Is the European Union a political union? An analysis of the policy area of freedom, security and justice

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research report is to investigate whether the European Union has begun to take the form of a political union, both in terms of the policy areas it has expanded its activities into and the nature of this activity in these areas. It examines the decision-making, in particular, type, range and ramifications thereof, in the area of freedom, security and justice, which is a controversial and political policy area, in order to determine how pre-emptive the action emanating from the supranational is in relation to national governments. If the decisions are substantially pre-emptive, then it can be concluded that the European Union has gained authority and power in an important area and thus in general, has a political character and is in the process of becoming a political union.