Development Institute]]</ref> The EU's external action financing is divided into 'geographic' instruments and 'thematic' instruments.<ref name=ODI/> The 'geographic' instruments provide aid through the [[Development Cooperation Instrument]] (DCI, €16.9 billion, 2007–2013), which must spend 95% of its budget on [[official development assistance]] (ODA), and from the [[European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument]] (ENPI), which contains some relevant programmes.<ref name=ODI/> The European Development Fund (EDF, €22.7 bn, 2008–2013) is made up of voluntary contributions by member states, but there is pressure to merge the EDF into the budget-financed instruments to encourage increased contributions to match the 0.7% target and allow the [[European Parliament]] greater oversight.<ref name=ODI/>
 
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In 2016, the average among EU countries was 0.4% and five had met or exceeded the 0.7% target: Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg, Sweden and the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|title=Development aid rises again in 2016|url=http://www.oecd.org/dac/financing-sustainable-development/development-finance-data/ODA-2016-detailed-summary.pdf|publisher=OECD|date=11 April 2017|accessdate=23 December 2017}}</ref>
 
  
 
==Economy==
 
==Economy==
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{{Main|Economy of the European Union|Regional policy of the European Union}}
 
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[[File:Gross domestic product (GDP) per inhabitant in purchasing power standards (PPS) in relation to the EU-28 average, by NUTS 2 regions, 2015.png|thumb|Gross domestic product (GDP) per inhabitant in purchasing power standards (PPS) in relation to the EU-28 average, by NUTS 2 regions, 2015|400px]]
 
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bar:USA from:start till:20200 text:20,200
 
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</timeline>}}<div class="thumbcaption">The five largest economies in the world according to the [[IMF]] by [[List of countries by GDP (nominal)|Nominal GDP]] in 2018<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2017/02/weodata/index.aspx |title = World Economic Outlook Database, October 2017|date = |accessdate = 27 October 2017|website = |publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref></div></div>
 
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The European Union has established a [[Internal market|single market]] across the territory of all its members representing 511 million citizens. In 2016, the EU had a combined GDP of $20 trillion [[international dollar]]s, a 17% share of [[list of countries by GDP|global gross domestic product by purchasing power parity (PPP)]].<ref name="2011-IMG-GDP">{{cite web |url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2014/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?pr.x=28&pr.y=14&sy=2014&ey=2014&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=998&s=NGDPD%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC&grp=1&a=1|date=October 2014 |title=World Economic Outlook Database, October 2014 Edition |publisher=International Monetary Fund}}</ref> As a political entity the European Union is represented in the [[World Trade Organization]] (WTO). EU member states own the estimated second largest after the [[United States]] (33%) [[net wealth]] in the world, equal to 25% (US$72 trillion) of the $280 trillion global wealth.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.credit-suisse.com/corporate/en/research/research-institute/global-wealth-report.html?WT.i_short-url=/gwr&WT.i_target-url=/corporate/en/research/research-institute/global-wealth-report.html&ref=https://www.credit-suisse.com/corporate/en/articles/news-and-expertise/the-global-wealth-report-2016-201611.html|title=Global Wealth Report|website=Credit Suisse}}</ref>
 
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19 member states have joined a monetary union known as the [[eurozone]], which uses the [[Euro]] as a single currency. The currency union represents 340 million EU citizens.<ref name="Europa Single Market"/> The euro is the second largest [[reserve currency]] as well as the second most traded currency in the world after the [[United States dollar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bis.org/publ/rpfxf07t.pdf |title=Triennial Central Bank Survey 2007 |publisher=BIS |date=19 December 2007 |accessdate=25 July 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/14350/1/MPRA_paper_14350.pdf|title=Compositional Analysis of Foreign Currency Reserves in the 1999–2007 Period. The Euro vs. The Dollar As Leading Reserve Currency|last=Aristovnik|first=Aleksander|last2=Čeč|first2=Tanja|date=30 March 2010|publisher=Munich Personal RePEc Archive, Paper No. 14350|accessdate=27 December 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Boesler|first=Matthew|title=There Are Only Two Real Threats To The US Dollar's Status As The International Reserve Currency|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/dollar-as-international-reserve-currency-2013-11|accessdate=8 December 2013|newspaper=Business Insider|date=11 November 2013}}</ref>
 
