The European Union - Summary on a Map

Summary

This historical narrative traces the evolution of the European Union from the ashes of WWII, through the Cold War, to the present day. It details the formation of the European Coal and Steel Community, the European Economic Community, and the eventual establishment of the EU with the Maastricht Treaty. The summary covers key milestones like the creation of the Single Market, the introduction of the Euro, and the Schengen Agreement. It also addresses the challenges faced, including the financial crisis, the migration crisis, Brexit, and ongoing negotiations for further expansion.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The Cold War era saw the US and USSR as dominant powers, leading to a divided Europe and the eventual push for European unity.
• 🇫🇷 The Schuman Plan in 1950 proposed a Franco-German reconciliation and the sharing of coal and steel production as a step towards economic cooperation and peace.
• 📜 The European Coal and Steel Community was established in 1951 by six countries, marking the beginning of a unified Europe.
• 🏛️ The Treaties of Rome in 1957 created the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community, aiming for a common market and coordinated nuclear research.
• 🇪🇺 The European Union (EU) was officially formed with the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, expanding the EU's powers and paving the way for a common currency.
• 💶 The Euro was introduced in 1999 as part of the EU's economic union, although physical currency circulation began in 2002.
• 📊 The EU expanded over the years, with key enlargements in 2004 and 2007, increasing its membership and influence.
• 🛑 The Treaty of Lisbon in 2007 aimed to improve the EU's functioning post-enlargement, emphasizing peace, sustainable development, and cultural heritage.
• 🇬🇧 The United Kingdom's Brexit referendum in 2016 led to its departure from the EU in 2020, following complex negotiations.
• 🚨 The migration crisis beginning in 2015 strained the EU, leading to debates over border controls and the rise of nationalist sentiments.
• 🏗️ The Schengen Area, established by agreement in 1985 and fully implemented from 1995, allows for passport-free travel within most of the EU, although recent crises have led to temporary controls.

Q & A

What significant event marked the beginning of the Cold War?

The beginning of the Cold War was marked by the growing rivalry between the United States and the USSR after WWII, as Europe lay devastated and the two nations emerged as major world powers.

What was the purpose of the Franco-German reconciliation proposed by France in 1950?

The purpose of the Franco-German reconciliation was to place the production of coal and steel under a common high authority to boost the economy and maintain peace, with the project being open to other countries wishing to join.

Which countries signed the treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community in 1951?

Six countries signed the treaty in Paris in 1951, establishing the European Coal and Steel Community. West Germany was part of it, but East Germany, being under Soviet control, was not.

What were the main objectives of the European Economic Community established by the Treaty of Rome in 1957?

The main objectives of the European Economic Community were to establish a common market, allow the free movement of workers, and eliminate tariffs between member states, along with defining common policies on transport, trade, and agriculture.

Why did France veto the United Kingdom's accession to the European Communities under Charles De Gaulle's leadership?

France vetoed the UK's accession because it was considered too close of an ally to the United States, which was seen as potentially undermining the European unity and autonomy.

What was the role of the Commission in the European Communities?

The Commission's role was to propose European laws in the common interest of its members, composed of commissioners chosen by the heads of state.

When were the first members of the European Parliament elected by universal suffrage?

The first members of the European Parliament were elected by universal suffrage in 1979.

What was the main goal of the Single European Act signed in 1986?

The main goal of the Single European Act was to remove all obstacles to the free movement of people, goods, capital, and services, aiming to complete the 'Single Market' project by 1993.

What significant changes occurred in Europe after the fall of the Berlin Wall?

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, Germany was reunified, and the USSR could no longer contain revolts, leading to its collapse and opening up new horizons for the European Community, which began establishing contacts with Eastern European countries.

What was the outcome of the Treaty of Nice and how did it affect the European Union?

The Treaty of Nice aimed to improve the structure of the European Union, but its outcome was considered mixed. It required two referendums in Ireland for it to come into force, reflecting the complexity and the need for further negotiations.

How did the global economic and financial crisis impact the European Union?

The global economic and financial crisis led to a recession in the eurozone, with many countries, particularly Greece, facing severe financial difficulties. This resulted in countries like Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, and Cyprus needing financial aid from the eurozone and the IMF, and implementing austerity measures.

What was the Schengen Agreement and when was it introduced?

