THE EU

• Reasons for European Integration

  • After World War II, Western European leaders wanted to prevent future wars and the rise of extremism. They aimed for cooperation and unity to ensure peace and rebuild Europe’s economy.
  • The leaders believed that only a united Europe could compete with the two Cold War superpowers and resist the spread of communism.
  • Increased trade and cooperation among states would boost their economies.
  • The US supported a strong, united Europe as an ally against communism.
• Europe’s Post-War Leaders

  • Konrad Adenauer: Chancellor and Minister for Foreign Affairs of West Germany.
  • Robert Schuman: Minister for Foreign Affairs of France.
  • Alcide De Gasperi: Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Italy.
• First Steps Towards European Integration

  The Benelux Agreement

  • In 1947, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands abolished customs duties on imports and exports, forming the Benelux Union. This tripled trade among the three nations.

  The Organisation of European Economic Cooperation (OEEC)

  Established in 1948 to administer Marshall Plan funds to Europe, generating economic growth and raising living standards.
• The Council of Europe

  • Formed in 1949 by ten states to promote common ideals and further European unity. It passed the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and established the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).

  The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)

  • Formed in 1949 as a military alliance against the Soviet Union, including the US, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, the UK, Iceland, Canada, Portugal, Italy, Norway, and Denmark.
• The European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)

  • The ECSC, established by the Schuman Plan and the Treaty of Paris (1951), combined the coal and steel industries of France and Germany under a single authority. This included West Germany, France, Italy, and the Benelux countries. It marked the first transfer of sovereignty to an outside body and doubled industrial production.

  The European Economic Community (EEC)

  • The Treaty of Rome (1957) created the EEC to promote economic activity and trade, raise living standards, and foster closer unity among European peoples.
• Structure of the EEC

  • The Commission: Manages day-to-day operations and implements treaties.
  • The Council of Ministers: National ministers discuss and decide on common issues.
  • The European Parliament: Represents the people of Europe, with members elected since 1979.
  • The Court of Justice: Rules on treaty interpretations and disputes.
• Main Policies of the EEC

  • Common Market: Eliminated tariffs and customs duties among members, with common external tariffs.
  • Freedom of Movement: No restrictions on the movement of money, people, goods, and services.
  • Common Agricultural Policy (CAP): Guaranteed prices to farmers and set high production and quality standards.
  • Investment Fund: Improved less-developed areas using funds from more prosperous states.
• Development of European Unity After 1958

  Enlargement

  • Phase 1 (1973): Britain, Ireland, and Denmark joined the EEC.
  • Phase 2 (1981, 1986): Greece, Portugal, and Spain joined after transitioning to democracies.
  • Phase 3 (1995): Austria, Sweden, and Finland joined after the fall of communism.
  • Phase 4 (2004-2013): Eastern European countries, including Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and others, joined after receiving economic support and promises of membership.
• From Community to Union

  • Single European Act (1986): Created the Single Market, removing barriers to movement of people, goods, money, and services.
  • Maastricht Treaty (1992): Established the European Union (EU), set rules for a single currency (the euro), and enhanced the European Parliament’s power.
  • Treaty of Amsterdam (1997) and Treaty of Nice (2001): Reformed EU institutions for new members.
• Successes of the EU

  • Maintained peace in Europe.
  • Increased prosperity and global leadership in education, healthcare, and welfare.
  • Grew from 6 to 28 members (now 27 after Brexit).
  • Became the world’s largest trading bloc.
  • Invested over €1 trillion to improve economic conditions in poorer areas.
  • Improved worker protections through European laws.
• Problems of the EU

  • Perceived lack of democracy in EU institutions.
  • Concerns about loss of national identities.
  • Failure to develop a common foreign policy.
  • Some states feel forced to comply with unwanted regulations.
  • Economic disparities between richest and poorest states.
• Ireland and European Integration

  Joining Europe

  • Seán Lemass shifted Ireland’s economic policy to favor exports and trade. Ireland joined the OEEC in 1948 and the Council of Europe in 1949.
  • Ireland applied to join the EEC alongside Britain and Denmark in 1961 and 1967. They joined the EC in 1973.
• Impact on Ireland

  • Irish trade with Europe increased 150 times since 1973.
  • Irish citizens gained the right to move, work, and live in other member states.
  • Ireland received over €74.3 billion from the EU between 1973 and 2015, and Irish farmers received €54 billion from the CAP.
  • The EU supported peace efforts in Northern Ireland.
• Impact on Ireland

  • Irish people benefited from EU laws on equal pay, human rights, workers’ rights, and consumer safety.
  • Ireland rejected the Treaty of Nice (2001) and Lisbon Treaty (2008) in referendums, later passing them with changes.
  • Ireland resisted a common European defense policy and a common tax rate for businesses.