The UK and Europe

• • The UK has had strong links with both the European Union (EU) and the Council of Europe.
  • Each has different roles in promoting cooperation, rights, and law-making.
• European Union (EU)

  Aims

  • Promote peace, economic growth, and cooperation between European countries.
  • Protect the environment and uphold human rights.

  Set Up

  • Evolved from the 1951 European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).
  • Formed to prevent wars by increasing cooperation.

  UK Membership

  • Joined in 1973.
  • Voted to leave in 2016 (Brexit referendum).

  Consists Of

  • European Parliament – Directly elected by citizens, debates and passes laws.
  • Council of Ministers – Ministers from each EU country, vote on laws.
  • Court of Justice – Ensures laws are applied fairly and equally across member states.

  Relationship to Laws and Finances

  • EU law overrules national law in some areas.
  • In 2017, UK:
  • Paid £13 billion to the EU.
  • Received £4.4 billion back (mainly for farming and regional support).
  • Gained access to the single market, but had to follow EU rules.
• Council of Europe (NOT the EU)

  Aims

  • Promote human rights, democracy, and the rule of law across Europe.

  Set Up

  • Created in 1949.
  • Separate from the EU.

  UK Membership

  • UK is a founding member and still part of it post-Brexit.

  Consists Of

  • 47 member countries.
  • Works together on legal standards, rights, and freedoms.

  Relationship to Laws and Finances

  • Developed the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
  • UK contributed £32.8 million in 2018 to support its work.