Initially it started as the European Economic Community (EEC) formed by six countries in the 1950s.
Now EU has grown in size by the inclusion of more member states.
EU - ITS BEGINNING
European Coal and Steel Community (1945–1957)
After World War II, moves to unite the Europeans resulted in the formation of European Coal and Steel Community with an aim to centralise the control of the Coal and Steel industries of its member states, which was declared to be "a first step in the federation of Europe". The founding members of the Community were Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany.
The Treaty Of Rome 1957
In 1957, the six countries signed the Treaty of Rome, which extended the earlier cooperation within the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and created the European Economic Community, (EEC) establishing a Customs Union and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for cooperation in developing Nuclear Energy. The treaty came into force in 1958.
On 1 July 1967 a single set of institutions for the Three communities, which were collectively referred to as the European Communities was formed.
In 1973 the Communities enlarged to include Denmark (including Greenland which later left the Community in 1985), Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Norway had negotiated to join at the same time but Norwegian voters rejected membership, and Norway remained outside. In 1979, the first direct, democratic elections to the European Parliament were held. Greece joined in 1981, and Spain and Portugal in1985,
The Schengen Agreement led the way towards the creation of open borders without passport controls between most member states and some non-member state. In 1986, the European flag began to be used by the Community and the Single European Act was signed.
In 1990, after the fall of the Iron Curtain, the former East Germany became part of the Community as part of a newly united Germany.
The Maastricht Treaty;
The EU has developed a single market through a standardised system of laws which apply to all member states.
The abolition of passport controls within the Schengen area. It ensures the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital.
It enacts legislation in justice and home affairs, and maintains common policies on trade, agriculture, fisheries and regional development.
Introduction of the Euro in 2002.
The European Union was formally established when the Maastricht Treaty came into force on 1 November 1993,and in 1995 Austria, Sweden, and Finland joined the newly established EU. In 2002, euro notes and coins replaced national currencies in 12 of the member states.
TO JOIN THE EU A COUNTRY MUST MEET THE COPENHAGEN CRITERIA.
These require a stable democracy that respects human rights and the rule of law;
A functioning market economy capable of competition within the EU;
And the acceptance of the obligations of membership, including EU law.
STRUCTURE OF THE EU
EU- PARLIAMENT,Strasbourg,FRANCE
EU MILITARY
- The European Union does not have one unified military.
- Twenty-one EU members are members of NATO while the remaining member states follow policies of neutrality.
- Together, the United Kingdom and France account for 45 % of Europe's defence budget, 50% of its military capacity and 70 % of all spending in military research and development.
The European Commissions Humanitarian Aid Office(ECHO)
Humanitarian aid is financed directly by the budget (70%) as part of the financial instruments for external action and also by the European Development Fund(30%)
ECONOMY-Monetary Union
The European Central Bank, Frankfurt
EURO- Its Implications
- Price stability and low interest rates
- Providing a currency used internationally
- Political symbol of integration and stimulus
- Since its launch the euro has become the Second Reserve Currency in the world with a quarter of foreign exchanges reserves being in euro.
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