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The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Unio The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) is a foundational legal document that explains how the European Union works in practice. While the Treaty on European Union sets out the EU’s values and goals, the TFEU focuses on rules, powers, policies, and decision-making processes. It defines what the EU can do, what Member States can do, and how responsibilities are shared between them.
The treaty covers key areas such as Union competences, citizenship rights, non-discrimination, the internal market, free movement of goods, services, capital, and people, agriculture, transport, justice and security, and economic coordination. It also protects fundamental principles like equality, data protection, transparency, environmental protection, and consumer rights. Overall, the TFEU ensures that the EU functions smoothly, fairly, and consistently while respecting national sovereignty and promoting cooperation among Member States.
2️⃣ Main Parts of the Treaty (Big Picture)
PART ONE – Principles
Explains what the EU is, how power is divided, and basic rules guiding EU actions.
PART TWO – Non-Discrimination & EU Citizenship
Focuses on equal treatment and rights of EU citizens.
PART THREE – Union Policies & Internal Actions
Covers economic, social, legal, and security policies of the EU.
3️⃣ Key Topics & Headings (with Easy Explanation)
🔹 1. Union Competences (Articles 1–6)
What it means:
Who has the power to make laws — the EU or Member States?
Types of Competence:
Exclusive: Only EU decides (e.g. customs union, trade policy)
Shared: EU + Member States (e.g. environment, transport)
Supporting: EU helps but doesn’t replace states (e.g. education, culture)
👉 Simple idea: “Who is allowed to do what?”
🔹 2. General Principles (Articles 7–17)
Core values guiding EU action
Gender equality
Social protection
Anti-discrimination
Environmental protection
Consumer protection
Transparency & access to documents
Data protection
👉 Simple idea: “How the EU should behave while making policies.”
🔹 3. EU Citizenship (Articles 18–25)
Rights of EU citizens
Free movement & residence
Voting in EU & local elections
Diplomatic protection abroad
Right to petition & complain (Ombudsman)
👉 Simple idea: “Extra rights you get because you are an EU citizen.”
🔹 4. Internal Market (Articles 26–27)
Goal:
A single market with no internal borders.
Four Freedoms
Goods
Persons
Services
Capital
👉 Simple idea: “One big market instead of many small ones.”
🔹 5. Free Movement of Goods (Articles 28–37)
No customs duties between Member States
No import/export restrictions
Exceptions only for safety, health, or security
👉 Simple idea: “Products can move freely across EU countries.”
🔹 6. Agriculture & Fisheries (Articles 38–44)
Objectives
Increase productivity
Fair income for farmers
Stable markets
Reasonable prices for consumers
👉 Simple idea: “Protect farmers + food supply + fair prices.”
🔹 7. Free Movement of People, Services & Capital (Articles 45–66)
Includes
Workers’ rights
Freedom of establishment
Freedom to provide services
Free movement of money
👉 Simple idea: “Live, work, do business, and move money freely.”
🔹 8. Area of Freedom, Security & Justice (Articles 67–89)
Covers
Border control
Immigration & asylum
Police cooperation
Judicial cooperation
Fighting terrorism & crime
👉 Simple idea: “Safety, justice, and cooperation across borders.”
4️⃣ Key Points (Exam / Notes Friendly)
TFEU explains how the EU operates
Clearly defines EU powers
Protects citizens’ rights
Supports economic integration
Promotes justice, equality, and security
Balances EU authority and national sovereignty
5️⃣ Important Questions You Can Prepare
Short Questions
What is the purpose of the TFEU?
What are exclusive competences of the EU?
What rights do EU citizens enjoy?
What is the internal market?
Long / Essay Questions
Explain the division of competences under the TFEU.
Discuss the importance of free movement in the EU.
Analyze the role of the EU in justice and security matters.
How does the TFEU protect fundamental rights?
6️⃣ Presentation-Ready Slide Outline
Slide 1 – Title
Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU)
Slide 2 – Introduction
Legal framework of EU operations
Works alongside Treaty on European Union
Slide 3 – Union Competences
Exclusive
Shared
Supporting
Slide 4 – EU Citizenship
Free movement
Voting rights
Protection abroad
Slide 5 – Internal Market
Four freedoms
Economic integration
Slide 6 – Key Policies
Agriculture
Transport
Justice & Security
Slide 7 – Importance of TFEU
Smooth functioning of EU
Rights protection
Legal certainty
Slide 8 – Conclusion
Backbone of EU governance
Promotes unity, fairness, and cooperation
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