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Of the top [[Fortune Global 500|500 largest corporations in the world measured by revenue]] in 2010, 161 have their headquarters in the EU.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/global500/2010/countries/Australia.html|title=Global 500 2010: Countries – Australia|work=Fortune|accessdate=8 July 2010}} Number of companies data taken from the "Pick a country" box.</ref> In 2016, unemployment in the EU stood at 8.9%<ref name="UNEMP">{{cite web |format=PDF |url=http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/7197743/3-01032016-AP-EN.pdf/d91b795a-f165-4a39-a961-1ae07d6c4b13 |title=Euro area unemployment rate at 10.3%, EU28 at 8.9%|date=1 March 2016|publisher=Europa web portal |accessdate=1 March 2016}}</ref> while inflation was at 2.2%, and the current account balance at −0.9% of GDP. The average annual net earnings in the European Union was around €24,000(US$30,000)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/labour-market/earnings/database|title=Database - Eurostat|website=ec.europa.eu}}</ref> in 2015, which was about 70% of that in the [[United States]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/AWI.html|title=National Average Wage Index|first=|last=SueKunkel|website=www.ssa.gov}}</ref>
 
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There is a significant variance for Nominal GDP per capita within individual EU states. The difference between the richest and poorest regions (276 NUTS-2 regions of the [[Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics]]) ranged, in 2016, from 14%(Severozapaden, Bulgaria) of the EU28 average(€29,200) to 935%(Inner London - West, UK), or from €4,100 to €207,300.<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/8700651/1-28022018-BP-EN/15f5fd90-ce8b-4927-9a3b-07dc255dc42a</ref>
 
  
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[[Structural Funds and Cohesion Funds]] are supporting the development of underdeveloped regions of the EU. Such regions are primarily located in the states of [[Central Europe|central]] and southern Europe.<ref>{{cite web |author=Select Committee on European Union |work=Nineteenth Report |title=Chapter 2: The European Union Structural and Cohesion Funds |year=2008 |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200708/ldselect/ldeucom/141/14105.htm |accessdate=28 February 2012}}</ref><ref name="Business2000 Funds">{{cite web|title=EU Structural and Cohesion funds |url=http://europa.eu/scadplus/glossary/structural_cohesion_fund_en.htm |accessdate=1 November 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100529083348/http://europa.eu/scadplus/glossary/structural_cohesion_fund_en.htm |archivedate=29 May 2010 }}</ref> Several funds provide emergency aid, support for candidate members to transform their country to conform to the EU's standard ([[Phare]], [[Instrument for Structural Policies for Pre-Accession|ISPA]], and [[Special Accession Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development|SAPARD]]), and support to the [[Commonwealth of Independent States]] ([[Technical Aid to the Commonwealth of Independent States|TACIS]]). TACIS has now become part of the worldwide [[EuropeAid Co-operation Office|EuropeAid]] programme. EU [[Framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development|research and technological framework programmes]] sponsor research conducted by consortia from all EU members to work towards a single [[European Research Area]].<ref name="Euractiv FP7">{{cite web|title=7th Research Framework Programme (FP7)|publisher=Euractiv|year=2004|url=http://www.euractiv.com/en/science/7th-research-framework-programme-fp7/article-117494|accessdate=27 June 2007}}</ref>
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The United Nations of the Auroran Continent has continued the single market across the territory of all its members representing nearly 1 billion citizens originally instated by the Auroran Continental Assembly.  
  
 
===Internal market===
 
===Internal market===
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{{Main|European Single Market}}
 
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[[File:Eirepas.JPG|thumb|upright|A [[Passports of the European Union|standardised passport]] design, displaying the name of the member state, the national [[coat of arms|arms]] and the words "European Union" given in their official language(s). (Irish model)]]
 
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[[File:DE Licence 2013 Front.jpg|thumb|left|German version of an [[European driving licence|EU driving licence card]] with the [[EU flag]] on it]]
 
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[[File:SK-number-plate-2004.svg|thumb|left|The common EU format of [[Vehicle registration plates of Europe|vehicle registration plate]]<br>(Slovak version pictured)]]
 
