The Critical Analysis of the European Union | CSS & PMS Solved Essays
Shabnam Sattar, a Sir Syed Kazim Ali student, has attempted the CSS essay “The Critical Analysis of the European Union” on the given pattern, which Sir Syed Kazim Ali teaches his students. Sir Syed Kazim Ali has been Pakistan’s top English writing and CSS, PMS essay and precis coach with the highest success rate of his students. The essay is uploaded to help other competitive aspirants learn and practice essay writing techniques and patterns to qualify for the essay paper.
Outline
1-Introduction
Although the impacts of the European Union (EU) on Europe’s political, economic, and social landscape, acknowledging both praise for accomplishments and criticism for shortcomings, including issues of transparency, economic disparities, and the Brexit challenge, it emphasizes the need for recognizing and addressing these aspects to ensure a stronger and more inclusive union, advocating for institutional reforms for the EU’s long-term sustainability and effectiveness.
2-Background information on the European Union
3-The purpose of the formation of the European Union
3-Failures of the European Union to achieve its goals
- ✓A lack of transparency and accountability
- Case in point: The Greek debt crisis illustrates the EU’s lack of transparency and accountability in its bailouts, leading to public mistrust and questions about the responsibility of economic decisions.
- ✓Economic disparities
- Case in point: The EU’s socioeconomic disparities, as witnessed in Romania, limit individual prospects and prolong a circle of economic dependency, preventing the EU from reaching its full potential.
- ✓Loss of national sovereignty
- Case in point: The implementation of Eurozone fiscal regulations restricts countries’ freedom to handle their budgets independently.
- ✓Right-wing Nationalism
- Case in point: The policy of Hungary’s Fidesz party, which concentrates on ethnocentric nationalism and anti-immigrant policies, has hurt Hungary’s relations with other EU countries and undermined the EU’s central values.
- ✓Brexit saga
- Case in point: The United Kingdom’s decision to leave the EU in 2016 indicated dissatisfaction with the bloc’s policies and governance.
4-Achievements of the EU
- ✓Economic integration
- Case in point: Through initiatives like the Single Market and the Eurozone, the EU has created a platform where businesses can easily trade with other EU countries, free from barriers like tariffs or cumbersome regulations.
- ✓Peace and stability
- Case in point: By leveraging its political and economic influence, the EU facilitated the negotiations that led to the Dayton Agreement in 1995, ending the bloody war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- ✓Environmental protection
- Case in point: The EU has established the Natura 2000 network, which comprises protected areas that preserve Europe’s most valued and threatened species and habitats.
- ✓Human rights and social advancement
- Case in point: The EU has established legislation and programs aimed at eliminating discrimination, closing the gender wage gap, and increasing women’s representation in decision-making positions.
- ✓Job opportunities and freedom of movement
- Case in point: EU citizens gain from increased work prospects within the single market, as enterprises may access a wider talent pool from diverse member states.
5- Solutions to prevent the failure of the EU
- ✓To strengthen economic integration
- ✓To improve transparency and accountability
6-Conclusion
The European Union (EU) is a complex and multifaceted international organization that has significantly impacted Europe’s political, economic, and social landscape. Since its establishment, the European Union (EU) has garnered praise for its accomplishments and criticism for its shortcomings. Its history includes a few unsuccessful ventures, such as a lack of transparency and accountability, economic disparities, a loss of national sovereignty, and the rise of right-wing nationalism. The most notable recent challenge the EU has encountered is Brexit. Despite these criticisms, the EU has been widely recognized for its achievements in economic integration, peace and stability, environmental protection, human rights, social advancement, job opportunities, and freedom of movement. Simply, it is crucial to acknowledge the EU’s successes and areas where improvements can be made to ensure a stronger and more inclusive union. Additionally, institutional reforms are necessary to ensure the EU’s long-term sustainability and effectiveness. This essay aims to critically analyze the EU by examining its background information, purpose of formation, achievements, and failures.
Talking about the EU, a remarkable and visionary political and economic endeavour, the organization was established in 1993 as a testament to the collective determination of European nations to prevent future conflicts and foster peace and prosperity in the aftermath of World War II. It operates on the principles of shared sovereignty, where member states delegate certain powers to EU institutions while retaining their national sovereignty. Regarding its legal system, the EU has its legal structure, currency (for Eurozone nations), decision-making procedures, court of justice, and parliament to foster unity and collaboration among member states. Furthermore, it aims to create a single market, promote political and social integration among its member states, and ensure the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people.
Discussing the formation framework of the EU, it was made to prevent another devastating war in Europe and promote peace and stability. The founders believed that integrating their economies, creating a common market, and economic interdependence and cooperation would make war between European nations unthinkable. Undoubtedly, this step has prevented conflicts among the European countries. Additionally, the EU aims to foster prosperity, reduce trade barriers, and promote economic growth. It has implemented policies and institutions to strengthen democracy, protect human rights, and encourage social advancement across the continent. While challenges remain, it has made significant strides in achieving its peace, prosperity, and unity goals in Europe.
Once envisioned as a symbol of unity and economic prosperity, the European Union has faced several challenges that have led to its perceived failure. One of these challenges is the EU’s lack of transparency and accountability. The Greek debt crisis is an example of this, as it highlighted the EU’s decision-making process being conducted behind closed doors, eroding public confidence. This lack of transparency and accountability has hindered the EU’s ability to address economic challenges and navigate future crises effectively. As a suggestion, the EU needs to enhance transparency and accountability by increasing the power of the European Parliament and implementing stricter regulations to combat corruption and inefficiency.
Furthermore, the economic disparity inside the European Union demonstrates a failure in socioeconomic equality. It threatens the EU’s cohesiveness by disproportionately affecting residents from wealthy Western countries vs. struggling Eastern regions. For example, the EU’s socioeconomic disparities, as witnessed in Romania, limit individual prospects and prolong a circle of economic dependency, preventing the EU from reaching its full potential. Despite progress, Romania’s average purchasing power and standard of living continue to lag behind developed nations. This arrangement perpetuates an upward spiral of economic reliance. To ensure long-term stability and prosperity, the EU must address economic inequities. This necessitates significant investment in infrastructure, employment development, and resource allocation.
Moreover, losing national sovereignty within the European Union (EU) is a failure. When member nations delegate decision-making authority to a supranational institution, they may lose influence over their affairs. One example is the implementation of Eurozone fiscal regulations, which restrict countries’ freedom to handle their budgets independently. This approach has been criticised because it prevents governments from implementing vital measures to revive their economy during crises. As a result, this loss of sovereignty might be interpreted as an infringement on national interests and a failure by the EU to respect the autonomy of its member states.
Additionally, right-wing nationalism challenges the EU, potentially generating division and hampering progress in immigration and trade. As witnessed with Hungary’s Fidesz party, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, the party’s policy, which concentrates on ethnocentric nationalism and anti-immigrant policies, has hurt Hungary’s relations with other EU countries and undermined the EU’s central values. The EU’s failure to address these tendencies jeopardizes its ability to meet 21st-century challenges. As a proposal, it is vital to identify common ground and address these issues to achieve the EU’s goals.
Last but not least, Brexit is widely considered a failure of the European Union. The United Kingdom’s decision to leave the EU in 2016 indicated dissatisfaction with the bloc’s policies and governance. This oversight is the management of the EU-UK discussions. Even after years of negotiations, no mutually beneficial deal has been achieved. This lack of unanimity has resulted in economic instability, trade disruptions, and a tense relationship between the EU and the UK. Brexit demonstrates how the EU’s failure to address member states’ concerns can have severe consequences for both parties.
Undoubtedly, the EU has achieved many significant milestones since its establishment. One of its most outstanding achievements is economic integration. The EU’s financial integration has been a game-changer, fostering seamless trade, job creation, and prosperity across member states. Through initiatives like the Single Market and the Eurozone, the EU has created a platform where businesses can easily trade with other EU countries, free from barriers like tariffs or cumbersome regulations. This has not only boosted efficiency and competitiveness but also led to the creation of new jobs and economic growth. The EU’s commitment to financial integration has genuinely transformed the landscape of trade and commerce in Europe, benefiting businesses and individuals alike. Overall, the EU’s economic integration has fostered a vibrant internal market, encouraging trade and prosperity among member nations.
