One of the EU's key functions is to represent its 27 member states in international negotiations. For example, the EU has ‘exclusive’ competences in trade, which means that EU member states cannot conclude trade agreements on their own but have to rely on the European Commission to negotiate them. Also outside trade, the Commission often takes the lead in international negotiations, such as when concluding fisheries or cooperation agreements.
These international agreements spell important consequences for citizens in the EU and in third countries. For example, trade agreements may subject some businesses inside the EU to increased foreign competition but help other EU businesses to sell their goods and services abroad. At the same time, gaining access to the EU’s huge single market can help businesses in third countries. Still, all international agreements not only need to be concluded – they also need to be implemented. For example, certain provisions in agreements are very complex to turn into practice and may require further discussions among the EU and third country. Or new issues may come up, which have not been anticipated at the time of the negotiations.
To meet this demand for continued discussions, agreements often set up what we call ‘joint bodies’ (JBs). The names of these JBs vary, but examples include association councils (e.g. the EU-Turkey Association Council), cooperation councils (e.g. the EU-Uzbekistan Cooperation Council), joint committees (e.g. the CETA Joint Committee) or also joint working groups (e.g. the Joint Technical Working Group on nuclear energy with the USA). Overall, we identified almost 300 international agreements concluded by the EU since 1992 that set up at least one JB. Beyond meeting regularly, discussing problems, and issuing recommendations, half of them can even take decisions or amend agreements.
Another interesting aspect of JBs is that they, generally, put the European Commission in a good position to shape EU external relations. International agreements are often broad, which means that JBs can have an impact on many different areas. The Commission usually plays a key role in JBs. In about three quarters of them, for example, the Commission represents the EU. In 40 percent, it only needs support from a (qualified) majority of EU member states to define the EU position for JB meetings. Overall, the Commission is the primary beneficiary of JBs, enabling it to defend and promote EU interests during the implementation of international agreements.
In summary, this project made a significant contribution to our understanding of JBs. While it has come to an end, our interest in studying JBs is stronger than ever. For a continuously updated summary of our efforts to better understand JBs, please visit
http://markus-gastinger.eu/joint-bodies/(opens in new window).
