History of the European Union: Formation and Key Treaties

History of the European Union

Post-War Cooperation and Early Treaties

In December 1947, during the Cold War, initial steps toward European integration were taken. A series of partnerships culminated in the Congress of Europe in May 1948, which advocated for political and economic union, a consultative assembly, and a European court of human rights. In January 1949, the United Kingdom, France, and the Benelux countries formed a union, establishing the Council of Europe.

On October 23, 1957, the Western European Union was created in Paris by the Benelux countries, France, Italy, and West Germany. Its goal was to coordinate economic, cultural, and military policy.

Forms of Economic Integration

• Free Trade Area: Complete elimination of tariff and non-tariff barriers between participating countries, while maintaining independent trade policies with third parties.
• Customs Union: Participants adopt a common external tariff against non-member countries.
• Common Market: Free movement of goods, labor, capital, and enterprise among member countries.
• Union: Coordination and unification of national economies, establishment of a parliament, and a common foreign policy and defense strategy.

Key Treaties in the Construction of Europe

• Treaty of Rome (1957): Established the European Economic Community (EEC) with common policies on trade, agriculture, transport, taxation, and social security, along with structural funds. It also established the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom).
• Single European Act (1986): Proposed the establishment of the European Council and strengthened the Parliament. It also aimed to create a true common market, integrate social rights policies, and provide structural fund support.
• Treaty of Maastricht (1992): Established common foreign and security policies, as well as justice and home affairs policies. It also created the European Central Bank and paved the way for a single currency. The EEC became the European Community (EC).
• Treaty of Amsterdam (1997): Finalized criteria for adopting the euro.
• Treaty of Nice (2001): Reformed institutions like the Parliament, European Council, and European Commission.

Cohesion Instruments

• ERDF (European Regional Development Fund): Corrects regional imbalances within the Community.
• ESF (European Social Fund): Promotes employment, training, and assists with job creation and start-ups, particularly for workers under 25.
• EAGGF (European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund): Supports agricultural development and secure production.
• FIFG (Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance): Provides financial resources for fisheries and aquaculture.
• Cohesion Fund: Contributes to economic and social cohesion through environmental projects and trans-European networks, primarily benefiting countries with a GNP per capita less than 90% of the EU average.
• EIB (European Investment Bank): Supports disadvantaged regions and SMEs within and beyond the EU.