Unit 3. The European integration process Flashcards
Background of the european integration process
- Germany divided intro 4 occupation zones.
- Allied Control Council based in Berlin.
- Collaboration for the political and economic reconstruction of Germany.
- The Cold War.
The establishment of two German republics
1949
May: Federal Republic of Germany.
Temporary status in anticipation of a German reunification.
October: German Democratic Republic
The division of Germany became a fact.
What ideas emerged after WWII?
Integrationist ideas.
Germany, Italy, France, Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg), United Kingdom.
Three separate projects in the European Integration
Economic -> Marshall Plan and the Organization for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC) -> to main motives for USA for promoting the integration -> allocation of marshall aid and fear of communism.
Military: Western Union- millitary alliances, NATO - USA as protector of European countries.
Political: Congress of the Hague, Council of Europe to promote democracy and protect human rights and the rule of law.
Different visions as an obstacle to decision making
Federalism
Intergovermentalism
Neo-functionalism
Federalism
Merger of states into the United States of Europe.
Intergovernmentalism
European confederation of sovereign states
Neo-functionalism
Integrating individual concrete sectors in the hope of achieving spill-over effects leading gradually to integration as a whole spill-over effect
The Schuman Declaration
9 May 1950
French foreing minister Robert Schuman pool together the coal and steel resources of France and Germany.
Founding step of a United Europe.
“World peace cannot be safeguarded without the making of creative efforts proportionate to the dangers which threaten it.”
“Europe will not be made all at once, or according to a single plan. It will be built through concrete achievements which first create a de facto solidarity.”
The fist treaties
- European Coal and Steel Community.
- European Defense Community.
- The Treaties of Rome - European Economic Community and European Atomic Energy Community.
The Treaty Establishing the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)
Signed in 1951, entered into force on July 23, 1952.
Countries: the Inner Six -> France, West Germany, Italy and Benelux.
Impulsado por Schuman y Monnet
Reasons:
*To prevent future conflicts between France and Germany by integrating their coal and steel industries, which were essential for war production
*To promote economic cooperation and ensure peace in post-World War II Europe.
Key points
*Created a common market for coal and steel among member states.
*Established supranational institutions (High Authority, Council of Ministers, Common Assembly, and Court of Justice) to oversee the community -> the current estructure of the EU.
*Aimed to eliminate tariffs and quotas on coal and steel trade.
Outcome:
Successfully integrated the coal and steel industries of member states.
Marked the first step toward European integration and inspired further treaties.
Paved the way for the creation of the European Economic Community (EEC).
The Treaty Establishing the European Defense Community (EDC)
Date: Signed on May 27, 1952, but never ratified.
Countries: Proposed by the same six ECSC members (France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg).
Reasons for the Treaty:
*To create a unified European defense force under a supranational authority, reducing reliance on the U.S. and NATO.
*To integrate West Germany into European defense structures while preventing its rearmament as an independent force.
Key points:
*Proposed a European army with a common budget, institutions, and command structure.
*Aimed a tregthen Westen Europe’s defense against the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
Outcome:
*The treaty was rejected by the French National Assembly in 1954, leading to its failure.
*West Germany was later integrated into NATO instead.
European Economic Community (EEC)
One of the treaty of Rome
Date: Established by the Treaty of Rome in 1957.
Countries: The same six ECSC members.
Reasons for the Treaty:
*To create a common market and foster economic cooperation.
*To improve living standards and promote economic growth.
Key points:
1. Established a customs unions with free movement of goods, services, capital and labor.
2. Introduced common policies in agriculture and transport.
3. Created institutions like the European Commission and the European Parliament.
Outcome:
*The EEC successfully integrated the economies of member states.
*It envolved into the EC and later the European Union.
European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom)
One of the treaty of Rome
Date: Established by the Treaty of Rome in 1957.
Countries: The same six ECSC members.
Reasons for the Treaty:
*To promote peaceful use of nuclear energy and ensure energy security.
*To coordinate research and development in nuclear technology.
Key Points:
*Focused on nuclear energy research, safety, and cooperation.
*Aimed to create a common market for nuclear materials and equipment.
Outcome:
*Euratom facilitated cooperation in nuclear energy but had less impact compared to the EEC.
*It remains a separate legal entity within the EU framework.
