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.
• 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 ( european ecomomic community)

  • 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.
• 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.
  • Irish people benefited from EU laws on equal pay, human rights, workers’ rights, and consumer safety.
• 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.
• • Single European Act (1986): Created the Single Market, removing barriers to movement of people, goods, money, and services.
• 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.