SWOT Analysis Essay

Submitted By carleyherrick
Words: 2028
Pages: 9

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Table of Contents

I. Executive Summary……………………………………………………………………………………………...3
II. Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………...4
III. Strengths……………………………………………………………...……………………………………………...4
IV. Weaknesses…………………………………………………………………………………………………….…...5
V. Opportunities……………………………………………………………………………………..........................6
VI. Threats………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………...7
VII. Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………………….....................9
VIII. Citations…………………………………………………………….……………………………….…………..…10

I. Executive Summary

The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 28 countries throughout the European continent. These countries have come together to develop a single market through the use of a standardized set of laws and economic policies. Through the use of the European Union, countries aim to transcend national borders by ensuring unrestricted movement of people, goods, services, and capital and create a legislative body that has the power to govern disputes between countries and enact common policies in trade, agriculture, and other economic markets.

Although the majority of the nations in Europe have chosen to join the European Union, some such as Switzerland have declined in favor of retaining complete national sovereignty. A SWOT Analysis of the European Union shows that there are both advantages and disadvantages to becoming part of the EU. The EU provides countries with increased trade opportunities, allows them to build stronger relationships, creates job opportunities for their citizens, and offers a safe setting to complete negotiations and settle disputes with other members. However, countries that have chosen to join the EU have faced job displacement due to increased immigration, a loss of national sovereignty, and have been responsible for other national’s economic failures.

The strengths of the European Union offer Switzerland several key opportunities. First, the country would have access to additional capital and resources as trade restrictions would be illiminated and international business would flourish. Consumers would also benefit from lower costs and increased competition amoung businesses. The weakness of the EU also present some threats to Switzerland if they chose to integrate. Reduced border control and increased immigration could make the country more vonerable to terrorist attacks. The loss of national soverignty would prevent Switzerland from protecting national industries through the use of trade restrictions and could also hurt their trading relationship with noneuorpean union members like the United States and China. However, these risk are outweighed by the many trade and economic opportunities presented by the EU, and thus, in order to remain competitive in a global market, it is imperative that Switzerland joins the European Union.

II. Introduction

The European Union was created in the aftermath of WWII in an effort to promote economic cooperation between countries in the hopes that economic interdependence would help stem the conflict between European nations. Although the EU was created for purely economical purposes, the organization eventually evolved into a political union and now deals with issues ranging from human rights to environmental sustainability. The European Union gains its legitimacy to enforce these policies through the use of legislation, which is founded on treaties voluntarily agreed to by all member countries through the use of a democratic forum. These treaties are then put into binding agreements that provide the E.U. with the structure and objectives needed to make it a successful governing body.

III. Strengths

Participants of the European Union receive many benefits as a result of their membership in the organization. First and foremost, the EU provides members with significant trade benefits. The creation of the