European Integration: From EEC to EU-27
European Integration Process
The creation of the EEC was the result of a long and difficult process of change in diplomatic, political, and economic order. This process began to reshape the world and ultimately developed at the European level, resulting in what is known as the European Economic Community.
It began in 1944 after World War II, first outlining a new model of organization and European Union until 1957. The Treaty of Rome represented the point of departure into what would later become the European Union, following the signing of the Maastricht Treaty, which made modifications to this first treaty, called The Single Act, in 1987.
Early EU
Its origins lie in the Franco-German reconciliation and the need to coordinate and integrate the national economies of European countries. The idea of European integration came after World War II. It raised the need to overcome the effects of war and avoid further confrontation. The end of the war had shown the weakness of Europe in the international framework, as it was divided into two opposing blocs (the U.S. and the USSR).
The Western European countries, ruined by war, decided to come together to rebuild their economies and combat Soviet expansionism. Thanks to the Marshall Plan, this project was promoted.
European Recovery
In 1948, the Organization for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC) was founded to coordinate the investments of the Marshall Plan and organize the trade and payments system.
The Council of Europe (1949) was the first supranational European institution, but its political influence was almost symbolic. Its objectives were the propagation of the idea of Europe and its liberties through political and cultural cooperation. It developed a European convention on human rights, ratified by 10 countries in 1950.
The European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) (1951) was created by six Western countries (France, Italy, West Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg). Its purpose was to advance economic integration and enhance cooperation in other economic sectors. Great Britain would not be part of the first European attempts.
From the Europe of the 6 to 12 (1957-1985)
The EEC and the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) were born of the Treaty of Rome (1957) by ECSC countries, and Europe grew to 6.
Objectives: elimination of internal customs, unification of tariff policy, and a unified foreign agricultural policy.
In parallel, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) was formed (United Kingdom, Scandinavian countries, Portugal, Switzerland, Austria).
In 1967, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Ireland applied to join the EEC. Six years later, it became effective, resulting in the Europe of 9. The Treaty of Rome (1968) established the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The Paris Summit (1972) established universal suffrage for the European Parliament.
In 1981, Greece joined. Spain and Portugal joined in 1986, forming the Europe of 12. The ultimate objective of the EC was to move towards political unity through democracy.
Maastricht Treaty (EU-15)
Signed by the European Council in February 1992, it entered into force in November 1993. It raised the need to overcome the concept of a Common Market to move to the idea of European unity, effective foreign policy, and economic and social development. The EC changed its name to the European Union. Objectives: Monetary Union, implementation of a common foreign and security policy, and strengthening the protection of the rights and interests of citizens of the States.
Cohesion funds were created to develop the poorest countries of the Union, and collaboration in the field of justice was established.
Following the adoption of the treaty by governments, popular and parliamentary approval was needed. The outcome in two referenda (Denmark and France) was negative in Denmark and positive in France. A new referendum in Denmark was positive in 1993.
In 1995, Sweden, Finland, and Austria joined the EU, thus was born the EU-15.
The Treaty of Amsterdam (EU-27)
The treaty was signed in October 1997 and entered into force in May 1999. The treaty specified many of the ideas of Maastricht to achieve European unity. It expanded the powers of Parliament, and it was agreed that member countries would develop a common policy to create jobs. It proposed forming a common front and external security policy to intervene in armed conflicts and coordinate security strategies. It created the post of High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP).
It proposed free movement of persons and capital, and borders between member countries that met the Schengen Agreement were eliminated. It also proposed new environmental, social, and anti-discrimination policies in the States.
In December 1997, the admission of some former communist countries that applied for admission to the EU was raised. This raised concerns among member countries, as it required economic and political transformations.
Economic and monetary policy was greatly enhanced with the introduction of the euro on January 1, 2002, leaving out the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Sweden.
The Nice Treaty (EU-27)
This treaty (2001) provided for the reform of EU institutions and established a qualified majority for decision-making. Its purpose was to ensure the effective functioning of institutions, in anticipation of EU enlargement.
In December 2002, the EU Council decided that ten new countries would join the EU: Cyprus, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Their integration was confirmed in May 2004.
In January 2007, Bulgaria and Romania joined the EU, creating the EU-27.
Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania, and Turkey now seek to join the EU.