The Schengen Agreement, signed in 1985, aimed to abolish border controls and allow total freedom of movement within the European Union. It was gradually introduced from 1995 and incorporated into the EU through the Treaty of Amsterdam.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 Post-WWII European Integration

The script begins by setting the stage at the end of World War II, highlighting the devastation of Europe and the rise of the United States and the USSR as superpowers. This period marks the onset of the Cold War. The Soviet control over Eastern Europe contrasts with the Western reliance on the US for reconstruction aid. The concept of European unity emerges, leading to France's proposal by Robert Schuman for a Franco-German reconciliation and a common authority over coal and steel production. This proposal aims to boost the economy and maintain peace, and it is open to other countries. The European Coal and Steel Community is established by six countries in Paris the following year, with West Germany as a member. The founding countries then sign the Treaties of Rome in 1957, creating the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), with goals to establish a common market, free movement of workers, and common policies on various sectors. The UK's attempts to join are vetoed by France under Charles De Gaulle, but the EEC institutions evolve with a single Commission, Council, Parliament, and Court of Justice. The UK eventually joins in 1973, along with Ireland and Denmark. The European Council is created, and Greece, Spain, and Portugal join later, with the European Parliament being elected by universal suffrage in 1979.

05:02

🏛 Expansion and Challenges of the EU

Following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany, the European Community expands its reach to Eastern Europe. The Maastricht Treaty in 1992 establishes the European Union (EU) and sets the stage for a common currency. The treaty is ratified by all member states, including Denmark, which negotiates exemptions from the currency. The EU sees a wave of new members, including Austria, Sweden, and Finland, and implements the Schengen Agreement for free movement within the Union. The Euro is launched in 1999, with the physical currency circulating from 2002. The Treaty of Nice is signed to improve the Union's structure, but it faces challenges, including rejections in referendums. The EU continues to grow with the accession of Romania and Bulgaria in 2007. The Treaty of Lisbon is signed to enhance the EU's functioning, but it also faces referendum rejections, particularly in Ireland. The global financial crisis impacts the eurozone, leading to austerity measures and financial aid for countries like Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, and Cyprus. Croatia joins the EU in 2013, and the migration crisis from the Middle East and Africa leads to policy changes and heightened security measures.

10:07

🇪🇺 Brexit and Current EU Dynamics

The script concludes with the migration crisis and its impact on European politics, leading to divisions and the rise of nationalist sentiments. The United Kingdom votes to leave the EU in a 2016 referendum, initiating complex negotiations for Brexit, which is finalized on January 31, 2020. Post-Brexit, the UK loses decision-making power but continues financial contributions and receives funding until year-end. Future agreements on trade, movement, and the Irish border are to be negotiated. The EU, now with 27 members and a population of about 450 million, continues accession negotiations, primarily in the Balkans. Turkey's accession talks, which began in 2005, are stalled. The eurozone consists of 19 members, with six additional countries using the euro outside the eurozone or EU. The Schengen area includes 26 states, with four non-EU members, and is expected to expand with Cyprus, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania in the future.

Keywords

💡Cold War

The Cold War refers to the period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union and their respective allies, the Western Bloc and the Eastern Bloc, after World War II. It was characterized by a lack of direct large-scale fighting between the two superpowers but was marked by espionage, proxy wars, and a race for technological and space dominance. In the context of the video, the Cold War sets the stage for the division of Europe and the subsequent push for European unity as a counterbalance to the Soviet influence.

💡Iron Curtain

The Iron Curtain was a term used to describe the physical and ideological barrier erected by the Soviet Union to seal off itself and its dependent Eastern and Central European allies from open contact with the West and non-communist areas. The term symbolizes the division of Europe into two separate areas from the end of World War II until the end of the Cold War in 1991. In the video, the Iron Curtain is mentioned to illustrate the division of Germany and the broader European continent.

💡European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)

The European Coal and Steel Community was established in 1951 with the aim of pooling and managing coal and steel production in Western Europe, preventing further war by binding the main economic powers of Europe together. It was a precursor to the European Union and included six founding member states. The video highlights the ECSC as a significant step towards European integration and a means to boost the economy and maintain peace.

