The Council of the European Union – Supranational Institution or Intergovernmental Conference?
Alexandru Nicolae CLAIN
Abstract: The following paper represents a detailed analysis of the Council of the European Union, the main purpose being to observe if this institution has either the characteristics of a supranational institution, either the characteristics of an intergovernmental conference, or it is in fact a hybrid institution, which combines features from both categories. By using concepts from the neofunctionalist theory, as well as from the liberal intergovernmentalist theory I elaborate a multivariable analysis model in order to observe elements which are specific to supranational institutions, as well as those elements that are representative to intergovernmental conferences. In the final part of the paper, I present a case study based on a decision taken by the Council of the European Union which is representative for the Council’s unique features.
Keywords: Council of the European Union, supranationalism, intergovernmentalism, multivariable analysis
Solving the Eurozone Crisis Through Deepening Economic Integration
Ioana Antoaneta DODI
Abstract: In this paper I analyze (a) if a solution for the economic crisis of the Euro Area depends on the active involvement of the EU political system and (b) how can this involvement be made. My hypothesis is that the present crisis in the Euro Area can be solved by deepening the economic integration. The recovery of the European economic system (represented in particular by the Euro Area) depends primarily on the capacity of the EU political system to reach this objective through political cooperation in the economic field.
Keywords: Euro Area, economic integration, political cooperation
The Russian Energy Policy in Europe: Divide et Impera
Ana-Maria GHIMIȘ
Abstract: The Russian Federation is one of the most important strategic partners of the European Union, however, the relationship between the two sides was not always productive, either because of (a) the Russian reluctance or (b) of the lack of a common position adopted by the EU Member States, either because of (c) third parties. Within this analysis I examine developments that have occurred in the years 2009-2010, taking as its starting point the two Summits that took place in May and November between the EU and Russia.
Keywords: energy, gas, divide and rule, pipeline, Nord Stream, South Stream, Nabucco, Early warning mechanism, common interest
The NATO – EU Binomial: a Euro-Atlantic Solution to Current Global Challenges
Monalisa GIUGLEA
Abstract: The main hypothesis of this paper is that the EU and NATO are part of a binomial that represents a solution for fighting against the threats to the Euro-Atlantic security. The challenges of the 21st century are many and complex: the terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the cybernetic attacks, the irregular migration, the climatic changes (global warming), the regional conflicts, the failed states. In order to face these threats, NATO and EU founded a partnership so that they can work together. The cooperation relationship between the two of them was not constant; it has been influenced by many events that affected them in a positive or a negative way. This paper aims to demonstrate that, despite all these events, the NATO-EU binomial is a functional one and that, nowadays, it represents the guarantee for the Euro-Atlantic security.
Keywords: binomial, Euro-Atlantic security, threats, terrorism, regional conflicts, security strategy
The EU Influence on the Evolution of Romania’s National Security
Minodora IGESCU
Abstract: Within this paper, I analyze the impact that the adhesion and integration of Romania in the European Union had on the evolution of the country’s national security strategy, to capture – through studying the changes that occurred in all the fields – the effect produced in the security sphere by the relationship between Romania and the EU. I intend to demonstrate that this effect was a beneficent one, given the fact that the EU helped Romania through various instruments to overcome the difficulties that the new democracy had and to achieve a higher living standard for its citizens. Having this objective, I will analyze the security strategies of Romania and the changes that occurred in all security sectors, from the moment the country expressed its desire to become a member of the EU, until now, highlighting the benefits or disadvantages that being a EU member brings.
Keywords: European Union, Romania, adhesion, integration, national security, security strategy, security sectors
The Evolution of the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union and the Influence of Enlargement Policy
Maria LEFEGIU
Abstract: In this paper, I analyze the evolution of the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union and I assess the way in which the enlargements, from 2004 and 2007, influenced and may influence the development of this policy. My research is focused on the way CFSP objectives have been met, given that the EU leaders intend to create a coherent and unified policy.
Keywords: Common Foreign and Security Policy, enlargement, communitarization, interests, security
EU Involvement in Managing Security Relations within Post- conflict Areas in the Eastern Neighbourhood: the case of Republic of Moldova
Ana-Maria STĂVARU
Abstract: My purpose in this paper is to analyze the way the European Union is involved in the management of security relations with post-conflict regions from its Eastern border. By using concepts from both the neofunctionalist theory of integration, as well as from the liberal intergovernmentalist theory, I present the main strategies and programmes in which the European Union is an active part in south-eastern Europe. In the final part of the paper, I present a case study concerning the involvement of the European Union in the resolution of the Transnistrian protracted conflict in the Republic of Moldova. I will point out the inconsistencies of the European Union’s involvement in the resolution of the conflict, as well as a series of recommendations for improving the results of the EU’s involvement.
Keywords: security relations, Eastern vicinity, protracted conflicts, common strategies and actions, relative power of negotiation, unequal influence, statehood issue