  
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Two of the original core objectives of the European Economic Community were the development of a common market, subsequently becoming a [[single market]], and a [[European Union Customs Union|customs union]] between its member states. The single market involves [[Internal market|the free circulation of goods, capital, people, and services within the EU]],<ref name="Europa Single Market">{{cite web|title=The Single Market |publisher=Europa web portal |url=http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/index_en.htm |accessdate=27 June 2007 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001122551/http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/index_en.htm |archivedate= 1 October 2007 |df= }}</ref> and the customs union involves the application of a [[common external tariff]] on all goods entering the market. Once goods have been admitted into the market they cannot be subjected to customs duties, discriminatory taxes or [[import quota]]s, as they travel internally. The non-EU member states of [[Iceland]], [[Norway]], [[Liechtenstein]] and [[Switzerland]] participate in the single market but not in the customs union.<ref name="EEA">{{cite web |url=http://eeas.europa.eu/eea/ |title=The European Economic Area (EEA) |publisher=Europa web portal |author=European Commission |accessdate=10 February 2010}}</ref> Half the trade in the EU is covered by legislation harmonised by the EU.<ref name="Europa Single Market G">{{cite web|title=A Single Market for goods |publisher=Europa web portal |author=European Commission |url=http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/top_layer/index_18_en.htm |accessdate=27 June 2007 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070621214532/http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/top_layer/index_18_en.htm |archivedate=21 June 2007 }}</ref>
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Free movement of capital is intended to permit movement of investments such as property purchases and buying of shares between countries.
  
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Free movement of capital is intended to permit movement of investments such as property purchases and buying of shares between countries.<ref name="Europa Single Market C">{{cite web|title=A Single Market for Capital |publisher=Europa web portal |author=European Commission |url=http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/top_layer/index_42_en.htm |accessdate=27 June 2007 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070518000627/http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/top_layer/index_42_en.htm |archivedate=18 May 2007 }}</ref> Until the drive towards [[economic and monetary union]] the development of the capital provisions had been slow. Post-Maastricht there has been a rapidly developing corpus of ECJ judgements regarding this initially neglected freedom. The free movement of capital is unique insofar as it is granted equally to non-member states.
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The free movement of persons means that citizens under the UNAC can move freely between member states to live, work, study or retire in another country. Exceptions to this policy exist, notably Dragonia and Oceansend, to minimize the flow of workers into their nations.
  
