European integration is growing more complicated by the day. This glossary explains the meaning of some of the more important words and phrases.

If you have any additions or amendments to suggest to the definitions or the links, please e-mail them to glossary@federalunion.org.uk.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

acquis communautaire - the accumulated body of European law built up by the European Union since it was founded in 1957. Applicant states have to accept it as a condition of membership.

absorption capacity - the idea that some countries might not be able to join the European Union because the EU itself is unable to accommodate them, for political, institutional, economic or social reasons.

Agenda 2000 - the programme of reform and aid that was set up to assist the countries that joined the European Union in 2004 prepare for accession. (more information)

amendment procedure - the way in which the treaties are updated, it involves an IGC, which must agree by unanimity, and then ratification in every member state. The the new constitution proposes a new, simpler method for some minor changes in the future.

Amsterdam treaty - a set of reforms to the treaties that were agreed in June 1997. (more information)

anti-Europeans - people who think that the European Union is a bad idea and that Britain should leave it. The opposite of pro-Europeans.

applicant states - countries that have applied to join the European Union: they include Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia and Turkey.

Article 13 - part of the Amsterdam treaty that allows the EU to take action against discrimination on grounds of sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. It is a step far in advance of what applies in most member states. It would be extended further by Article II-21 in the constitutional treaty.

Atlantic Alliance - another way of talking about NATO.