European Commission – civil service of EU, headed by commissioners nominated by EU states
Proposes laws
Council of Ministers – from governments of 27 states
European Parliament – directly elected
Jointly decide on laws The Bosman Case – an example of free movement of people
Jean-Marc Bosman, a Belgian, was a professional footballer who played for RFC Liege, then in the Belgian league. Bosman brought a legal action against the club and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) because UEFA transfer rules prevented him from moving to a French club.
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He took his case to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) and won it.
The court said that the Treaty of Rome guaranteed free movement of people within the Union.
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It ruled that transfer fees for players were an obstacle to the free movement of workers, and illegal under the Treaty (except when they applied to transfers within a member state).
● The court also ruled against limiting the number of other EU players in a club team.
What factors are working against EU international co- operation?
In recent years, the movement for greater co-operation within the EU has encountered difficulties.
Brexit Rise of nationalism
Economic crash in 2008 created social and political pressures
Crucial role played by tabloids with sensational stories
National politicians claiming credit for ‘good’ developments, blaming EU for ‘bad’ developments
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Factors working against EU international co-operation
Danger of EU
institutions becoming too distant from the people of Europe
A simplified version of how laws are made in the EU
Regional differences between rich and poorer areas