In addition, peace and stability have been crucial accomplishments of the European Union. The EU’s commitment to fostering collaboration and resolving conflicts diplomatically has resulted in a peaceful continent for the past seven decades. The EU’s role in ensuring peace and stability can be seen in the aftermath of the Balkans conflicts in the 1990s. By leveraging its political and economic influence, the EU facilitated the negotiations that led to the Dayton Agreement in 1995, bringing an end to the bloody war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through its continuous efforts, the EU has proven its ability to promote peace and stability, serving as a paradigm for other regions seeking a peaceful future.
Besides, environmental protection is a notable achievement of the EU. Through various policies and initiatives, the EU has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable development and preserving the planet for future generations. For instance, the EU has implemented the Natura 2000 network, which consists of protected areas that help safeguard Europe’s most valuable and threatened species and habitats. Additionally, through the European Green Deal, the EU’s ambitious greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets have made it a global leader in climate change, setting a precedent for other regions. In summary, the EU’s commitment to environmental protection is truly commendable.
Moreover, the European Union has made considerable strides towards human rights. The EU has worked through its institutions, policies, and legal framework to ensure all its citizens have fundamental rights and equitable opportunities. One significant example is the European Union’s support for gender equality. The EU has established legislation and programs aimed at eliminating discrimination, closing the gender wage gap, and increasing women’s representation in decision-making positions. This dedication to gender equality has resulted in significant societal transformation, empowering women and creating a more inclusive society. The EU’s achievements in promoting human rights and social progress are not only admirable but also serve as motivation for other regions to pursue similar aims.
Finally, the European Union has undeniably provided job opportunities and enhanced freedom of movement, making it a remarkable achievement. With the EU’s single market and free movement policies, citizens can live, work, and study across member states without facing significant barriers. Individuals can quickly relocate to another EU country to pursue attractive job prospects. This has contributed to fostering multicultural work environments and facilitating the exchange of skills and knowledge. Additionally, EU citizens benefit from expanded job opportunities within the single market, as companies can tap into a larger talent pool from various member states. Such advancements have undoubtedly transformed the employment landscape in Europe, offering greater flexibility and prospects for individuals.
Stepping ahead, several potential solutions should be adopted by the stakeholders to prevent the failure of the EU. First, the EU should strengthen economic integration among member states by implementing standard fiscal policies and wealth redistribution mechanisms. Furthermore, fostering a sense of shared identity and solidarity among citizens through cultural exchanges and multilingualism can strengthen the European community. Moreover, improving transparency and accountability within EU institutions, such as by granting more power to the European Parliament, can enhance public trust and ensure the EU operates in the best interest of its citizens. Thus, the EU can prevent failure and promote peace, stability, and prosperity among its member states by implementing these solutions and others.
In conclusion, the European Union is an international organization of 27 European countries that governs standard economic, social, and security policies. It intends to promote peace, freedom, security, justice, financial stability, and growth. Despite successfully promoting trade, economic integration, and political cooperation, it faces criticism for its supranational nature, slow decision-making processes, and persistent economic disparities. The EU also faces challenges adapting to global dynamics like populism and Brexit. Continual issues necessitate deliberate thought and reform, ensuring long-term success by balancing integration with national sovereignty and democratic principles.
CSS Solved Past Papers’ Essays
Looking for the last ten years of CSS and PMS Solved Essays and want to know how Sir Kazim’s students write and score the highest marks in the essays’ papers? Then, click on the CSS Solved Essays to start reading them.
CSS Solved Essays
CSS Solved General Science & Ability Past Papers
Want to read the last ten years’ General Science & Ability Solved Past Papers to learn how to attempt them and to score high? Let’s click on the link below to read them all freely. All past papers have been solved by Miss Iqra Ali & Dr Nishat Baloch, Pakistan’s top CSS GSA coach having the highest score of their students. General Science & Ability Solved Past Papers
