The Formation and Evolution of the European Union: A Historical Overview, Sintesi del corso di Storia Inglese

Scarica The Formation and Evolution of the European Union: A Historical Overview e più Sintesi del corso in PDF di Storia Inglese solo su Docsity! The European Union The ideal of a united Europe, strong in economic and political institutions, became increasingly attractive to European statesmen after the Second World War. The foundations for a more integrated Europe were established in 1957 when six countries (West Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg and Italy) signed the 7reaty of Rome and formed the European Economic Community (EEC). Britain distanced itself from closer European connections inthe 1950s and saw its future in the trading patterns of the Commonwealth and an assumed special relationship with the USA. It regarded itself as a commercial power and did not wish to be restricted by European relationships. However, in 1960s Britain wants to join the EEC were vetoed by the French President, Charles de Gaulle. He was critical of Britain's relationship with the USA - particularly on nuclear weapons policies - and he didn't want Britain as a potential rival to the leadership ofthe EEC. De Gaulle resigned from French presidency in 1969, and new British negotiations on membership began in 1970 under the pro-European Conservative Prime Minister, Edward Heath. In 1972, Parliament voted in favour of entry, so Britain with Denmark and the Irish Republic, formally joined the EE on 1 January 1973. But a new Labour government in 1974 was committed to giving the British people a referendum on continued membership. The referendum was held in 1975, the first in British political history. The pro-marketeers (a person employed in marketing) won. The EEC was based initially on economic concerns and instituted harmonization programmes, such as a common agricultural and fisheries policies, abolition of trade tariffs between member states and development aid to depressed areas within its borders. In 1986 was created the Single European Market, in which goods, services, people and capital could move freely across national frontiers. Some politicians had always hoped that increased economic integration would lead to political initiatives and a more integrated Europe. The Maastricht Treaty ratified in 1992, was a step in this process as a result of which the European Communitybecame the European Union. The Treaty provided for the introduction of a common European currency (Euro), a European Bank and a common defence, foreign and social policies. The institutions involved in the running of the EU are: * European Council: consists of government leaders who meet several times a year to discuss and agree on broad areas of policy. * Council of Ministers: is the principal policy-implementing body and is normally composed of Foreign Ministers from the member-states. * European Commission: is the central administrative force of the EU, proposing programmes and policy to the Council of Ministers. * European Parliament: in which Britain has 87 seats, is directly elected for a five-year term on