क्षेत्रीय सङ्गठन

Background of the European Union

The European Union (EU) is a unique political and economic union of 27 European countries. Its origins lie in the desire to end the frequent and devastating wars between European nations, especially after the destruction of the Second World War.

Early background:

1. Aftermath of World War II: The war left Europe economically ruined and politically divided. Leaders realised that lasting peace required economic cooperation and the pooling of resources, particularly coal and steel, which are key materials for war.

2. Schuman Declaration (1950): On 9 May 1950, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed placing French and West German coal and steel production under a common authority. This date is now celebrated as Europe Day.

3. European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC, 1951): Based on the Schuman Plan, six countries — France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg — signed the Treaty of Paris in 1951, establishing the ECSC in 1952. It was the first step toward European integration.

4. Treaty of Rome (1957): The same six countries signed the Treaty of Rome, creating the European Economic Community (EEC) and Euratom in 1958. The EEC aimed to create a common market with free movement of goods, services, capital and labour.

5. Expansion and integration: The EEC gradually expanded to include more countries (Denmark, Ireland, UK in 1973; Greece in 1981; Spain and Portugal in 1986, and others later). The Single European Act (1986) set the goal of a single market.

6. Maastricht Treaty (1992): Signed in Maastricht, Netherlands, this treaty formally established the European Union in 1993. It introduced European citizenship, common foreign and security policy, and paved the way for a common currency.

7. Euro (1999–2002): The euro was introduced as a common currency, replacing national currencies in many member states.

8. Later developments: The Lisbon Treaty (2009) reformed the EU's institutions. The UK left the EU in 2020 (Brexit), reducing membership to 27.

Objectives of the European Union

1. Promote peace and stability: To end wars and maintain lasting peace among European nations through cooperation and dialogue.

2. Economic integration: To create a single market and a common economic policy, ensuring the free movement of goods, services, capital and people.

3. Common currency: To strengthen the economy through the euro and coordinated monetary policy.

4. Political cooperation: To develop a common foreign and security policy and to speak with one voice in world affairs.

5. Protect human rights and democracy: To uphold fundamental rights, democracy, equality and the rule of law among member states.

6. Social and regional development: To reduce disparities between regions and improve living and working conditions.

7. Environmental protection: To promote sustainable development and combat climate change.

8. Cooperation in justice and home affairs: To ensure security, fight crime and manage migration jointly.

9. Global partnership: To cooperate with developing countries and international organisations for peace and development.

In short, the EU was born out of the ruins of war with the aim of ending conflict through economic and political cooperation, and it works to secure peace, prosperity and human rights for its members.

To promote regional cooperation and collective security among member states.

The ASEAN Secretariat is located in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Objectives and Principles of SAARC

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established on 8 December 1985 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, when the Charter was signed by seven members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka (Afghanistan joined in 2007). Its secretariat is in Kathmandu. The idea was first proposed by Bangladesh's President Ziaur Rahman.

Objectives (Article 1 of the Charter)

1. To promote the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and improve their quality of life.
2. To accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region and give everyone the opportunity to live in dignity and realise their potential.
3. To promote and strengthen collective self-reliance among the countries of South Asia.
4. To contribute to mutual trust, understanding and appreciation of one another's problems.
5. To promote active collaboration and mutual assistance in the economic, social, cultural, technical and scientific fields.
6. To strengthen cooperation with other developing countries.
7. To strengthen cooperation among themselves in international forums on matters of common interest.
8. To cooperate with international and regional organisations with similar aims and purposes.

Principles (Article 2 of the Charter)

1. Cooperation is based on respect for sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, and mutual benefit.
2. Cooperation within SAARC is not a substitute for bilateral or multilateral cooperation but complements it, and must be consistent with bilateral and multilateral obligations.
3. Bilateral and contentious issues are excluded from the deliberations of SAARC (Article 10 of the Charter).
4. Decisions are taken by unanimity at all levels.

Conclusion

SAARC's objectives aim at the welfare, self-reliance and cooperation of South Asia, while its principles of sovereign equality, non-interference, consensus and exclusion of bilateral disputes were meant to hold together states of very different size and power.

22 countries

The Arab League (League of Arab States), founded in 1945, has 22 member states. (Syria's membership was suspended from 2011 to 2023, leaving 21 active members during that period.)

Establishment of SAARC — Need and Objectives
(8 marks)

Introduction
SAARC stands for South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. It was established on 8 December 1985 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Its founding members were Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Secretariat is located in Kathmandu, Nepal. It was created to promote cooperation among the countries of South Asia.

