EC Institutions of Political Cooperation,
Abstract
Flexibility and pragmatism generally characterize political cooperation among the European Community members. In principle, the Community regards political cooperation as distinct from its functions as an economic entity. Political cooperation is not part of the Treaty of Rome--from which the EC derives its economic mandate--and, therefore, cannot legally be considered Community business. However, the participation of several EC bodies not formally involved in the political process has increasingly blurred the distinction the EC makes between treaty (economic) and nontreaty (political) issues. The Foreign Ministers intertwine their roles as foreign policy implementers and overseers of Community matters. The Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) plays no formal role in political cooperation but has recently become associated with the process. Its involvement in the EC's decision to impose sanctions on Argentina shows that COREPER can participate in political cooperation, at least when political/economic questions arise. Attendance by an EC Commission member at political cooperation meetings has also eased the treaty/nontreaty distinction. Most economic, social and even EC organizational matters--which are meant to be discussed within the framework of the Treaty of Rome--involve, and cannot be separated from, political issues. The increased participation of EC economic bodies in the political cooperation machinery would seem to indicate that the 10 member nations (the Ten) are beginning to accept this fact.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 09, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA145449
Entities
People
- M. Herrington