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The free movement of persons means that [[Citizenship of the European Union|EU citizens]] can move freely between member states to live, work, study or retire in another country. This required the lowering of administrative formalities and recognition of professional qualifications of other states.<ref name="Europa Single Market P">{{cite web|title=Living and working in the Single Market |publisher=Europa web portal |url=http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/top_layer/index_15_en.htm |author=European Commission |accessdate=27 June 2007 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070613212310/http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/top_layer/index_15_en.htm |archivedate=13 June 2007 }}</ref>
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The free movement of services and of establishment allows self-employed persons to move between member states to provide services on a temporary or permanent basis.
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The free movement of services and of establishment allows self-employed persons to move between member states to provide services on a temporary or permanent basis. While services account for 60–70% of GDP, legislation in the area is not as developed as in other areas. This lacuna has been addressed by the recently passed [[Directive on services in the internal market]] which aims to liberalise the cross border provision of services.<ref name="Europa Single Market S">{{cite web|title=A Single Market for Services |publisher=Europa |url=http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/top_layer/index_19_en.htm |author=European Commission |accessdate=27 June 2007 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070610133514/http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/top_layer/index_19_en.htm |archivedate=10 June 2007 }}</ref> According to the Treaty the provision of services is a residual freedom that only applies if no other freedom is being exercised.
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===Monetary union===
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{{Main|Eurozone|Economic and Monetary Union of the European Union}}
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[[File:European Central Bank - building under construction - Frankfurt - Germany - 13.jpg|thumb|upright|The [[seat of the European Central Bank]] in [[Frankfurt]]. 19 of the 28 EU member states have adopted the [[euro]] as their [[legal tender]].]]
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[[File:BlueEurozone.svg|thumb|left|The [[Eurozone]] (dark blue) represents 340 million people. The euro is the second-largest reserve currency in the world.]]
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The creation of a [[European Currency Unit|European single currency]] became an official objective of the European Economic Community in 1969. In 1992, having negotiated the structure and procedures of a currency union, the member states signed the [[Maastricht Treaty]] and were legally bound to fulfil the agreed-on rules including the [[Euro convergence criteria|convergence criteria]] if they wanted to join the [[Currency union|monetary union]]. The states wanting to participate had first to join the [[European Exchange Rate Mechanism]].
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In 1999 the currency union started, first as an accounting currency with [[History of the euro|eleven member states]] joining. In 2002, the currency was fully put into place, when [[euro banknotes|euro notes]] and coins were issued and national currencies began to phase out in the eurozone, which by then consisted of 12 member states. The eurozone (constituted by the EU member states which have adopted the euro) has since grown to 19 countries.<ref>{{cite news |title=Almunia says 'undesirable' to act on Sweden's euro refusal |first1=Teresa |last1=Kuchler |publisher=EUobserver.com |date=25 October 2006 |url=http://euobserver.com/9/22733 |accessdate=26 December 2006}}</ref><ref group="lower-alpha">{{cite web|title=ERM II |publisher=Danish Finance Ministry |date=20 March 2009 |url=http://uk.fm.dk/Portfolio/International%20cooperation/EU%20economic%20and%20political%20coordination/ERM2.aspx |accessdate=26 December 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110503183816/http://uk.fm.dk/Portfolio/International%20cooperation/EU%20economic%20and%20political%20coordination/ERM2.aspx |archivedate=3 May 2011 }}</ref>
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The euro, and the monetary policies of those who have adopted it in agreement with the EU, are under the control of the [[European Central Bank]] (ECB).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ecb.int/ecb/orga/escb/html/index.en.html|title=ECB, ESCB and the Eurosystem|publisher=European Central Bank|accessdate=15 September 2007}}</ref> The ECB is the central bank for the eurozone, and thus controls [[monetary policy]] in that area with an agenda to maintain [[price stability]]. It is at the centre of the [[European System of Central Banks]], which comprehends all EU national central banks and is controlled by its General Council, consisting of the [[President of the European Central Bank|President of the ECB]], who is appointed by the European Council, the Vice-President of the ECB, and the governors of the national central banks of all 28 EU member states.<ref name="ECB org">{{cite web|title=ECB, ESCB and the Eurosystem|publisher=European Central Bank|url=http://www.ecb.int/ecb/orga/escb/html/index.en.html|accessdate=7 July 2011}}</ref>
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The [[European System of Financial Supervision]] is an institutional architecture of the EU's framework of financial supervision composed by three authorities: the [[European Banking Authority]], the [[European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority]] and the [[European Securities and Markets Authority]]. To complement this framework, there is also a [[European Systemic Risk Board]] under the responsibility of the [[European Central Bank|ECB]]. The aim of this financial control system is to ensure the economic stability of the EU.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://euobserver.com/?aid=30866|title=Europe seals deal on financial supervision|work=euobserver.com}}</ref>
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To prevent the joining states from getting into financial trouble or crisis after entering the monetary union, they were obliged in the Maastricht treaty to fulfil important financial obligations and procedures, especially to show budgetary discipline and a high degree of sustainable economic convergence, as well as to avoid excessive government deficits and limit the government debt to a sustainable level.
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===Energy===
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{{Main|Energy policy of the European Union}}
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{{bar box
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|title = Consumed energy (2012)<ref name="Discrimination in the EU in 2012">{{citation|title=Discrimination in the EU in 2012 |work=[[Eurobarometer|Special Eurobarometer]] |year=2012 |series=383 |page=233 |url=http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_393_en.pdf |accessdate=14 August 2013 |publisher=[[European Commission]] |location=European Union |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121202023700/http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_393_en.pdf |archivedate=2 December 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref>
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|left1 = Energy source
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|left2 = Origin
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|right1=Percents
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|bars=
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{{bar percent 2|Oil|Imported|#B7004A|33|Domestic|#8C0039|6}}
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{{bar percent 2|Gas|Imported|#290192|14|Domestic|#220470|9}}
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{{bar percent 2|Nuclear<ref group="lower-alpha">Although almost all uranium is imported, nuclear power is considered primary energy produced in the EU.</ref>|Imported|red|0|Domestic|#FFE130|13}}
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{{bar percent 2|Coal/Lignite|Imported|red|0|Domestic|#FF5F00|10}}
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{{bar percent 2|Renewable|Imported|red|0|Domestic|#71B600|7}}
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{{bar percent 2|Other|Imported|#F4D49A|7|Domestic|#BBA47B|1}}
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In 2006, the [[Treaty of Accession 2005|EU-27]] had a gross inland energy consumption of 1,825&nbsp;million tonnes of oil equivalent (toe).<ref name="EurostatEnergy">{{cite press release|title=Energy consumption and production: EU27 energy dependence rate at 54% in 2006: Energy consumption stable|publisher=Eurostat|date=10 July 2008|url=http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/PGP_PRD_CAT_PREREL/PGE_CAT_PREREL_YEAR_2008/PGE_CAT_PREREL_YEAR_2008_MONTH_07/8-10072008-EN-AP.PDF|accessdate=12 September 2008|quote=<br /> In the EU27, gross inland energy consumption was 1 825&nbsp;million tonnes of oil equivalent (toe) in 2006, stable compared with 2005, while energy production decreased by 2.3% to 871 mn toe&nbsp;...<br /> Gross inland consumption is defined as primary production plus imports, recovered products and stock change, less exports and fuel supply to maritime bunkers (for seagoing ships of all flags)&nbsp;... <br /> A tonne of oil equivalent (toe) is a standardised unit defined on the basis of one tonne of oil having a net calorific value of 41.868 Gigajoules.|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080923204027/http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/PGP_PRD_CAT_PREREL/PGE_CAT_PREREL_YEAR_2008/PGE_CAT_PREREL_YEAR_2008_MONTH_07/8-10072008-EN-AP.PDF|archivedate=23 September 2008|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Around 46% of the energy consumed was produced within the member states while 54% was imported.<ref name="EurostatEnergy"/> In these statistics, nuclear energy is treated as [[primary energy]] produced in the EU, regardless of the source of the uranium, of which less than 3% is produced in the EU.<ref name="Euratom2007">{{cite book|url=http://ec.europa.eu/euratom/ar/last.pdf|title=Euratom Supply Agency—Annual Report 2007|publisher=Office for Official Publications of the European Communities|year=2008|isbn=978-92-79-09437-8|location=Luxembourg|page=22|chapter=EU supply and demand for nuclear fuels|format=PDF|quote=European uranium mining supplied just below 3% of the total EU needs, coming from the Czech Republic and Romania (a total of 526 tU).|accessdate=1 March 2009}} <br>
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Nuclear energy and renewable energy are treated differently from oil, gas, and coal in this respect.</ref>
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The EU has had legislative power in the area of energy policy for most of its existence; this has its roots in the original [[European Coal and Steel Community]]. The introduction of a mandatory and comprehensive European energy policy was approved at the meeting of the European Council in October 2005, and the first draft policy was published in January 2007.<ref name="Energy Q&A">{{cite news |title=Q&A: EU energy plans |publisher=BBC |date=9 March 2007 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4783996.stm |accessdate=13 July 2007}}</ref>
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The EU has five key points in its energy policy: increase competition in the [[internal market]], encourage investment and boost interconnections between electricity grids; diversify energy resources with better systems to respond to a crisis; establish a new treaty framework for energy co-operation with Russia while improving relations with energy-rich states in Central Asia<ref name="oies">{{cite journal|author=Shamil Midkhatovich Yenikeyeff|url=http://www.oxfordenergy.org/wpcms/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/NG25-KazakhstansgasExportMarketsandExportRoutes-ShamilYenikeyeff-2008.pdf|title=Kazakhstan's Gas: Export Markets and Export Routes|publisher=[[Oxford Institute for Energy Studies]]|format=PDF|date=November 2008|accessdate=17 November 2011}}</ref> and North Africa; use existing energy supplies more efficiently while increasing [[renewable energy commercialisation]]; and finally increase funding for new energy technologies.<ref name="Energy Q&A"/>
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In 2007, EU countries as a whole imported 82% of their oil, 57% of their natural gas<ref name="low carb prop">{{cite web|title='Low-carbon economy' proposed for Europe|publisher=MSNBC|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16560106/|accessdate=24 January 2007}}</ref> and 97.48% of their uranium<ref name="Euratom2007"/> demands. There is a strong [[Russia in the European energy sector|dependence on Russian energy]] that the EU has been attempting to reduce.<ref name="Energy Russia">{{cite web|url=http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?language=EN&type=IM-PRESS&reference=20060112STO04233&secondRef=0|title=Ukraine-Russia gas dispute—call for stronger EU energy policy|publisher=Europa web portal|author=European Parliament|accessdate=27 February 2008}}</ref>
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===Infrastructure===
 
