The Genesis and Evolution of the European Union
From Post-War Reconstruction to European Integration
After World War II, with Europe devastated, politicians and intellectuals began to express the idea of avoiding a recurrence of armed conflict between states. A significant reason for this was the control of the Saarland, a territory rich in mining and steel industries. To prevent future conflicts, the creation of a supranational body was proposed, one with unique authority to control coal and steel production. This initiative led to the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). The proposal was positively received, and Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Italy subsequently joined. This union aimed to improve relations between France and Germany.
The European Economic Community (EEC)
The success of the ECSC prompted member countries to extend this authority to all sectors of the economy. This culminated in the historic signing of the Treaties of Rome in 1957. These treaties created two key organizations: the European Economic Community (EEC), commonly known as the Common Market, and the European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC), also known as Euratom. The Treaties of Rome established the goal of free circulation of people, goods, services, and capital throughout the territory of Member States. This significantly blurred borders and fostered a sense of belonging among European citizens.
The Treaty on European Union (Maastricht Treaty)
On November 1st, the Treaty on European Union (TEU), also known as the Maastricht Treaty, entered into force. The 12 participating states aimed to establish social and political ties that extended beyond purely economic matters. The entity was renamed to its current designation: the European Union.
Key Provisions of the Maastricht Treaty
The Treaty on European Union attributed more power to the Parliament, the EU’s legislative institution whose members are elected by direct universal suffrage. Notably, the Maastricht Treaty gave momentum to the concept of European citizenship. A European citizen is considered a person who has the nationality of a Member State. This citizenship is complementary to national citizenship and grants a series of rights:
- Right to move and reside freely within the territories of Member States.
- Right to vote and stand as a candidate in European Parliament elections.
- Right to diplomatic and consular protection.
- Right to petition the European Ombudsman.
- Right to petition the European Parliament.
Another novelty was the establishment of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) as a system for intergovernmental cooperation in international politics. The treaty also gave the final impetus to the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the circulation of the euro in 12 states by 2002.
The Lisbon Treaty: Modernizing the EU
In 2007, the leaders of 27 member states signed the Lisbon Treaty, which entered into force in 2009. It established a set of standards to improve the EU’s performance.
Parliamentary Reforms
The European Parliament now comprises 750 MEPs plus the President. Decisions in the Council must be made by qualified majority, requiring a minimum of 55% support from Member States representing at least 65% of the European Union’s population.
Changes to the European Commission
The European Commission: Commissioners are appointed based on a system that ensures fair representation among states. The Lisbon Treaty seeks to strengthen the importance of regions within the European Union and recognizes its cultural and linguistic diversity. It reinforces and extends the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU.