Spain's Integration into the EU: Benefits and Challenges

Spain and the European Union

The EU is a community of 27 European states established on November 1, 1993, when the Treaty on European Union came into force.

Spain's Accession to the EU: Reasons for Inclusion

Spain signed the Treaty of Accession to the then European Community in 1985, and its entry became effective in 1986, following a previous application in 1962. The delay was due to political and economic reasons, as Spain's economic backwardness compared to other countries made its entry inadvisable.

With the death of Franco in 1975, the end of his regime, and the promulgation of the Constitution in 1978, Spain's inclusion in the construction of Europe could no longer be denied.

Furthermore, the incorporation of new member countries like Spain provided an important diversification of production and the consumer market, which was beneficial for the EC in its need to compete with the United States and Japan.

Initial Impact of EU Membership

Primary Sector

1. Very traditional agricultural structures, such as a high labor force in the sector, productivity below the average, outdated farming systems, and an inadequate ownership structure.
2. Problems of competition with other agricultural countries, such as France, Italy, or Greece, for similar agricultural products.
3. Significant imbalances in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), due to the need to raise funds for infrastructure improvements after the addition of Spain and Portugal, as well as increasing the already excessive agricultural surpluses in the EU countries, mainly dairy.
4. Regarding the fisheries sector, doubling the number of fishers and fish consumption in the EU necessitated a progressive decrease in the fleet. Agreements that Spain had with third countries, including Morocco, were then managed by the EU, which was negative but necessary.

Secondary Sector

The industrial sector was at a disadvantage in competing with other community partners due to low productivity, the small size of many companies, a lack of skilled workers, excess manpower, and high external dependence.

The consequences were:

1. Economics: Industrial restructuring was necessary to avoid foreign competition.
2. Social: Job losses, particularly in the textile and steel industries.

Tertiary Sector

1. Increased market share of international trade.
2. Merger of national banking entities to compete with major European banks.
3. Improved transport infrastructure through EU funds.
4. Modification of the quality of tourism services, which has ultimately contributed to its economic value and its importance in the national economy.

Current Situation of Spain in the EU

Although Spain is still considered a peripheral country in the EU:

• Opening of the overall Spanish economy.
• Significant modernization in all productive sectors, and a significant increase in quality, productivity, competitiveness, and environmental care.
• Spain has benefited from substantial financial aid from the community.
• Spain's geographical location favors an important geostrategic role, mediating between the EU and Latin American countries.