===Infrastructure===
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{{Further|European Commissioner for Transport|European Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship|European Investment Bank}}
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A continent-wide network of highways, bridges, and tunnels, started and completed under the management of the ACA, is currently maintained by the UNAC and its members. The island nations of the Oan Isles and Blueacia are linked by ship and airplane.
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[[File:Öresundsbron i solnedgång 2.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Øresund Bridge|Öresund Bridge]] between Denmark and Sweden is part of the [[Trans-European Networks]].]]
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[[File:Views in the Main Control Room (12052189474).jpg|thumb|right|[[European Space Agency]] Mission Control at [[European Space Operations Centre|ESOC]] in [[Darmstadt]], Germany]]
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The UNAC is working to improve cross-border infrastructure within the EU, for example through the [[Trans-European Networks]] (TEN). Projects under TEN include the [[Channel Tunnel]], [[LGV Est]], the [[Fréjus Rail Tunnel]], the [[Øresund Bridge|Öresund Bridge]], the [[Brenner Base Tunnel]] and the [[Strait of Messina Bridge]]. In 2010 the estimated network covers: {{convert|75200|km}} of roads; {{convert|78000|km}} of railways; 330 airports; 270 maritime harbours; and 210 internal harbours.
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[[File:Europe Completed Motorways Dec 2012.png|thumb|Approximate extent of completed motorway network in Europe as of Dec 2012]]
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[[Rail transport in Europe]] is being synchronised with the [[European Rail Traffic Management System]] (ERTMS), an initiative to greatly enhance safety, increase efficiency of trains and enhance cross-border interoperability of rail transport in Europe by replacing signalling equipment with digitised mostly wireless versions and by creating a single Europe-wide standard for train control and command systems.
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The developing European transport policies will increase the pressure on the environment in many regions by the increased transport network. In the pre-2004 EU members, the major problem in transport deals with congestion and pollution. After the recent enlargement, the new states that joined since 2004 added the problem of solving accessibility to the transport agenda.<ref>{{cite web|title=White Paper on Transport|publisher=Euractiv|date=22 September 2004|url=http://www.euractiv.com/en/transport/white-paper-transport/article-129628|accessdate=15 August 2007}}</ref> The [[Highways in Poland|Polish road network]] was upgraded such as the [[A4 autostrada (Poland)|A4 autostrada]].<ref>{{cite web|title=EUR 650 million for the Polish Road Network|url=http://www.eib.org/projects/press/2006/2006-113-poland-eur-650-million-for-the-polish-road-network.htm}}</ref>
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The [[Galileo (satellite navigation)|Galileo positioning system]] is another EU infrastructure project. Galileo is a proposed [[Satellite navigation]] system, to be built by the EU and launched by the [[European Space Agency]] (ESA). The Galileo project was launched partly to reduce the EU's dependency on the US-operated [[Global Positioning System]], but also to give more complete global coverage and allow for greater accuracy, given the aged nature of the GPS system.<ref name="Barrot">{{cite web|last=Barrot|first=Jacques|title=Jacques Barrot Home Page, Commission vice president for transport|publisher=Europa web portal|url=http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/barrot/index_en.htm|accessdate=21 July 2007}}</ref>
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{{clear left}}
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===Agriculture===
 
