Select One Of The Economic Integration/Trade Zones Discussed

Select one of the economic integration/trade zones discussed in this week’s readings

Research the selected zone and prepare an 8- to 10-slide PowerPoint® presentation in which you address the following topics: Organization of the zone, Brief history of the zone, Reasons behind the formation of the zone, Current opportunities facing the zone, Current issues facing the zone, Issues you believe the zone will face in the future, A brief summary of what this will mean for businesses seeking to operate in the zone. Content on the slides themselves should be limited to clear graphics and short bullet points. Each slide should have complete speaker notes (about 75 words per slide) in which you provide the language you would use to present and elaborate on the content on your slides. Include a title slide and a reference slide. Citations on the slides should be restricted to sources of any graphics or charts which you import into your slides. All other citations should be included in the speaker notes. Review the INB 200 Week 4 Rubric to make sure that you have met all the guidelines for how your paper will be assessed. Format your slides using the following instructions: View Microsoft PowerPoint® Basics . Follow the West Writing Style Handbook guidelines. Prepare speaker notes for each slide (average 75 words per slide). To prepare your speaker notes, follow these instructions: View Creating Speaker Notes . Cite at least 3 sources, 2 of which are scholarly sources from the West Online Library. Use the West Citation and Reference Generator Tool to note citations and references. Submit your PowerPoint® presentation by 11:55 PM (Arizona Time) on the Monday of the week it is assigned.

Paper For Above instruction

The selected economic integration/trade zone for this presentation is the European Union (EU). This zone exemplifies a comprehensive economic and political partnership among member states, creating a unified market and fostering economic cooperation across Europe. The organization of the EU includes multiple institutions such as the European Commission, European Parliament, and the European Court of Justice, which work collaboratively to develop policies, regulate trade, and ensure compliance among member states.

The EU was formally established by the Treaty of Rome in 1957, originally as the European Economic Community. Its formation was driven by post-World War II intentions to foster economic cooperation, prevent further conflicts in Europe, and promote economic stability. Over decades, the EU expanded its membership and scope, evolving from a primarily economic union into a broader political and social entity. Key milestones include the Maastricht Treaty of 1992, which formally founded the European Union, and the introduction of the Euro as a common currency for many member states.

The core reasons behind the formation of the EU revolved around economic integration, political stability, and regional peace. By removing trade barriers, harmonizing regulations, and creating a single market, member states aimed to boost economic growth and competitiveness. Additionally, fostering political unity helped prevent conflicts, especially in the context of Europe’s turbulent history. The EU also aims to promote social cohesion and environmental sustainability across its member states.

Current opportunities within the EU include the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people. This facilitates more efficient trade and investment, enhances innovation, and attract global businesses. The digital economy and green initiatives such as sustainable energy transition represent new growth sectors. Moreover, the EU’s trade agreements with countries outside the region expand market access for businesses operating within the union.

Despite its successes, the EU faces ongoing challenges. Economic disparities among member states, terrorism concerns, and migration pressures pose internal issues. Regulatory complexity and bureaucratic hurdles can hinder business operations. External threats, including trade tensions with major powers like the US and China, affect the stability of trade relations. Brexit’s aftermath highlighted the risks and complications of disintegration within the union, presenting an ongoing challenge for the cohesion of the EU.

Looking ahead, the EU is likely to confront several future issues. Climate change policy implementation and the transition to renewable energy sources require significant coordination and investment. Demographic shifts, including aging populations and potential pension crises, threaten economic sustainability. Geopolitical tensions, especially with Russia and China, could impact security and trade policies. Additionally, political polarization and rising populism risk weakening the union’s unity and decision-making capacity.

For businesses seeking to operate within the EU, understanding these future challenges and opportunities is critical. Businesses will need to adapt to evolving regulations, sustainability requirements, and digital transformation initiatives. The importance of compliance with EU standards, GDPR, and green regulations cannot be overstated. Companies that proactively engage with policy developments and leverage EU trade agreements will find significant growth prospects, even amidst the evolving political and economic landscape.

References

• Bache, I., & Flinders, M. (2010). Multi-level governance. Oxford University Press.
• Miles, L., & Weiss, M. (2014). The European Union: Politics and Policies. Routledge.
• European Commission. (2023). The European Union Explained. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/about-european-union_en
• Börzel, T. A., & Risse, T. (2009). Expectations in the European Union: Clarifying the Concept. Journal of Common Market Studies, 47(1), 53-78.
• Schimmelfennig, F. (2018). European integration: Political, social, and economic challenges. Oxford University Press.
• Hix, S., & Høyland, B. (2011). The Political System of the European Union. Palgrave Macmillan.
• Cini, M., & Borragán, N. P. (2016). European Union Politics. Oxford University Press.
• Kreuder-Bühring, M., & Lenz, R. (2019). Sustainability and the European Union. In Handbook of European Environmental Policy (pp. 321-338). Routledge.
• European Central Bank. (2023). The euro area's economic outlook. Retrieved from https://www.ecb.europa.eu
• Kelemen, R. D. (2017). Eurolegal governance and the European Union. Journal of European Public Policy, 24(6), 751-769.