Spain's Democratic Struggle and European Membership in 1962

The 19th Congress of the European Movement: Munich 1962

This document represents a conclusion or decision reached by the congress, outlining the characteristics required for membership in a supranational institution. It was drafted on June 8, 1962, in Munich by 118 Spanish participants.

Francoist Spain: A Contradictory Era

During this period, Spain remained under the Francoist regime. The entire nation was under Franco's authoritarian control. While the 1960s ushered in a period of economic, cultural, and educational development, alongside a greater openness of thought, the political system and the repressive nature of the dictatorship remained unchanged.

Economic Growth and European Alignment

Economically, Spain began to experience growth as a consequence of its relationships with other countries. Thanks to this economic expansion, Spain started to approach the economic level of other European states. Key drivers of this development included:

• State investment in public works
• An influx of foreign capital
• Remittances from emigrants

The Rise of Democratic Opposition

Concurrently, significant opposition movements began to emerge. As Spain sought membership in the European Economic Community (EEC), resistance against Franco's regime intensified. In 1962, a hundred opponents convened in Munich, where they drafted and signed a declaration condemning the Spanish state's lack of democracy. This pivotal event is often referred to as the Munich Declaration. Separately, in 1959, ETA was formed, later initiating a policy of armed actions.

EEC Membership Requirements and Spain's Deficiencies

An analysis of the document reveals a fundamental prerequisite for European Economic Community (EEC) membership: a democratic state. For Spain, this implied several key reforms:

1. Creating genuine democratic organizations.
2. Guaranteeing all citizens' rights.
3. Ensuring the basic rights of workers.
4. Upholding freedom of opinion.

The Legacy of the Munich Congress

Ultimately, the period saw the proliferation of clandestine opposition groups. The final years of Francoism were marked by escalating challenges. While Franco's inner circle sought to ensure the regime's survival post-dictator, the democratic opposition grew stronger, working tirelessly against the authoritarian system. Consequently, when Spain applied for EEC membership, its application was rejected based on the democratic principles outlined in this very document.