===Agriculture===
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===Competition===
 
===Competition===
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===Symbols===
 
===Symbols===
  
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The Flag of the UNAC consists of .
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The Flag of the UNAC consists of three horizontal stripes, two of which are burgundy, and the central stripe being yellow. A symbol resembling Sol takes up much of the left half of the flag, and has blue and yellow rays stretching out from a yellow center. Within the center of the yellow circle is the main continent of Aurora. Notable exclusions from the flag are Justlevard, The Oan Isles, and numerous other minor islands. Controversy has sprouted from the omission of a major UNAC member from the flag, with many advocating for a change in the flag to include the missing nations and territories.
  
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'''' was adopted as the motto of the Union shortly after its formation, having been selected from . The anthem of the Union is an instrumental version of the prelude to the ''[[Ode to Joy]]'', the 4th movement of [[Ludwig van Beethoven]]'s [[Symphony No. 9 (Beethoven)|ninth symphony]]. The anthem was adopted by European Community leaders in 1985 and has since been played on official occasions.<ref>
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''Iuncti Inde Diversitas'' was adopted as the motto of the Union shortly after its formation. The anthem of the Union is [[wikipedia:Ode to Joy|Ode to Joy]].
  
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Besides naming the continent, the mythological figure of Aurora has occasionally been employed as a personification of the continent.  
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Besides naming the continent, the mythological figure of Aurora has occasionally been employed as a personification of the continent.
  
  
 
[[category:Aurora]]
 
[[category:Aurora]]

Latest revision as of 11:56, 6 August 2019

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The United Nations of the Auroran Continent
Motto: Iuncti Inde Diversitas
Anthem: "Ode to Joy"
CapitalAura, Weyrcliff, Sani Bursil
Largest city Sani Bursil
Official languages Codexian, Minarin, Unonian, Axdan Language, Staynish (simplified), Old Staynic, Corstanese, Lishboyara, Labian, Jubliakese, Rekliese, Calth, Higher Miyaron, Horkalese, Lower Miyaron, Justelvardic, Amos Noc, Accerus, Atlantean, Frisian, Wachovian, and Oan (Oalanu)
Demonym Auroran
Government Pseudo-Confederacy
Population
 -  2017 estimate 1,207,757,804
GDP (nominal) 2015 estimate
 -  Total 29.4 trillion 5 KRB
 -  Per capita 24,342.63 KRB
HDI (2016).809
very high
Currency Kirib (♅/KRB)
Date format varies (MM/DD/YYYY or DD/MM/YYYY)
Drives on the varies (Left or Right)

