Evolution of the European Union: From Treaties to Integration
The Treaties: Foundation of the EU
The European Union (EU) is built upon a series of treaties that have shaped its development and expansion. These treaties have been amended over time to accommodate new member states, reform institutions, and broaden the EU’s responsibilities.
Key Treaties:
- Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) (1951-2002)
- Treaty establishing the European Economic Community (EEC) (1957-present, now TFEU)
- Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) (1957-present)
- Treaty on European Union (TEU) (1993-present)
- Treaty of Lisbon (2009-present)
Additional “secondary” treaties, such as the Merger Treaty and the Single European Act, have further refined the EU’s structure and policies.
Origins of European Integration
The devastation of World War II and the subsequent Cold War prompted European nations to seek cooperation and stability. The United States aimed to promote open markets and democracy, while the Soviet Union sought to expand its influence and spread communism. European integration emerged as a solution to prevent future conflicts and foster economic growth.
Key Factors:
- Economic rivalries and geographical confrontations
- The “German Problem” and its economic recovery
- Federalism vs. intergovernmentalism
- Early examples of integration: BENELUX, OEEC, Council of Europe
The Idea and Fathers of Europe
The concept of a united Europe gained traction after World War I, with prominent figures advocating for a common European solution. The devastation of World War II further emphasized the need for peace and cooperation.
Founding Fathers:
- Winston Churchill
- Robert Schuman
- Jean Monnet
- Paul-Henri Spaak
- Konrad Adenauer
- Alcide de Gasperi
These leaders shared a vision of a peaceful and prosperous Europe achieved through economic integration and political cooperation.
The European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)
The Schuman Declaration of 1950 proposed pooling French and German coal and steel production under a common High Authority. This led to the Treaty of Paris and the establishment of the ECSC in 1952. The ECSC aimed to promote economic stability, solve the “German problem,” and foster Franco-German cooperation.
Institutions of the ECSC:
- High Authority: Executive body
- Common Assembly: Supervisory power
- Special Council of Ministers: Representatives of national governments
- Court of Justice: Interpretation and application of ECSC law
- Consultative Committee: Representatives of producers, workers, consumers, and dealers
The European Defence Community (EDC) and Beyond
The threat of Soviet aggression led to the proposal of a European Defence Community (EDC) in 1952. However, the EDC failed to gain approval, leading to a shift towards a more pragmatic approach to European integration.
The Suez Crisis of 1956 highlighted the need for energy cooperation, while the Spaak Report advocated for a common market. These developments paved the way for the Treaties of Rome.
The Treaties of Rome and the EEC/EURATOM
The Treaty Establishing the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957 aimed to create a common market based on the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital. The Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) focused on cooperation in the nuclear field.
Composition:
The EEC and EURATOM shared the Common Assembly and the Court of Justice with the ECSC. Each community had its own Council and Commission.
European Integration in the 1960s and 1970s
The 1960s saw the creation of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The Merger Treaty of 1965 combined the executive bodies of the ECSC, EURATOM, and the EEC.
The 1970s witnessed the first enlargement of the European Communities, with the accession of Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The European Monetary System (EMS) was established to promote monetary stability.
The 1980s and the Single European Act
Greece, Spain, and Portugal joined the European Communities in the 1980s. The Single European Act of 1986 aimed to establish a single market by 1992, codify European Political Cooperation, and advance European integration.
The 1990s and the Treaty on European Union
The fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War opened new possibilities for European integration. The Treaty of Maastricht (1993) established the European Union (EU) and introduced a three-pillar structure: European Communities, Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), and Justice and Home Affairs (JHA).
The Pillars of the European Union (1991-2007)
The EU underwent further enlargements and institutional reforms during this period. The Treaty of Amsterdam (1997) strengthened cooperation in justice and home affairs and incorporated the Schengen Agreement. The Treaty of Nice (2001) prepared the EU for further enlargement.
The Constitutional Treaty and the Lisbon Treaty
The Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe (2004) aimed to streamline the EU’s structure and decision-making processes. However, it failed to gain ratification in several member states.
The Treaty of Lisbon (2007) incorporated many of the reforms proposed in the Constitutional Treaty. It merged the three pillars into a single entity, strengthened the role of the European Parliament, and introduced a permanent President of the European Council.
Conclusion
The European Union has evolved significantly since its inception, driven by a series of treaties and a commitment to peace, cooperation, and economic prosperity. The EU continues to face challenges and adapt to a changing world, but its history demonstrates the enduring power of European integration.