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The European Union’s Role in Social and Environmental

PolicyBTEC Business

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Why should the EU get involved?

• Many areas of life have a regional as well as national focus

• The environment and social policy are two such areas

• International agreements on the environment, e.g. Kyoto Protocol

• There is greater importance because of the EU’s enlargement

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EU Enlargement

• Growth of the EU on 1st May 2004 from 15 to 25 member states

• Protection of individuals, consumers and businesses is needed

• More on Biz/ed at:

http://www.bized.ac.uk/current/research/2003_04/010304.htm

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Any Examples?

• If one member state’s environment becomes degraded, it affects other member states, e.g. pollution from the seas or air

• What about social policy? Why does this need a European focus?

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Social Policy

If one member state has fewer employment rights than others, then:

• workers are unfairly treated• firms in other states are at a cost

disadvantage• the EU economy suffers

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What does the EU do about this?

• Identifies areas requiring EU action• Gathers information and debates• Reaches agreement amongst

member states

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What then?

• It issues a ‘Directive’ or an instruction to member states’ governments to take action

• The member states make law to enforce the EU’s Directive

• The EU reports on progress made

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Is that it?

• No! The whole process depends on detailed negotiation and debate at EU level

• The European Council of member states reach an agreement

• Member states may receive special exemptions

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What next?

• Go to the ‘Activity’ to find out more about EU involvement in these two areas

• You’ll be looking at the drive in Europe to recycle greater quantities of waste

• And the fight for lower working hours in the UK