The Basis of European Cooperation

Abstract

The European Union brings together European nations into a scheme of cooperation. Cooperation can take many forms. This paper suggests that different forms of cooperation bring with them different norms and principles of justice. It is argued that in order to understand the point or purpose of the EU it is essential to debate the underlying understanding of cooperation. This, in turn, will have implications for such things as immigration policy and political union. Unfortunately, however, this debate has not taken place to the extent required, and, it is suggested, Brexit is one of the consequences that the UK is paying for this lack of analysis.