Abstract
The establishment of the European Union (EU) Policy within the third pillar of the United Kingdom (UK) has changed substantially over the past decades and more with the introduction of the Lisbon Treaty. Originally the UK had been reluctant to acknowledge or embrace European integration, due to its historical attachment to Parliamentary Sovereignty. Refusing the membership of the original European Steel and Coal Community at the Treaty of Paris in 1951, the UK eventually succeeded in membership in 1972, after de Gaulle vetoed the British application twice in 1963 and 1967. The EU now boasts a 27 state membership, a fully established single market and is moving towards blurring the lines of nationality to create the ultimate European citizenship. The UK participates fully in EU operations, with active members in all of the Institutions; however, the UK has remained reluctant to become fully immersed in all EU policies. By adopting a ‘pick and choose' mentality the UK aims to retain its sovereignty, appease its citizens and yet remain an integral icon in EU law making.
By examining the various components of Border Regulation, Citizenship, Free Movement of Persons, Asylum, Immigration, State Surveillance, Terrorism and Organized Crime, one can observe how this policy has impacted EU integration in the UK. Each section will be examined in turn and ultimately concluded to gauge whether the UK has succeed in the establishment of Third Pillar legislation in the UK.
