The European Union (EU)

Introduction:

• The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 member countries.
• Established in 1993 through the Maastricht Treaty, it aims to foster cooperation among European nations.
• Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium.
• The Maastricht Treaty is also called the Treaty of the European Union and has been amended thrice:
  • Treaty of Amsterdam (1997)
  • Treaty of Nice (2001)
  • Treaty of Lisbon (2007)
• Objectives:
  • Enhance political cooperation.
  • Promote economic integration with the Euro as a common currency.
  • Develop a unified foreign and security policy.
  • Establish citizenship rights.
  • Cooperate on judiciary, immigration, and asylum policies.

EU’s Governance Structure:

• European Council: Defines the EU’s political direction, comprising heads of state or government, and the Council and Commission Presidents.
• European Parliament: The only directly elected institution, responsible for legislative functions alongside the Council of the EU.
• Council of the European Union: Represents member states’ governments, adopting laws and coordinating policies.
• European Commission (EC): Proposes laws, enforces treaties, and manages daily operations, with 27 members, one from each state.
• European Court of Auditors (ECA): Audits finances and refers issues to the Court of Justice for arbitration.
• Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU): Ensures uniform application of EU laws and settles disputes between governments and EU institutions.
• European Central Bank (ECB): Manages monetary policy for the Eurozone.
• European System of Financial Supervision (ESFS): Includes the European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB) and three supervisory authorities:
  • European Banking Authority (EBA)
  • European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA)
  • European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA)

EU’s Indo-Pacific Strategy:

• Launched in October 2021 to strengthen its presence and partnerships in the region. Key features:
  • Sustainable Supply Chains: Building resilient global value chains.
  • Partnerships: Fostering relationships with like-minded Indo-Pacific nations.
  • Collaboration with the Quad: Working with Quad members on climate change, technology, and vaccines. Competes with China’s Belt and Road Initiative through the Global Gateway scheme.

India-EU Relations

History:

• Described as a “loveless arranged marriage,” based on shared values like democracy, rule of law, and multilateralism.
• Diplomatic ties date to the 1960s. The 1994 cooperation agreement expanded relations beyond trade.
• The first India-EU Summit in 2000 marked a new chapter in bilateral relations.

Areas of Cooperation:

• Climate Change: Collaboration under the Horizon 2020 framework for climate and polar research.
• Data Protection: The Roadmap 2025 emphasizes data regulation cooperation.
• Maritime Security: Established dialogues and joint action plans, like the 2021 Maritime Security Dialogue.
• Indo-Pacific Engagement: Countering China’s influence with the Comprehensive Connectivity Partnership.
• Science and Technology: Annual reviews of projects in areas like smart grids and bio-economy.
• Defense and Security: Ship visits, humanitarian aid collaborations, and military exchanges.

Concerns:

• Human Rights: EU criticism affects diplomatic relations.
• Absence of an FTA: Trade potential remains untapped without a Free Trade Agreement.
• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): Differences in IPR standards and investment dispute mechanisms.
• Trade Barriers: Disagreements over services trade and non-tariff barriers.

Broad-Based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA)

• Introduction: Negotiations began in 2007, covering trade, services, and investments. Talks stalled but resumed with technical sessions.
• Challenges:
  • MFN Provisions: The EU favors Most Favoured Nation clauses, which India opposes.
  • Fair and Equitable Treatment (FET): The EU insists on FET, but it is missing in India’s treaties.
  • Investment Court: The EU supports a Multilateral Investment Court, but India’s stance is unclear.
  • Non-Tariff Barriers: EU restrictions hinder Indian exports, especially in agriculture and pharmaceuticals.

Way Forward:

• Democratic Cooperation: Strengthening global democratic governance.
• Strategic Engagement: Addressing global uncertainties, U.S. policy shifts, and China’s rise.
• Economic and Political Focus: Renewing engagement to harness India’s growing global influence.
• Overcoming Differences: Focusing on complementarities to strengthen the 60-year relationship.