The United Nations of the Auroran Continent (UNAC) is a political and economic union of 19 member states and two observer states (Nilovia and East Malaysia) that are located in Aurora, except for East Malaysia which exists directly north of the continent. It has an area of 14,360,300 sq km, and an estimated population of around 1 billion. The UNAC has developed an internal single market through a standardised system of laws that apply in all member states. UNAC policies aim to ensure the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital within the internal market, enact legislation in justice and home affairs, and maintain common policies on trade, agriculture, and regional development. Within the Aegis Area, passport controls have been abolished. A monetary union in the form of the Auroran Continental Bank was established in 1975, utilizing many aspects of the Bank of the Morstaybishlian Empire, and came into full force a few years after. Initially under direct regulation of the ACA, the Auroran Continental Bank was reorganized as its own independent organization, in an effort to make the currency more independent of political affairs; a direct result of the "Auroran Split." The Aegis Area is composed of 15 member states, all of which use the Kirib currency, except Quartz Fern Coast.

The UNAC traces its origins from the Auroran Continental Assembly (ACA) and the short-lived Auroran Union (AU), established, respectively, by the 1976 Weyrcliff Pact and during the 2017 Sani Bursil Summit, the latter of which was formed in direct competition of the former due to apparent shortcomings in the ACA's enforcement of established policy during the Auroran-Pacific War. The UNAC, having grandfathered the former members of the ACA and the AU, consists of 19 members, and 2 observer members.

While no member state has left the UNAC, its predecessor, the Auroran Continental Assembly, saw the secession of Baykalia, a result of a major change in Baykalian leadership. The Grand Matriarchy of Ethalria, a former member of the ACA, fractured into four new nations following the conclusion of the Auroran-Pacific War, all four aforementioned nations having been instated into the Union. All four nations, however, are exempt from certain secession rules applicable to other nations in an effort to allow the nations to "chart their own course".

Covering nearly 17% of the world population, the UNAC in 2017 generated a nominal gross domestic product (GDP) of 29.4 trillion SH dollars, constituting between 20% and 25% of global nominal GDP. Because of its global influence, the United Nations of the Auroran Continent has been described occasionally by some as a superpower.

History

Background

Pan-Auroran political thought emerged during the mid and late 20th century, prompted primarily by the devastating effects of the Auroran Imperial War. In the decades following the summit that formed the Weyrcliff Pact, ideals of Auroran unity were first introduced on the continent, with the majority of the continent adopting these new policies.

During the long interwar period, the consciousness that national markets in Aurora were interdependent though confrontational, along with the observation of a larger and growing Yasterian (In particular, the members of the Kerilo Accord and the large Pax Caliphate) market to the north, fostered the urge for the economic integration of the continent.

The Weyrcliff Pact and The Auroran Continental Assembly(1975-2016)

After the Auroran Imperial War (AIW), Auroran integration was seen as a solution to the extreme nationalism which had devastated the continent, and the participants of the AIW would attempt a Pan-Aurora unionization. In 1976, The Morstaybishlian Empire, The Grand Republic of Salovia, The Republic of Xagrurg, The Free State of Kostoria-Obertonia, The Republic of Norograd, and The Grand Matriarchy of Ethalria signed the Weyrcliff Pact, which established the baseline policy of future treaties and unions to come, in particular the then-newly-formed Auroran Continental Assembly (ACA). The first attempt at economic integration, it had relative success in its beginning years, setting the foundation for and the construction of numerous public works projects, most notably the Auroran highway system and the continent-widespread adoption of the Kirib as the de facto currency of Aurora.

Renewed Rise in Nationalism and The Auroran Split (1996-2017)

The end of both the Norograd Civil War in 1996 and the Salovian Civil War in 2005 saw a dramatic rise in nationalism, especially within the former Salovian territories of Kostromastan and Baykalia. Radical nationalist factions within Ethalria also saw their popularity slowly grow through this period, and over time the growth of these factions would eventually result in the escalation of tensions within the continent. Ethalria and its neighbor, the Greater Xagrurgian Empire, along with the northern half of the Kostrom Confederation, would form an alliance of its own, known as the Axis. Despite the obvious threat this alliance posed to the continent's peace, the ACA would do nothing in opposition to it. In response to this lack of action, the Oan Isles sent to other Auroran nations an offer to join a new union that would take the form of the Auroran Union. The nations of The United Kingdom, Tivot, Tuvaltastan, Blueacia, The Oan Isles, and The Yor Isles would ratify the Auroran Union's treaty. This rapid ratification would soon be called the "Auroran Split" by some.

