What is the EU?
The European Union, the EU, is the result of the association of twenty-seven European governments who decided to pool part of their budget in order to define common rules and make investments in common for all member countries, in various policy fields such as economy, environment, security, transport, social affairs, etc. This union was initiated immediately after the Second World War, with the primary objective of ensuring peace.
The EU is not a republic, a monarchy or a federation, it is a unique system “sui generis” (of its kind), but based, as in all countries, on treaties, composed of institutions that guarantee its functioning and of representatives elected by the citizens.
History of the European Union
The construction of the Union
The idea of building a union between European countries was proposed by various personalities during the 20th century. In 1849, Victor Hugo spoke of the need to build a ‘United States of Europe’, and in 1931, Aristide Briand, then President of the Council and Foreign Minister, presented a French proposal to the League of Nations (the forerunner of the United Nations) for the ‘organisation of a system of European federal union’ to avoid another war between France and Germany. Unfortunately, the Second World War broke out in 1939 and by 1945 the entire continent was devastated and had to be rebuilt, economically, socially and politically. The possibility of a union of countries to ensure peace became possible.
On 9 May 1950, Robert Schuman, the French Minister for Foreign Affairs, with the favourable opinion of the German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, proposed the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) to pool the production and distribution of coal and steel within the member countries, to create a single market without customs duties between countries, to guarantee all members equal access to these resources and to improve the social conditions of workers.
In 1951, the treaty creating the ECSC was signed by six countries: the Federal Republic of Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. The treaty entered into force with a duration of 50 years. The single market for coal and steel was set in motion in 1953.
Institutions are set up to operate the ECSC, which is the root of today’s European Union system
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The High Authority, consisting of senior officials from each country appointed for 6 years, implements the treaty and makes decisions. The first president of the High Authority was former French minister Jean Monnet.
It is the precursor institution of the European Commission, however the High Authority had the power to promulgate legal acts, which is no longer the case as the EU Parliament and Council have this role today.
The different legal acts:
- Decisions are binding for all purposes. These acts still exist, but European regulations are more widely used.
- Recommendations are mandatory in their objectives, but each state is free to implement them. Today, it is mainly European directives that are adopted.
- Opinions do not contain binding elements. They still exist, as do recommendations
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The advisory committee, made up of representatives of civil society – producers, workers, consumers and traders – gives an opinion on all the High Authority’s proposals.
It is the forerunner of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).
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The Assembly, based in Strasbourg, consisted of 78 Members of Parliament (MEPs) appointed by the national parliaments of the member countries. MEPs advise and control the High Authority, which can be overturned by a vote of the Assembly.
It is the forerunner of today’s European Parliament. -
The Special Council of Ministers, made up of the ministers of the various countries, represents the interests of the member states to the High Authority. The Presidency of the Council rotates (every 3 months).
It is the forerunner of the Council of the European Union. -
The Court of Justice consists of seven judges and two advocates-general appointed by the ECSC states. Its role is to ensure compliance with the treaties and the application and interpretation of ECSC laws.
It is the forerunner of the European Court of Justice.
After the creation of these foundations, the construction of Europe continued with the integration of new countries, but also with new European powers.
Important dates
Treaty of Rome
→ Creation of the European Energy Community EURATOM with objectives similar to the ECSC on civil nuclear energy, and the European Economic Community EEC which provides for the creation of a single market for a transitional period of 12 years
→ The European Assembly becomes the “European Parliament”.
→ The High Authority is replaced by the “Commission”, which proposes measures and has supervisory powers.
→ The Council is maintained and now has decision-making powers.
Beginning of the Common Agricultural Policy – CAP
Creation of a fund dedicated to farmers
Signature of the Treaty merging the three communities ECSC, EURATOM and EEC
Creation of the Commission of the European Communities, the Council and a single budget.
“Crisis of the empty chair”
General de Gaulle shows his disagreement with the move to unanimous voting in the Council
Common tariffs
Abolition of all customs duties between member countries and creation of common tariffs at the external borders, this is the customs union
Enlargement
Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom.
European Councils
The representatives of the heads of state and government decide to meet three times a year; this is the beginning of the ‘European Councils’.
European Monetary System
Creation of the European Monetary System on a voluntary basis.
First elections
First elections of members of parliament by direct universal suffrage.
Enlargement
Greece
Signature of the first Schengen Agreement by 5 states
Signature of the first Schengen Agreement by 5 states (France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands) creating a territory without internal borders. Today, 22 EU countries are members, plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. For citizens of the Schengen area and those of associated countries, there are no longer any controls at land, sea or air borders.
Enlargement
Spain and Portugal
Signature of the Single European Act
New competences for the EEC (monetary, social, economic, research, environment, foreign policy), goal of a single market in 1993, introduction of qualified majority voting in the EU Council.
Signature of the Maastricht Treaty
→ Creation of the European Union – EEC (now EC), ECSC and EURATOM become the 3 pillars of the EU
→ Creation of a single currency
→ The European Parliament becomes co-legislator with the Council and approves the composition of the European Commission.
Enlargement
Austria, Finland, Sweden
The euro becomes the official currency in 11 European countries
Finland, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, Portugal, Ireland
The Treaty of Nice is signed
changing the system for distributing seats in the institutions and the voting system to make decision-making fairer between large and small countries in view of the forthcoming enlargements.
Enlargement
Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Slovenia.
Proposal for a European Constitution
Rejected by referendum in France (54.67%) and the Netherlands (61.6%), the text is abandoned.
Enlargement
Bulgaria, Romania
Signature of the Lisbon Treaty
→ Adapting the functioning of the 28 institutions to ensure a balance between highly and sparsely populated countries
→ Creation of two permanent institutions: President of the European Council and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
→ The Charter of Fundamental Rights becomes binding
→ Creation of European Citizens’ Initiatives, allowing citizens to propose legislation
→ Clarification of exclusive (such as currency), shared (such as climate change) and supporting (such as tourism) competences of the European Union
→ Integration of the European Central Bank as a European institution
→ Creation of Article 50, which allows a country to leave the EU
Enlargement
Croatia
BREXIT
Referendum in the UK in favour of leaving the EU.
Adoption of the Next Generation EU
€800 billion for European recovery from the global health crisis.
The United Kingdom leaves the EU
on 1 January
Symbols
One motto
“United in diversity”
A common currency, the euro (since 1999)
19 EU countries use this currency.
One flag
Blue with twelve golden stars in a circle representing union
One official anthem
“Ode to Joy” by Ludwig van Beethoven
A ‘national’ day
9 May is Europe Day. It is the date of Robert Schumann’s declaration in 1950.