Evolution of the European Union

1. Summary

• Examining the complex history of the European Union, this report reveals how it evolved from a cooperative union of six states to the intricate political and economic body it is today, consisting of 27 member states. It delves into the seminal Treaty of Maastricht, signed in 1992, which laid the groundwork for greater European integration, notably introducing the euro currency that unified the monetary systems of 19 EU nations. Tracing its roots back to the Treaties of Rome in 1957, the EU's growth story includes key milestones like the establishment of the European Economic Community, a shift toward more expansive, inclusive membership, and transformations through treaties such as Amsterdam, Nice, and Lisbon, which reshaped its structural apparatus. Highlights of the report encompass the EU's first enlargement in 1973—adding Denmark, Ireland, and the UK—and subsequent expansions that invited Greece, Spain, and Portugal, among others, into its fold. The institution of the European Parliament and the merging of various communities into the European Community further signify the EU’s commitment to fostering strong democratic principles and enhancing collaborative governance.

2. Foundational Treaties and Establishment of the EU

• 2-1. Treaty of Maastricht and the Creation of the EU

• The Treaty of Maastricht, signed in 1992, was pivotal in laying the groundwork for further cooperation among European nations in various key areas, including foreign and defense policy, as well as judicial and internal affairs. This treaty officially established the European Union (EU), which coexisted with the European Community (EC) at that time. A significant outcome of the treaty was the introduction of an economic and monetary union that led to the launch of the euro currency in world markets on January 1, 1999. Subsequently, 12 member states adopted euro banknotes and coins in 2002. Over the years, the Maastricht Treaty has undergone amendments through the Amsterdam Treaty (1997), Nice Treaty (2001), and Lisbon Treaty (2007), which have reshaped the structure of the EU and adapted it to an expanding membership and diverse requirements.

• 2-2. Treaties of Rome and Establishment of the Common Market

• The Treaties of Rome, enacted in 1957, were foundational in establishing the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom). These treaties eliminated trade barriers among the original six member states, thus creating a common market aimed at fostering economic integration. The successful collaboration under these treaties laid the groundwork for deeper economic ties and ultimately led to the merging of the institutions of the ECSC, EEC, and Euratom into the European Community (EC) in 1967. Direct elections for the European Parliament began in 1979, further strengthening the democratic framework of the EU. The Treaty of Maastricht later built upon the successes of the Treaties of Rome by significantly broadening the scope of integration within the EU.

3. Expansion of Membership in the EU

• 3-1. First Enlargement: Denmark, Ireland, and the UK

• The first enlargement of the European Community (EC) occurred in 1973 when Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom joined as member states. This marked a significant milestone in the integration strategy, expanding the EC beyond its initial six members: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. The inclusion of these three countries aimed to foster economic cooperation and a common market among a broader array of European nations.

• 3-2. Subsequent Enlargements: Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Beyond

• Following the first enlargement, the EC continued to grow throughout the 1980s. Greece joined in 1981, followed by Spain and Portugal in 1986. These additions were part of a broader vision for an 'ever closer union' among European states, aimed at promoting economic integration and stability in the region. By the early 1990s, the Treaty of Maastricht laid the groundwork for the establishment of the European Union (EU) and further expansions, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of European political and economic collaboration.

4. Key Institutional Developments

• 4-1. Creation of the European Parliament

• The European Parliament was established as part of the integration efforts of member states. Initially, members of the European Parliament were selected by national parliaments. However, starting in 1979, direct elections were implemented, allowing citizens to elect their representatives every five years. This democratic process reflects the evolution of the EU's governance and aims to enhance citizen involvement in the legislative processes of the Union.

• 4-2. Merging of Communities into the European Community

• In 1967, the institutions of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), the European Economic Community (EEC), and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) were formally merged into the European Community (EC). This merger created a unified structure consisting of a single Commission, a single Council of Ministers, and the legislative body known today as the European Parliament. The merging of these communities under the EC officially emphasized a step toward deeper integration among member states, enhancing political and economic collaboration.

5. Amendments and Treaties Post-Maastricht

• 5-1. Treaty of Amsterdam: Reforms and Changes

• The Treaty of Amsterdam, signed in 1997, introduced significant reforms to the European Union's structure. It aimed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of EU decision-making. The treaty also expanded the powers of the European Parliament, thereby increasing its role in legislation and budgetary matters. Additionally, it laid the groundwork for further enlargement of the EU, making provisions for the accession of new member states and enhancing the Union's internal policies.

• 5-2. Treaty of Nice: Streamlining EU Institutions

• Signed in 2001, the Treaty of Nice was pivotal in streamlining the institutions of the European Union in preparation for the eastward expansion. It reformed the composition of the European Commission and the voting procedures in the Council, aiming to maintain the efficiency of EU operations with an increasing number of member states. The Nice Treaty emphasized the need for reforms to accommodate the growth of the union, thereby facilitating smoother governance.

• 5-3. Treaty of Lisbon: Legal Entity and Institutional Reforms

• The Treaty of Lisbon, which took effect in 2009, marked a significant milestone as it transformed the European Union into a single legal entity. It abolished the pillar structure established by the Maastricht Treaty and implemented institutional reforms to enhance the EU’s decision-making processes. The Lisbon Treaty strengthened the power of both the European Parliament and national parliaments, enhanced the role of the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, and introduced the citizens' initiative, allowing EU citizens to propose legislation directly. These reforms were aimed at improving democratic accountability and the overall efficiency of the Union in an ever-evolving global landscape.

Conclusion

• The report presents a detailed narrative of the major treaties and expansions that have deeply influenced the European Union’s development over the past decades. Specifically, the Treaty of Maastricht signifies a profound shift, setting the EU on its current path of economic unity with the introduction of the euro, a symbol of growing European solidarity and integration. Despite these accomplishments, challenges remain in achieving seamless governance and complete integration among its 27 member states. Recognizing the limits imposed by varied national interests, the EU continues to strive for improved frameworks, as exemplified by the reforms under the Treaties of Amsterdam, Nice, and Lisbon. These treaties have endeavored to streamline EU institutions, enhance democratic accountability, and adapt to global dynamics. Future outlook sees the EU facing the task of further fortifying its internal structure and cohesiveness while dealing with external pressures. There is room for deeper political unity, which will likely necessitate ongoing legal and structural adaptations. Practically, stakeholders in member countries can leverage these insights to strengthen regional cooperation and align with the EU’s expansive regulatory and economic strategies.

Glossary

• European Union [Political entity]: The European Union is a political and economic union of member states located primarily in Europe. Established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, it aims to ensure political stability, economic cooperation, and the promotion of democratic values among its members. The EU has expanded significantly since its inception, influencing trade, security, and legal frameworks across the continent.

• Treaty of Maastricht [Legal agreement]: The Treaty of Maastricht is a foundational treaty for the European Union, signed in 1992, which established the EU and set the groundwork for further integration in economic and political areas, including the introduction of the euro. It marked a significant step in the process of European integration, replacing the European Communities with a new legal entity.

• Euro [Currency]: The euro is the official currency of the Eurozone, used by 19 of the 27 EU member states. Launched in 1999, it represents a significant achievement in European integration, facilitating trade and economic stability among member countries while promoting a unified European identity.

Source Documents

• European Union - The World Factbookhttps://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/european-union/
• History of the European Union - Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_European_Union
• Background - The World Factbookhttps://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/background