💡European Economic Community (EEC)

The European Economic Community, also known as the Common Market, was created by the Treaty of Rome in 1957. Its primary goal was to establish a common market, which included the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital among its member states. The video discusses the EEC as a critical institution in the development of a unified Europe, with the aim of fostering economic cooperation and reducing the likelihood of future conflicts.

💡Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)

The Common Agricultural Policy is a set of policies implemented by the European Union that concern the agricultural sector. Its goals include increasing agricultural productivity, ensuring a fair standard of living for farmers, stabilizing markets, and providing reasonable prices for consumers. The video mentions the CAP as a significant policy area where the UK felt it did not benefit enough, leading to negotiations for a reduction in its financial contribution to the EU budget.

💡European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom)

The European Atomic Energy Community, established by the Treaty of Rome, was designed to create a nuclear market that would serve the peaceful purposes of nuclear research and development. It aimed to coordinate civilian nuclear research programs and ensure the safe and regulated use of nuclear energy. The video references Euratom as part of the broader efforts to integrate European scientific and industrial capacities.

💡European Council

The European Council consists of the heads of state or government of the EU member countries, the European Council President, and the President of the European Commission. It defines the EU's overall political direction and priorities. The video notes the establishment of the European Council as an important step in the development of the EU's decision-making process, where leaders meet to define the broad guidelines of the Community.

💡Schengen Agreement

The Schengen Agreement, signed in 1985, aimed to abolish internal border controls and establish a 'single area where the free movement of persons is ensured.' It allows for passport-free travel within most of the EU, along with a few non-EU states. The video discusses the Schengen Agreement as a significant step towards enhancing freedom of movement within Europe, which was gradually introduced from 1995 and incorporated into the EU through the Treaty of Amsterdam.

💡Maastricht Treaty

The Maastricht Treaty, signed in 1992, officially established the European Union and led to the creation of a single market, a single currency (the Euro), and the pillar structure of the EU. It expanded the scope of EU activities and introduced the concept of European citizenship. The video highlights the Maastricht Treaty as a milestone in the EU's evolution, granting it new powers and setting the stage for economic and monetary union.

💡Euro

The Euro is the official currency of the European Union and the majority of its member states. It is the second-largest reserve currency and the second-most traded currency in the world. The video discusses the Euro's official launch in 1999 and its physical introduction in 2002, marking a significant step towards economic integration and symbolizing the EU's ambition for a unified economic policy.

💡Brexit

Brexit refers to the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union, following a referendum held in June 2016. The term is a portmanteau of 'British' and 'exit.' The video outlines the UK's referendum vote in favor of leaving the EU, the subsequent negotiations, and the final departure on January 31, 2020. Brexit is a significant event as it represents the first time a country has left the Union, raising questions about the future of European integration.

Highlights

The Cold War begins with the US and USSR as the two major world powers.

France proposes Franco-German reconciliation and a common authority for coal and steel production.

Six countries sign the treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community in Paris.

The European Economic Community is created with a focus on a common market and free movement of workers.

The Common Agricultural Policy aims to increase productivity and ensure a fair standard of living for farmers.

The European Atomic Energy Community is established to coordinate civilian nuclear research.

The United Kingdom's membership is vetoed by France under Charles De Gaulle.

The institutions of the three Communities are merged for more efficient functioning.

The European Parliament's power increases over forthcoming treaties.

Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Denmark join the Community in 1973.

The European Council is created to define the broad guidelines of the Community.

Greece joins the Community in 1981, followed by Spain and Portugal in 1986.

The Single European Act is signed to remove all obstacles to the free movement of people, goods, capital, and services.

The Maastricht Treaty creates the European Union and envisions a common European currency.

The Schengen Agreement is introduced to abolish border controls within the EU.

The Euro is officially launched on the market in 1999.

10 new countries join the European Union on 1 May 2004.

The Treaty of Lisbon aims to strengthen and improve the functioning of the EU.

The global economic and financial crisis impacts the euro zone, leading to austerity measures.

The migration crisis divides European countries and fuels the rise of nationalist parties.

The United Kingdom votes to leave the European Union in a 2016 referendum.

The European Union has 27 member states after the UK's departure, with negotiations ongoing for new members.

Transcripts

The story begins at the end of WWII, as the European continent lies devastated,

leaving the United States and the USSR as the two major world powers.

Their growing rivalry marks the beginning of the Cold War.

