preview

Comparing Intergovernmental and Supranational Essay

Good Essays

Comparing Intergovernmental and Supranational

The European Union of today has been described as an intergovernmental organization by some scholars and a supranational organization by others. But which one is it in reality? The answer to this question is very trivial. There are many different aspects of the EU in which we first must look at. The different branches of the European Union contain these aspects. These branches include the Commission, the Parliament, the Councils and the European Court of Justice.
An Intergovernmental organization is one where the member states cooperate without giving up the ultimate right to make their own decisions. A Supra-national organization is one where the ultimate right to make decisions lie …show more content…

The ultimate concern of the Member States, in regard to becoming a total supra-national body, is their loss of sovereignty and power. Two themes are brought up when looking at the growing of the European Union, the survival and nationalism of the Member State and international organization of the European Union. Does the increase in power and authority of the EU lead to a decrease in nationalism and sovereignty of the Member States? The answer is no. It is believed that "state and international organization are capable of being mutually reinforcing" (Nugent 125).
The Commission, the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union, the European Council, and the European Court of Justice all represent different forms of organization. The Commission, the European Parliament, and the European Court of Justice represent a more Intergovernmental organization. While the Council of the European Union and the European Council represent a Supra-national organization.
The Commission of the European Union has twenty members. Each one of the Member States is represented by at least one commissioner the largest five countries have two. The commissioners are elected nationally which would imply that the Commission is somewhat Supra national. But in reality the commissioners are not there to represent national interest. " Upon taking office, each commissioner has to take an oath to the effect that he or she will serve the overall interest of the

Get Access