Supranational Institutions Advantages

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“To lay the foundation of an ever closer union among the peoples of Europe” ( Hancock et al, 663), within the treaty of Rome this is written, creating the European union. Unlike many other institutions the European union is both a supranational and intergovernmental institution. In order for the European Union to function and to thrive the member states must surrender sovereignty to the decision making institutions, however, there are more benefits than losses for the states. Defined in Bale, intergovernmental institutions are those states in cooperation in search of better outcomes but reserve the right to block decisions that they feel are contrary to their interests. In addition, a supranational institution is one body that transcends national boundaries and decision making for the common good of the group. The member states critically reduce their sovereignty in order to reap the benefits of the European union in which they gain economic stability, modernization of countries, and peace. However, there is …show more content…

The European union establishes precedent for certain policy areas in which the states must follow. An example is environmental, with the Kyoto treaty the member states gave up some of the ability to pollute with green house gases. Another example is social Policy, this area of policy is involved because a “free market” requires equal rights and benefits for all across the market to avoid a “race to the bottom”. An example is the 1992 Maternity leave directive, the member states have given up the ability to create their own policy on this social