From the EEC to today's European Union | #EUHistoryExplained Episode 10

Summary

This episode of EU History Explained traces the evolution of the European Union, from its roots in the 1957 European Economic Community focused on economic integration, to the complex political and economic union it is today. The script highlights key milestones, such as the creation of the Common Market, the introduction of the Euro, the expansion of the EU, and the challenges of institutional reforms. Key events like the Maastricht Treaty, the Lisbon Treaty, and debates around the EU's democratic character are explored, illustrating how the Union has grown in scope and influence, while still striving for a more integrated future.

Takeaways

• 😀 The European Union's origins trace back to the failure of early political and military integration in the 1950s, but succeeded with economic integration, leading to the European Economic Community in 1957.
• 😀 The Common Market, established in 1957, allowed the free movement of people, goods, and capital among member states, marking a major step in European integration.
• 😀 The European Economic Community faced setbacks in the 1960s, such as the 'empty chair crisis' instigated by France, over concerns about supranational powers and institutional reforms.
• 😀 The European Parliament, initially without legislative power, was first directly elected in 1979, marking a step toward its later role as a co-legislator in the EU's political framework.
• 😀 The 1969 Hague Summit set ambitious goals, including the completion of the Common Market, the creation of the European Monetary System, and enlargement to the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Denmark in 1973.
• 😀 The 1980s saw the admission of Greece, Spain, and Portugal into the EU, which helped stabilize and develop these countries politically and economically.
• 😀 The Single European Act of 1986 strengthened the European Parliament and expanded the EU's responsibilities into areas like social policy, the environment, and economic cohesion.
• 😀 The 1990s, marked by the collapse of the Soviet Union and the reunification of Germany, prompted a push for a stronger European Community, leading to the Maastricht Treaty in 1992 and the creation of the European Union.
• 😀 The Maastricht Treaty established the EU with three pillars: the European Community, Common Foreign and Security Policy, and Justice and Home Affairs, setting the stage for economic and political integration.
• 😀 The Lisbon Treaty of 2007 reformed the EU, abolishing the pillar structure and strengthening the European Parliament's powers, while creating new roles like the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
• 😀 Today's EU allows for the free movement of citizens, economic opportunities, and participation in elections across member states, while ongoing debates seek to make the EU more effective and citizen-focused, particularly for younger generations.

Q & A

What was the main objective of the European Economic Community (EEC) when it was created in 1957?

The main objective of the EEC was to foster economic integration by allowing the free circulation of people, goods, and capital among the member states, ultimately creating a Common Market.

How did the Luxembourg Compromise of 1966 impact decision-making in the European Economic Community?

The Luxembourg Compromise allowed member states to veto decisions by majority vote if they felt their national interests were threatened. This gave member states significant power in shaping EU policies.

Why was the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) so significant in the development of the European Economic Community?

The CAP was significant because it established a single agricultural market that served 200 million consumers, laying the foundation for further economic integration and cooperation within the EEC.

What was the 'empty chair crisis' and how was it resolved?

The 'empty chair crisis' occurred when France, under President Charles de Gaulle, boycotted EU meetings to prevent reforms that would increase the power of EU institutions. It was resolved by the Luxembourg Compromise, which allowed member states to exercise veto power in certain decisions.

How did the 1979 direct elections to the European Parliament impact the EU's democratic character?

The 1979 elections marked the first time European citizens directly elected members of the European Parliament, enhancing the EU's democratic legitimacy. However, at the time, the Parliament did not yet have significant legislative powers.

What were the three main priorities outlined at the 1969 Hague Summit?

The three main priorities were: completing the Common Market and progressing toward Economic and Monetary Union, strengthening EU institutions and launching foreign policy cooperation, and enlarging the EU to include the UK, Ireland, and Denmark.

What were the key provisions of the Single European Act signed in 1986?

The Single European Act strengthened the European Parliament's legislative powers, expanded the Community’s responsibilities into areas such as social policy and the environment, and allowed for more decisions to be made by qualified majority rather than unanimity.

How did the collapse of the Soviet Union influence the EU's political and economic integration?

The collapse of the Soviet Union highlighted the need for the EU to become a stronger international actor, prompting the Maastricht Treaty of 1992, which established the EU and expanded its responsibilities beyond economic integration into foreign policy and defense.

What changes were brought by the Maastricht Treaty of 1992?

The Maastricht Treaty created the European Union, introduced Economic and Monetary Union, and established a three-pillar structure, including the European Community, Common Foreign and Security Policy, and Justice and Home Affairs.

How did the Lisbon Treaty of 2007 modify the structure of the European Union?

The Lisbon Treaty abolished the previous pillar structure, strengthened the European Parliament’s role in the legislative process, formalized the European Council's role, created the position of the permanent President of the European Council, and established the High Representative for Foreign Affairs.