MATSEC SEC European Studies key terms

A shared sense of belonging among Europeans based on common history, values such as democracy and human rights, cultural heritage and, for many, EU citizenship. It coexists with and does not replace national and regional identities.

The tangible and intangible legacy of past generations, including monuments, artworks, languages, music, festivals and traditions. The EU supports its protection and promotes it as a source of shared European identity and local pride.

A policy or outlook that accepts and values the coexistence of different cultures, languages and religions within one society. In Europe it is debated in relation to migration, integration and national identity.

The principle that the state is separate from religion and treats all faiths and beliefs equally, without favouring one. It does not necessarily mean hostility to religion but guarantees freedom of conscience.

An eighteenth-century European intellectual movement emphasising reason, science, individual rights, tolerance and progress. Its ideas shaped modern democracy, secular government and human rights, and are often cited as foundations of European values.

A political idea that a people sharing a common language, culture or history should form a nation and, usually, have its own state. It helped build modern Europe but can also exclude minorities.

The legal authority of a state to govern itself and make its own laws without external control. EU membership involves sharing some sovereignty in agreed areas, which is central to debates about integration.

The 1957 agreement that created the European Economic Community among six states, establishing a common market and the institutions that later became the EU. It is a founding treaty of European integration.

An area without internal borders in which goods, services, people and capital can move freely. It is a core EU project, supported by common rules and standards, and it expands the choices and opportunities available to citizens and businesses.

The Single Market's four basic freedoms: free movement of goods, services, persons and capital. They are central to EU economic integration and are balanced by rules on safety, consumer protection and public services.

The 1992 treaty that created the European Union, introduced EU citizenship, and prepared economic and monetary union and a common foreign and security policy. It marked a shift from mainly economic to broader political integration.

The 2009 treaty that reformed the EU's institutions and decision-making, created a permanent European Council president and a High Representative for foreign affairs, and gave the European Parliament more power.

The process by which the EU admits new member states after they meet political and economic conditions. It has grown from six to twenty-seven members and is a major tool of European integration and stability.

The political, economic and legal conditions a country must meet to join the EU: stable democracy and rule of law, a functioning market economy, and ability to take on EU law and obligations.

A group of European countries that have removed passport checks at their internal borders and cooperate on external border control, policing and visas. Not all EU members belong, and some non-EU states do.

The group of EU member states that use the euro as their currency. They share monetary policy set by the European Central Bank, while national governments keep control of most other economic policies.

A form of cooperation in which states transfer decision-making power to common institutions whose decisions can bind them. The EU's Commission, Court and many laws have supranational features, unlike purely intergovernmental bodies.

Cooperation between states that keep final decision-making power in their own hands, usually requiring unanimity or consensus. It describes much of EU foreign policy and treaty change, and contrasts with supranationalism.

The full body of EU law, rights and obligations, including treaties, regulations, directives and court rulings. Candidate countries must adopt and implement it before joining, and member states must apply it.

The principle that the EU should act only when objectives cannot be achieved effectively by member states acting alone. It is meant to keep decisions close to citizens and is checked by national parliaments.

The EU's executive body, one commissioner per member state. It proposes legislation, manages EU policies and budgets, represents the EU externally and enforces EU law, acting independently of national governments.

The only directly elected EU institution. It represents citizens, shares legislative power with the Council, approves the EU budget and scrutinises the Commission, including confirming the Commission President and commissioners.

The institution where national government ministers meet by policy area to adopt EU laws and coordinate policies. It shares legislative power with the European Parliament under the ordinary legislative procedure.

The meeting of EU heads of state or government, chaired by a permanent president. It sets the EU's overall political direction and handles crises, but does not normally pass ordinary legislation.

The EU's court, based in Luxembourg. It interprets EU law, ensures uniform application across member states, and rules on disputes between institutions, states and individuals.

The main EU law-making process, in which the European Parliament and the Council of the EU act as co-legislators. They must agree on a text, often through several readings and negotiations.

A voting method in the Council of the EU in which proposals pass if they meet thresholds of member states and population. It makes decision-making easier than unanimity but requires broad support.

The principle that EU law prevails over conflicting national law in areas where the EU has competence. National courts must apply it, a doctrine developed by the Court of Justice.

The EU's policy of reducing economic, social and territorial disparities between regions by funding infrastructure, training and development, mainly through the Structural and Investment Funds. It is a major part of the EU budget.

Malta joined the European Union on 1 May 2004, together with nine other countries. Membership followed negotiations, legal harmonisation and a referendum, and brought access to EU funds and markets.

The consultative vote held in Malta in March 2003 on EU membership, in which a small majority approved joining. It was a key political step before the Accession Treaty was signed and ratified.

The six-month period in the first half of 2017 when Malta chaired meetings of the Council of the EU, setting agendas and brokering compromises between member states on EU legislation and priorities.

A member state that receives more from the EU budget than it contributes. Malta has generally been a net beneficiary, receiving cohesion, agricultural and other funds while making a smaller contribution.

Legal status held by nationals of EU member states, adding rights such as free movement, residence, voting in European and local elections abroad, and consular protection in third countries.

An EU document listing civil, political, economic and social rights. It became legally binding with the Lisbon Treaty and applies to EU institutions and to member states when implementing EU law.

The principle that everyone, including governments, is subject to law, and that laws are applied fairly and predictably by independent courts. It is a core EU value and a condition for membership.

Doubt about or opposition to European integration, ranging from criticism of specific EU policies to calls for withdrawal or major transfer of powers back to national governments. It has grown in many member states.

The United Kingdom's withdrawal from the EU, following the 2016 referendum and taking effect in 2020. It reshaped EU membership and created new trade and border arrangements between the UK and the EU.

The EU's strategy to become climate neutral by 2050, combining emissions cuts, clean energy, circular economy and biodiversity measures. It shapes EU law and funding, and raises debates about costs and fairness.