While the Soviets control Eastern Europe, the West looks to the US for reconstruction aid.

While the old continent is found divided by the Iron Curtain,

in the West, the idea of European unity begins to take hold.

On 9 May 1950, France - via its Foreign Minister Robert Schuman - proposes a Franco-German reconciliation,

and placing under a common high authority the production of coal and steel,

the main wealth of industrialized countries,

which is also needed for the manufacture of weapons.

The aim is to boost the economy and maintain peace, with the project left open to countries wishing to join.

The following year in Paris, six countries sign a treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community.

As Germany is divided by the Iron Curtain, only West Germany becomes part of it.

To accelerate the development of Europe, the six founding countries

meet on 25 March 1957 in Rome to sign two new treaties.

The first treaty creates the European Economic Community

whose main objective is to establish a common market,

including allowing the free movement of workers and eliminating tariffs between member states.

The treaty also defines common policies on transport, trade and agriculture.

The Common Agricultural Policy among other goals aims to increase agricultural productivity,

offer reasonable prices and ensure a fair standard of living for farmers.

The second treaty establishes the European Atomic Energy Community,

coordinating civilian nuclear research programs.

The Treaties of Rome enter into force in 1958

but it would take several years for its policies to be implemented.

Many countries ask to join the Communities, including the United Kingdom.

But France, under the leadership of Charles De Gaulle, vetoes the accession request,

considering the UK as too close of an ally to the United States.

The institutions of the three Communities are merged to enable more efficient functioning.

There is now a single Commission, composed of commissioners chosen by the heads of state.

Its role is to propose European laws in the common interest of its members.

There is the Council, made up of ministers of the member states,

and whose role it is to approve, modify or reject the proposals of the Commission.

There is a Parliament representing the people of Europe,

and which also gives its opinion on Commission proposals.

Its power would increase over forthcoming treaties.

Finally, there is a Court of Justice that rules over the legality of decisions taken.

In 1967, the United Kingdom renews its request for membership,

which France opposes a second time.

With the removal of tariffs for industrial and agricultural products and the free movement of workers,

the economic situation improves rapidly, prompting a new wave of membership applications.

This time, negotiations go well, but in Norway

the population opposes the country's accession in a referendum.

In 1973, Ireland, the United Kingdom and Denmark join the Community.

In Paris, the heads of state and government come to an agreement to create the European Council.

European leaders would meet at least three times a year

to together define the broad guidelines of the Community.

South of the continent, after the end of dictatorships in Portugal, Greece and Spain,

the three countries request membership of the Community.

In 1979, for the first time, members of the European Parliament are elected by universal suffrage.

In 1981, Greece joins the Community, while the following year, Greenland

-- which receives more autonomy from Denmark -- chooses to leave the Community after a referendum.

In 1984, the United Kingdom under Margaret Thatcher

says it does not benefit enough from the Common Agricultural Policy,

which then represented 80% of EU spending.

The country negotiates to obtains a reduction in its contribution to the Community’s budget.

In 1986, Spain and Portugal join the Community.

12 member states and the European Commission give a boost to the internal market

by signing the Single European Act.

In addition to eliminating customs fees, the goal is to remove all obstacles

to the free movement of people, goods, capital and services.

It is the “Single Market” project, to be completed by 1993.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, Germany is reunified.

In the East, the USSR can no longer contain revolts and collapses,

opening up new horizons for the Community,

which establishes contacts with the countries of Eastern Europe.

On 7 February 1992, European heads of state sign the Maastricht Treaty.

The European Union is created and gets new powers.

The Treaty envisages an economic union and the future creation of a common European currency.

All countries ratify the treaty, including Denmark where two referendums and negotiations

to be exempted from the common currency are required.

A new wave of countries request membership to the Union, but Switzerland, and then Norway,

oppose potential candidacy via referendums.

On the other hand, in Austria, Sweden and Finland, negotiations succeed and in 1995,

the EU grows to 15 members.

Signed in Schengen, Luxembourg in 1985, the Schengen Agreement is gradually introduced from 1995.

Its objective is to abolish border controls and therefore

have total freedom of movement within the European Union.

The Agreement is incorporated into the European Union through the Treaty of Amsterdam.

In addition, the common currency project advances, which would be called the Euro.

However, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Denmark do not want it.

Remaining member countries set up the European Central Bank.

The Euro is officially launched on the market in 1999,

although the currency would be put into circulation only from January 1, 2002.

As negotiations take place to enlarge the European Union,

heads of state meet in Nice to try to improve the structure of the Union.

The outcome of the Treaty of Nice is considered mixed.

Two referendums are needed in Ireland for it to come into force.

On 1 May 2004, 10 new countries are included in the European Union.

All new members join the Schengen area with the exception of Cyprus,

as part of the island is controlled by the Turkish army since 1974.

After the half-failure of the Treaty of Nice, the 25 heads of state meet in Rome to again

try to streamline the functioning of the European Union.

This time they aim to create a constitutional treaty that would replace all existing treaties with a single text.

This sparks heated debate across Europe.

Fearing an overly powerful European Union at the expense of national sovereignty,

the French and Dutch populations oppose the Treaty via referendums.

This triggers a period of reflection and in-depth consultations within member states.

On January 1, 2007, Romania and Bulgaria join the European Union.

The same year, 27 heads of state sign the Treaty of Lisbon, which aims to strengthen

and improve the functioning of the European Union after enlargement.

Notably, it is agreed that the EU’s role is to promote peace, support sustainable development,

fight against social exclusion and discrimination, and safeguard cultural heritage.

The Treaty is ratified by all states but Ireland, which holds a referendum and rejects it.

Yet again, more negotiations and a second referendum would be needed in Ireland for it to take effect.

The global economic and financial crisis has repercussions on the euro zone,

which enters a recession.

After the rout of major European banks, many countries find themselves in difficulty;

in particular Greece, part of whose public debt had been kept hidden

with the help of consultants from Goldman Sachs bank.

The country is forced to ask for financial aid from the euro zone and the IMF

in exchange for which it must implement austerity measures.

Ireland, coming to the aid of its banks, also sees its public debt explode.

But the country does not want to ask for aid from the euro zone, fearing it may in return

be forced to raise its low corporate tax rates.

The country finally receives aid all the same in exchange for which it must adopt a strict plan.

Subsequently, Portugal, Greece a second time, Spain, and then Cyprus

obtain financial aid from the eurozone;

while almost everywhere on the continent, austerity plans are put in place.

In 2013, Croatia joins the European Union.

At the borders of the continent, the so-called Arab Spring creates instability in many countries.

The civil war in Syria, a second civil war in Libya and in Iraq, and other events

such as war in Afghanistan and violence in the Horn of Africa push many people to migrate to Europe.

Despite the construction of walls at the Turkish border, in 2015,

over a million migrants enter the Schengen area.

Europe tries to slow the flow of migration.

Security patrols are reinforced on the Mediterranean Sea,

while certain countries temporarily reintroduce controls at their borders.

In addition, the European Union signs agreements with Turkey and then with Libya,

where the political situation is very unstable,

so that they control and block the so-called illegal migration routes in exchange for financial aid.

Migrant processing centers are funded, mainly in Italy and Greece,

where migrants find themselves awaiting regularization in overcrowded conditions.

The migration crisis divides European countries and fuels the rise of nationalist and Eurosceptic parties.

In June 2016, the United Kingdom through a referendum votes in favor of leaving the European Union.

The country then enters long and difficult negotiations with the European Union

to define the conditions of their withdrawal.

After numerous failures, an agreement for Brexit is finally reached

and the United Kingdom exits the EU on January 31, 2020.

While the UK no longer has any decision-making power in the bloc,

it continues to contribute to the European budget and receive funding at least until the end of the year.

By this deadline, it is meant to negotiate future agreements with the EU,

in particular concerning customs duties, free movement,

the status of Europeans living in the United Kingdom and vice versa,

and the status of the border that separates Ireland from Northern Ireland.

After the departure of the United Kingdom, the European Union has 27 member states

with a population of about 450 million.

Negotiations are underway for the accession of new countries, mostly in the Balkans.

Negotiations for Turkey's accession, which started in 2005, are stalled.

19 countries are members of the eurozone, while six others countries have adopted the euro

without being a member of the eurozone or the EU.

Finally, the Schengen area now comprises 26 States,

including 4 non-members of the European Union,

with Cyprus, Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania expected to integrate soon.