Page 282 - Failure to Triumph - Journey of A Student

The IAEA is currently focused on Iran over its nuclear programme which Iran insists is designed to
meet domestic energy needs. Iran has been accused by the West of using its nuclear programme to
produce nuclear weapons. The world community is also concerned over the nuclear weapons
programme of North Korea and the possibility of nuclear weapons falling into the hands of terrorist
organizations.

European Union

It is a union of 27 democratic European nations, committed to working together for peace and
prosperity. The member states of the EU have set common institutions to which they delegate some of
their sovereignty so that decisions on specific matters of joint interest can be made democratically at
the European level. The tasks handled by the EU include matters related to trade, economy, citizen’s
rights, security, regional development and environment protection. The idea of European integration
was first proposed by the French Foreign Minister Robert Schulman on May 9, 1950. This day is

celebrated annually as Europe Day. France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg,
Denmark, Ireland, Britain, Greece, Portugal, Spain, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania,
Estonia, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Malta and Cyprus are the original
members. Bulgaria and Romania joined the EU on January 1, 2007. Turkey, Croatia, Macedonia,
Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina are also negotiating for the membership of
EU. However, they have to fulfill certain criteria before they are eligible for EU’s membership.

Five Key EU Institutions

EU Parliament. Elected directly by the citizens of the member states.

Council of EU. Representing the Governments of member states.

European Commission. Driving force, executive body and guardians of treaties.

Court of Justice. Ensures compliance with the law.

Court of Auditors. Control the sound and lawful management of the EU budget.

In addition, there are five more important bodies.

European Economic and Social Committee. Expresses opinions of organized civil
society on socio-economic issues.

Committee of the Regions. Expresses the opinions of regional and local authorities.

European Central Bank. Responsible for the monetary policy and for managing the euro.