Necessity for the Establishment of SAARC
The establishment of SAARC was necessary for the following reasons:

1. Regional cooperation: South Asian countries share common history, culture, religion and traditions. SAARC was needed to strengthen cooperation among them.
2. Economic development: Most South Asian countries are developing countries facing poverty, unemployment and low economic growth. SAARC was needed to promote trade, investment and economic development.
3. Poverty alleviation: A large number of people in South Asia live below the poverty line. SAARC was needed to fight poverty through joint efforts.
4. Peace and security: There were disputes and tensions among member countries. SAARC was needed to maintain peace, stability and security in the region.
5. Social development: Problems like illiteracy, poor health, gender inequality and population growth are common in the region. SAARC was needed to solve these social problems.
6. Infrastructure development: SAARC was needed to develop transport, communication, energy and other infrastructure in the region.
7. Collective voice: SAARC was needed to raise the collective voice of South Asia in international forums.
8. Protection of environment: Problems like floods, landslides, climate change and natural disasters affect the whole region. SAARC was needed for joint efforts in disaster management and environmental protection.

Objectives of SAARC
The main objectives of SAARC are:

1. To promote the welfare of the people of South Asia and improve their quality of life.
2. To accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region.
3. To promote mutual trust, understanding and cooperation among member countries.
4. To maintain peace and stability in the region.
5. To promote active collaboration in economic, social, cultural, technical and scientific fields.
6. To strengthen cooperation with other regional and international organizations.
7. To fight poverty, illiteracy, disease and environmental degradation through joint efforts.
8. To ensure the protection of the environment and sustainable development in the region.

Conclusion
SAARC was established to bring the countries of South Asia together for common benefit. It is an important platform for regional cooperation, peace and development. However, its effectiveness depends on the unity and commitment of its member countries.

What is ASEAN: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional organisation of Southeast Asian countries, established on 8 August 1967 by the Bangkok Declaration. The five founding members were Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Brunei joined in 1984, Vietnam in 1995, Laos and Myanmar in 1997, Cambodia in 1999, and Timor-Leste became the 11th member in 2025. The secretariat is in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Objectives:

• To accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region.
• To promote regional peace and stability based on respect for justice and the rule of law.
• To promote active cooperation and mutual assistance in economic, social, cultural, technical and scientific fields.
• To collaborate in agriculture, industry, trade, transport and communications.
• To promote Southeast Asian studies and cooperate with other regional and international organisations.

Principles: Mutual respect for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity; non-interference in internal affairs; peaceful settlement of disputes; renunciation of the threat or use of force; and effective cooperation. This is known as the "ASEAN Way" of consensus decision-making.

Structure: The ASEAN Summit of heads of government is the highest body, followed by the ASEAN Coordinating Council, Community Councils, sectoral ministerial bodies and the Secretary-General.

Achievements: The ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA, 1992), the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone treaty (1995), the ASEAN Charter (2008) and the ASEAN Economic Community (2015) have deepened cooperation. ASEAN also created forums such as the ASEAN Regional Forum and ASEAN+3, and has contributed to regional peace, growth and stability. Its challenges include disputes in the South China Sea and differences in members' development and political systems.

What is SAARC: The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is a regional organisation of South Asian countries. The idea was proposed by Bangladesh's President Ziaur Rahman, and it was formally established at the first summit in Dhaka on 8 December 1985. The founding members were Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka; Afghanistan joined in 2007. Its secretariat is in Kathmandu, Nepal (set up 1987).

Objectives: To promote the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and improve their quality of life; to accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development; to strengthen collective self-reliance; to promote mutual trust and understanding; and to cooperate with other developing countries and international organisations. Decisions are taken unanimously and bilateral disputes are excluded.

Achievements:

1. Trade: The SAARC Preferential Trading Arrangement (SAPTA, 1993) and the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), which came into force in 2006 to reduce tariffs.
2. Social and humanitarian: Conventions on preventing trafficking in women and children, on child welfare, and on narcotic drugs. Programmes in poverty alleviation, health, education and the environment.
3. Security: The Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism (1987) and its protocol.
4. Institutions: The SAARC Development Fund (2010), the South Asian University in New Delhi, the SAARC Food Bank, the SAARC Arbitration Council, and the SAARC Disaster Management Centre.
5. People-to-people contact: The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for specific categories, along with cultural, sports and academic exchanges and the SAARC Youth programmes.
6. Other: Agreements on seed bank, energy and the SAARC Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation, and Year of South Asia campaigns.

Review: SAARC has created a forum for dialogue and some institutions, but progress has been slow because of political tension, especially between India and Pakistan, and no summit has been held since 2014. Its potential is still large.