The European Union as a Global Actor: Trade, Finance and Climate Policy

This textbook examines the European Union's role in international relations and international political economy, discussing how it can use its economic power to assert its interests in the international arena. It introduces the concept of "actorness" and presents an overview of the debate and theories used to explain it, along with three empirical chapters on trade, finance, and climate policy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 05 August 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

The European Union (EU) holds a pivotal role in international relations and global political economy, exerting significant influence on the global stage. As a key player, the EU engages in negotiations for international economic agreements, represents Europe in international organizations, and serves as a prominent trading bloc and currency area. The question of how the EU can effectively leverage its substantial economic power to assert its interests in the international arena is of utmost importance to students, researchers, and practitioners alike. To address this critical inquiry, the textbook introduces the concept of "actorness" and provides a comprehensive overview of the ongoing debate surrounding this concept. Additionally, it includes three empirical chapters that apply various concepts and theories to examine European actorness in trade, finance, and climate policy.

The EU's role in international relations and global political economy is multifaceted and far-reaching. As a unified entity, the EU represents Europe on the global stage, engaging in negotiations and agreements that shape the economic landscape of the world. The EU's economic power is a significant factor in its ability to assert its interests in the international arena.

The concept of "actorness" is central to understanding the EU's role in international relations. Actorness refers to the capacity of an entity to act and influence in the international system. The EU, as a unified entity, possesses a high degree of actorness due to its membership of 27 countries, its vast economic resources, and its political influence.

The EU's ability to assert its interests in the international arena is influenced by various factors, including its membership in international organizations, its economic power, and its political influence. In the context of trade, the EU is a major player in global trade negotiations, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA). The EU's economic power allows it to negotiate favorable terms for its members, which can benefit both the EU and its trading partners.

In addition to trade, the EU's economic power is also evident in its financial sector. The EU is home to the world's largest financial market, the Eurozone, which accounts for a significant portion of global economic activity. The EU's financial institutions, such as the European Central Bank (ECB) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), play a crucial role in regulating and promoting financial stability in the region.

The EU's economic power is also evident in its climate policy. The EU has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy. The EU's financial resources and political influence allow it to invest in renewable energy technologies, promote energy efficiency, and implement policies that mitigate the impact of climate change.

However, the EU's ability to assert its interests in the international arena is not without challenges. One of the key challenges is the diversity of its member states. Each member state has its own economic interests, political priorities, and cultural values, which can sometimes conflict with the EU's objectives. This can lead to tensions and disagreements within the EU, particularly in areas such as trade and climate policy.

Another challenge is the role of national governments. In many cases, national governments have more direct control over their economic and political affairs than the EU. This can lead to competition and conflict between the EU and national governments, particularly in areas such as trade policy and foreign policy.

To address these challenges, the EU has developed a range of mechanisms and institutions to promote its interests in the international arena. These include the European Commission, which is responsible for proposing legislation and implementing EU policies, and the European Parliament, which is responsible for representing the interests of EU citizens and making decisions on EU policies.

In addition, the EU has developed a range of bilateral and multilateral agreements with other countries and international organizations. These agreements are designed to promote trade, investment, and cooperation in areas such as climate change, security, and development.

In conclusion, the European Union is a significant actor in international relations and global political economy. The EU's ability to assert its interests in the international arena is influenced by its membership in international organizations, its economic power, and its political influence. The concept of "actorness" is central to understanding the EU's role in international relations, and the textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the debate surrounding this concept. The three empirical chapters that apply various concepts and theories to examine European actorness in trade, finance, and climate policy provide valuable insights into the EU's actions and strategies in these policy areas. As the world continues to evolve, the EU's role in international relations will continue to be of paramount importance, and the textbook

The European Union (EU) is a pivotal player in international relations and global political economy, exerting significant influence on the global stage. As a unified entity, the EU represents Europe on the global stage. It engages in negotiations and agreements that shape the economic landscape of the world. The EU's economic power is a significant factor in its ability to assert its interests in the international arena.

The concept of "actorness" is central to understanding the EU's role in international relations. Actorness refers
refers to the capacity of an entity to act and influence in the international system. The EU, as a unified entity, possesses a high degree of actorness due to its membership of 27 countries, its vast economic resources, and its political influence.

The EU's ability to assert its interests in the international arena is influenced by various factors, including its membership in international organizations, its economic power, and its political influence. In the context of trade, the EU is a major player in global trade negotiations, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA). The EU's economic power allows it to negotiate favorable terms for its members, which can benefit both the EU and its trading partners.

In addition to trade, the EU's economic power is also evident in its financial sector. The EU is home to the world's largest financial market, the Eurozone, which accounts for a significant portion of global economic activity. The EU's financial institutions, such as the European Central Bank (ECB) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), play a crucial role in regulating and promoting financial stability in the region.

The EU's economic power is also evident in its climate policy. The EU has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy. The EU's financial resources and political influence allow it to invest in renewable energy technologies, promote energy efficiency, and implement policies that mitigate the impact of climate change.

However, the EU's ability to assert its interests in the international arena is not without challenges. One of the key challenges is the diversity of its member states. Each member state has its own economic interests, political priorities, and cultural values, which can sometimes conflict with the EU's objectives. This can lead to tensions and disagreements within the EU, particularly in areas such as trade and climate policy.

Another challenge is the role of national governments. In many cases, national governments have more direct control over their economic and political affairs than the EU. This can lead to competition and conflict between the EU and national governments, particularly in areas such as trade policy and foreign policy.

To address these challenges, the EU has developed a range of mechanisms and institutions to promote its interests in the international arena. These include the European Commission, which is responsible for proposing legislation and implementing EU policies, and the European Parliament, which is responsible for representing the interests of EU citizens and making decisions on EU policies.

In addition, the EU has developed a range of bilateral and multilateral agreements with other countries and international organizations. These agreements are designed to promote trade, investment, and cooperation in areas such as climate change, security, and development.

In conclusion, the European Union is a significant actor in international relations and global political economy. The EU's ability to assert its interests in the international arena is influenced by its membership in international organizations, its economic power, and its political influence. The concept of "actorness" is central to understanding the EU's role in international relations, and the textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the debate surrounding this concept. The three empirical chapters that apply various concepts and theories to examine European actorness in trade, finance, and climate policy provide valuable insights into the EU's actions and strategies in these policy areas. As the world continues to evolve, the EU's role in international relations will continue to be of paramount importance, and the textbook

Weight: 518g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030766726
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021