The Making of Europe: From Post-War Recovery to Modern Union

MAKING OF EUROPE

1. Why Unite Europe?

• Post-War Devastation: World War II left Europe in ruins, with Germany divided, France in its Fourth Republic, and the Italian monarchy overthrown. Unification offered a path to recovery and stability.
• Economic Reconstruction: The creation of a common market aimed to boost trade and economic growth for war-torn nations.
• Preventing Future Conflicts: The trauma of war fostered a desire for lasting peace. Negotiation and cooperation became paramount, particularly between France and Germany.
• Franco-German Cooperation: The post-war period witnessed unprecedented cooperation between France and Germany, laying the foundation for European integration.
• Challenges of Integration: Integrating West Germany posed economic concerns for France, while West Germany sought to escape political isolation.

2. From The Hague to Rome

• Early Steps (1948-1951): Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg formed a customs union, eliminating tariffs. The Hague Congress explored the idea of a federal Europe, championed by Winston Churchill. The Council of Europe, established in 1949, served as a symbolic step towards unity.
• Schuman Declaration (1951): French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), aiming to integrate French and German coal and steel production under a common management. This marked a pivotal step towards economic and political integration.
• Setbacks and Progress (1952-1957): Attempts to establish a European Defence Community failed in 1954 due to French opposition to German rearmament. However, economic progress continued, culminating in the 1957 Treaty of Rome.
• Treaty of Rome (1957): This landmark treaty established the European Economic Community (EEC), aiming for economic and political unity through a common market and shared policies. France sought new markets, while Germany aimed for economic integration and escape from isolation.
• Institutions: The treaty established key institutions: the Council of Ministers (decision-making body), the Commission (executive branch), the Parliament (initially advisory), and the Court of Justice (legal interpretation).
• British Absence: Great Britain initially remained outside the EEC due to its close ties with the United States, national pride, a history of not being invaded, and concerns about losing sovereignty.

3. From Rome to Lisbon

• Initial Assessment: The EEC led to economic growth and reduced tariffs. Great Britain eventually joined. However, challenges remained, including agricultural spending, bureaucracy, and French nationalism under Charles de Gaulle.
• Milestones: The EU underwent significant expansions and reforms. Key milestones include the 1975 European Regional Development Fund, the 1987 Single European Act (revising the Treaty of Rome), the 1993 establishment of the European Union (EU) and the single market, and the 1985 Schengen Agreement (abolishing border controls).
• Treaty of Maastricht (1992): This crucial treaty, made possible by the collapse of the Soviet Union and improved East-West relations, paved the way for the euro and greater political union. It faced Euroscepticism, particularly in the UK and Denmark.
• Key Changes: The Maastricht Treaty transformed the European Community into the European Union, established a central bank and common currency, strengthened the Parliament's powers, and introduced the European passport.
• Compromises: The path to unification involved compromises. France accepted a single currency, Germany agreed to European Central Bank principles, Great Britain sought a free market with limited sovereignty, and Southern states received cohesion funds.
• Treaty of Lisbon (2009): This treaty introduced further reforms, including a permanent President of the European Council, a High Representative for Foreign Affairs, and increased powers for the European Parliament.

4. Problems, Successes, and Challenges

• Eurocrisis: The EU faced a major crisis starting in 2009, highlighting challenges related to financial markets, government debt, and economic policies.
• Other Challenges: The EU grapples with issues like agricultural subsidies, bureaucracy, a perceived democratic deficit, the rise of Euroscepticism and nationalism, and the refugee crisis.
• Successes: Despite challenges, the EU has achieved significant successes, including promoting peace, fostering economic growth, reducing poverty, strengthening international relations, and upholding democratic values.