The Aurora-Pacific War and The Aura Reunification Summit of 2018 (2017-Present)

Geography

Environment

Demographics

Population

Urbanisation

The continent contains numerous densely-populated metropolitan areas, notably the Sani Bursil Metropolitan Area, the Aura Metropolitan Area, the Imperium Metropolitan Area, and the Shagonar-Omsk Metropolitan Area. A continent-wide highway system connects most, if not all of the major urban areas.

Languages

The UNAC has 23 official languages: Codexian, Minarin, Unonian, Axdan, Simplified Staynish, Old Staynic, Corstanese, Lishboyara, Labian, Jubliakese, Rekliese, Calth, Higher Miyaron, Horkalese, Lower Miyaron, Justelvardic, Amos Noc, Accerus, Atlantean, Frisian, Wachovian, Kostuvian, and Oan. Important documents, such as legislation, are translated into every official language and the Auroran Council provides translation for documents and plenary sessions. Due to the high number of official idioms, most of the institutions use the global lingua franca of Codexian. Even though language policy is the responsibility of member states, UNAC institutions promote multilingualism among its citizens.

Education and Science

Politics

Member states

Auroran Parliament

The Auroran Parliament forms the lower branch of the legislature of the Auroran continent. Although it lacks legislative initiative, has the power to debate and vote upon legislative proposals from the Commission. The Auroran Parliament is comprised of approximately 700 seats. It is elected by proportional representation, but seats are assured for all nations irrespective of size.

Auroran Commission

The Auroran Commission has the power to develop policy and administer laws and treaties. Representation is assured for each member state. Some, if not all members, are allocated portfolios by which they oversee policy, hold agencies to account and bear a portion of the workload. The Commission has the power to propose legislation to the Parliament and Council.

Council of the UNAC

The Council of the UNAC is made up of representatives from each member state. Such representatives may be leaders or ambassadors depending on the system that the state has adopted to elect its representatives. The Council has the power to veto the vote of the Auroran Parliament by a two thirds majority. The Council has some powers to give instruction to the Auroran Commission. It has exclusive decision-making power over certain topics. It has reserve powers that are exercised during an emergency such as the dissolution of the Auroran Parliament.

Competences

UNAC member states retain all powers not explicitly handed to the Union. In some areas the UNAC enjoys exclusive competence. These are areas in which member states have renounced any capacity to enact legislation. In other areas the UNAC and its member states share the competence to legislate. While both can legislate, member states can only legislate to the extent to which the UNAC has not. In other policy areas the Union can only co-ordinate, support and supplement member state action but cannot enact legislation with the aim of harmonizing national laws.

That a particular policy area falls into a certain category of competence is not necessarily indicative of what legislative procedure is used for enacting legislation within that policy area. Different legislative procedures are used within the same category of competence, and even with the same policy area.

The distribution of competences in various policy areas between Member States and the Union is divided into __ categories:

Foreign relations

Defence

Humanitarian aid

Economy

The United Nations of the Auroran Continent has continued the single market across the territory of all its members representing nearly 1 billion citizens originally instated by the Auroran Continental Assembly.

Internal market

Free movement of capital is intended to permit movement of investments such as property purchases and buying of shares between countries.

The free movement of persons means that citizens under the UNAC can move freely between member states to live, work, study or retire in another country. Exceptions to this policy exist, notably Dragonia and Oceansend, to minimize the flow of workers into their nations.

The free movement of services and of establishment allows self-employed persons to move between member states to provide services on a temporary or permanent basis.

Infrastructure

A continent-wide network of highways, bridges, and tunnels, started and completed under the management of the ACA, is currently maintained by the UNAC and its members. The island nations of the Oan Isles and Blueacia are linked by ship and airplane.

Agriculture

Competition

The UNAC operates a competition policy intended to ensure undistorted competition within the single market.

Culture

Sport

Symbols

The Flag of the UNAC consists of three horizontal stripes, two of which are burgundy, and the central stripe being yellow. A symbol resembling Sol takes up much of the left half of the flag, and has blue and yellow rays stretching out from a yellow center. Within the center of the yellow circle is the main continent of Aurora. Notable exclusions from the flag are Justlevard, The Oan Isles, and numerous other minor islands. Controversy has sprouted from the omission of a major UNAC member from the flag, with many advocating for a change in the flag to include the missing nations and territories.

Iuncti Inde Diversitas was adopted as the motto of the Union shortly after its formation. The anthem of the Union is Ode to Joy.

Besides naming the continent, the mythological figure of Aurora has occasionally been employed as a personification of the continent.

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