EU/BRUSSELS SERIES: An introduction to the European Union

During an international communication course I attended this summer in Paris, France, I spent a week in Belgium becoming acquainted with the European Union, its arms and its mission. As many Americans are unfamiliar with the EU, I will dedicate my first series on this Web site to exploring the group that has kept peace among its member nations for the past 60 years.

The European Union is a unique organization comprised of 27 democratic European nations joined together to create a partnership based on economic and political ties. Its goal, according to Europa, is to bring “peace, prosperity and freedom for its 495 million citizens- in a fairer, safer world.” Of course, in Europe, the EU is a name thrown around in daily conversation and seen in newspaper headlines often. Its presence is known quite well. But in the United States, we hear little about this impressive grouping gaining strength and recognition throughout the world.

So far, the EU has created freedom to travel within member countries, a unified and strong currency, safer food, higher living standards, environmental protections, combined forces on crime, and study abroad opportunities not easily obtainable before the birth of the EU in 1993, according to Europa.

The composition of the European Union is an old idea dating back to the 20^th century, designed to bring together the nations in Europe to fend off wars tearing the continent apart. The plan was set into motion after World War II when the destruction of Europe motivated the European people to join forces to create a stronger, safer environment than the one they had.

According to Andrew E. Hillman, policy adviser to a member of the European Parliament, the first goal of what came to be the EU was to create a political union to make war impossible in Europe. This concept was accepted by the public, but the first option to make this happen, the idea of a collective army, did not win the hearts of the public. The second option was an economic union.

In 1957, the European Economic Community, also known as the European Community, was introduced, Hillman said. It was based on four freedoms: the freedom of movement for goods, persons (workers), services and capital. This, Hillman said, “worked beautifully.”

The next goal was to create an even stronger union, one that moved the EEC toward becoming the EU. Between the years of 1957-2007 there were seven major treaties, each “enlarging the competencies of the union,” he said. The number of members continued to grow and new political goals were created.

The first six members were: France, Italy, Luxemburg, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. Then in 1973, three more joined: the United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark. Greece was added in 1981 and in 1986 Spain and Portugal joined the EC. From 1995-2007 the following countries were added: Austria, Sweden, Finland, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungry, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bulgaria and Romania.

Turkey has been a candidate for membership for 30 years, and according to Hillman, is still awaiting a place in the union. Croatia is “well on its way” to becoming a member, he said, as well as Macedonia.

In 1993, the EU was officially born from the Treaty of Maastricht signed in 1992. “Symbolically, Maastricht is also the treaty introducing the idea of a European citizenship granting rights,” Hillman said.

With the treaty, the idea of foreign policy returned as all internal borders were removed. This meant open borders, free movement between member countries and no passport checks. The treaty also introduced a common form of money- the euro.

“The euro was a big, big step presented as something that would really bring the Europeans together and make them realize that they needed more political government,” Hillman said.

The move to the euro worked, but it took a lot of faith, he said. Making this move meant more than just changing the look of a country’s currency. Money represented the heritage, history and culture of a nation. But it worked.

The treaty also introduced a new concept; one of an overlying power on top of a country’s governing bodies. Member countries must meet certain criteria to become a member of the EU and according to Hillman, joining the EU is a long process.

The main aim of the EU is democracy.

“Taking a step away from democracy comes with severe consequences,” he said. “No one who has joined the EU has gone against being democratic.”

RELATED READINGS:

"Understanding the European Union: A Concise Introduction" by John McCormick
"The European Union: Politics and Policies" by John McCormick
"The European Union: Readings of the Theory and Practice of European Integration" by Brent F. and Alexander Stubb Nelsen