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

T

transition periods - the suggestion that new member states joining the European Union need not be part of every policy area straightaway, but that the duration of any such exception should be strictly limited.

transparency - the idea that the decisions and actions of the European Union institutions should be as visible to citizens as are those of national governments, because the process of European integration should increase and not reduce the level of democracy. (more information)

treaty - an international agreement amongst the member states that is binding upon them. In addition to agreement by the national governments, it will normally need to be ratified in each member state.

treaties - a word used to describe the Treaty of Rome, the Single European Act, the Maastricht treaty, the Amsterdam treaty, the Nice treaty, and the other founding documents of the European Union. It is proposed that these should be combined and simplified into a constitution.

Treaty of Rome - signed in 1957, it created what was then called the European Economic Community. It has since been amended by the Single European Act, the Maastricht treaty, the Amsterdam treaty and the Nice treaty, but much of it still applies. The constitutional treaty is also based on it. (more information)

troika - a group of three member states that represents the European Union in some foreign policy matters. The three member states are the country that holds the presidency, the country that preceded it in the presidency and the country that will follow it. Under the constitutional treaty the role of the troika would be taken over by the foreign minister.

two-speed Europe - a form of multi-speed Europe, with the (unspoken) assumption that the UK would be in the slower lane.