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I think that we have refined greatly our notions of…

“I think that we have refined greatly our notions of sovereignty in the EU. Its members consider themselves to be sovereign governments, but they have ceded a part of their sovereignty to the Union level, and their sovereignty is now penetrated by EU law.” quote by Mary Robinson
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“I think that we have refined greatly our notions of sovereignty in the EU. Its members consider themselves to be sovereign governments, but they have ceded a part of their sovereignty to the Union level, and their sovereignty is now penetrated by EU law.”

Mary Robinson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

EU member states retain nominal sovereignty but have transferred significant authority to EU institutions, creating a layered governance structure.

In simple terms: EU shares sovereignty among nations and the Union.

Key Takeaway

Understand the balance of national and EU power.

Themes

sovereignty EU integration law governance

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

political analytical

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • business regulation
  • citizen rights
  • cross‑border projects

Key Concepts

political science international law federalism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does this affect national identity?
  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of shared sovereignty?
A Different Perspective

Tension can arise between national autonomy and EU directives.

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