History and Institutional Evolution of the European Union

Origins of the European Union

World War I was a real shock, but World War II was worsened by the atomic bomb in 1945. After World War II, the great powers were the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Europe failed to control the international system and found itself in a weak position.

The Hague Conference and the Call for Federation

In May 1948, a conference was held in The Hague (Netherlands). People from across Europe attended, and Winston Churchill urged Europeans to create a Federation.

The Schuman Declaration and the ECSC

On May 9, 1950 (now celebrated as Europe Day), Robert Schuman proposed that the German government officially share coal and steel production under a common authority. The 1st European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was created in 1951 to avoid war. France and Germany began to share sovereignty. This body regulated coal and steel production by country, governed by a supranational body. The proposal included:

• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Netherlands
• Belgium
• Luxembourg

The first European Community emerged in 1951 and created different institutions.

Key Institutions of the European Community

The European Commission

The countries of the region have to forget about national identity and think from a European perspective. The Commission ensures that signed treaties are met and has the power to impose sanctions of any kind. It consists of a group of people, at least one from each country, who only pursue the interest of the community. They have a monopoly of political initiative; almost all European laws start from a proposal from the Commission.

The Council of Ministers

This institution is formed by the Ministers of the respective countries in a corresponding matter. Its objective is to defend the objectives of all countries. They must reach an agreement, as the European interest is linked to individual countries.

The European Parliament

Originally, it was a parliamentary assembly with advisory functions. Its first phase lasted from 1951 to 1979. In 1979, democratic elections took place, making it the only European institution elected by citizens, providing it with democratic legitimacy. The first term was from 1979 to 1984. It approved a first draft European Constitution in 1984. This action was highly controversial because it affected the political debates of the States regarding European integration, but it is a legacy that has remained. Its powers have increased to the extent that European policy co-operates: both the Council of Ministers and the Parliament must agree.

Court of Justice of the European Communities

This institution is most like the courts of justice within a state. It only has jurisdiction over Community law, European laws, and regulations.