EEC Agricultural Policy Overview

Harold Wilson's government officially announced its intention to join the EEC, but only if it protected key British and Commonwealth interests.

Wilson's primary motivation was the potential for economic growth through access to the common market, which he believed would revive the British economy.

Wilson saw EEC membership as a way to counter the dominance of the United States in technology and create a European power bloc.

The French government, under De Gaulle, vetoed Britain's application for EEC membership in 1967, citing concerns about the UK's close ties to the United States and potential disruption of the EEC's internal markets.

Following the veto, France proposed alternative forms of association for Britain to consider, such as a free trade agreement, rather than full membership.

A period in French history marked by President Charles de Gaulle's leadership, characterized by a strong emphasis on French sovereignty and a cautious approach to European integration.

A French political concept that emphasizes French national identity and independence, often seen as a contrasting approach to a closer, more integrated Europe.

A significant event where France and other European countries agreed to revitalize and deepen European integration after a period marked by stagnation under De Gaulle's leadership.

The process of expanding the European Economic Community (EEC) by including new member states, such as the United Kingdom.

The process of deepening the existing institutions and policies of the EEC, such as creating a common currency or further integrating economic markets.

The process of completing the European Common Market, particularly in areas like agriculture, to create a more unified economic system.

The idea that the UK's membership in the EEC was crucial for the revitalization of European integration, creating a new momentum for further progress.

A key factor in Pompidou's support for UK membership, highlighting the need for the EEC to evolve and progress, not remain static.

The French government insisted on the Council, an intergovernmental body, leading negotiations for Britain's entry into the EEC. This gave France significant control over the process, particularly since President Pompidou saw himself as the leader of the negotiations with the UK.

Pompidou believed France should guide Britain's EEC entry, and the Commission's role was limited to supporting the French government. The Commission acted as a technical advisor rather than an independent negotiator.

The transition period for Britain's adjustment to EEC membership was a key point of contention, with France favoring a short period while London pushed for a longer one. Ultimately, the final agreement reflected a more realistic approach based on the need for smooth integration.

Solidarity in financing the agricultural market was one of the key principles guiding France's approach to Britain's EEC entry. The principle meant ensuring a unified approach to agricultural subsidies and policies for all member states.

Heath, the British Prime Minister, prioritized the idea of obtaining a longer transition period. He negotiated one-on-one with Pompidou in Paris, aiming for a favorable outcome.

The "acquis communautaire" refers to the body of laws, regulations, and principles that form the foundation of the European Union. It represents the accumulated legal framework that all member states must adhere to, including existing policies and agreements.

The 'acquis communautaire' serves as a barrier to entry for new EU members. This is because potential members must accept all the laws and principles of the EU, not just some. This ensures consistency across the union.

The principle of common agricultural policy was a major hurdle for the UK in its early negotiations to join the EEC. The UK imported many agricultural products, and the common agricultural policy meant facing tariffs on these imports from outside the EEC. This would have been a financial burden for the UK, which had a less developed agricultural system.

The Hague Conference, which took place in 1969, served as a catalyst for opening negotiations for British entry into the EEC. It sparked discussions about the potential membership of the UK and set the stage for formal negotiations between the UK and the EEC.

Margaret Thatcher's view on the EEC was characterized by a desire for greater economic benefits from membership. She believed that the UK should prioritize maximizing its financial gains while contributing less to the EEC's budget. This perspective contrasted with those who advocated for a more active and integrated role within the European community.

The Spanish government's ability to successfully transition from Francoism to a democratic system in 1978 was crucial for obtaining full membership to the European Economic Community (EEC). This move was seen as a symbolic break from the Francoist regime and a step toward integrating Spain into the European community.

The Law for Political Reform, passed in 1976, was a landmark piece of legislation in Spain's transition to democracy. It represented a critical step in dismantling Francoism and establishing a new political system. It was a crucial step in Spain's transformation, paving the way for democratic elections and a representative government.

Juan Carlos I, the King of Spain during the transition, played a crucial role in dismantling Francoism and establishing a democratic system. He demonstrated dedication to democratic principles and was instrumental in the process of political reform.

Suarez, the Prime Minister during the transition, was a figure who skillfully navigated the complex political landscape during Spain's transition. He successfully persuaded members of the Francoist Cortes to dismantle the old regime, paving the way for democratic institutions.

Entering the European Economic Community (EEC) was not just about economic integration but was also a crucial step for Spain to obtain international legitimacy and demonstrate its commitment to democracy. It signaled Spain's break from the Francoist past and its full embrace of European values.

The last attempt of the Colonels regime in Greece was to intervene in the Cyprus conflict, which triggered a Turkish response and resulted in the island's partition. This ongoing issue continues to impact Turkey's potential membership in the European Union, as the EU recognizes the Republic of Cyprus but not the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

After the collapse of the Colonels' regime, Konstantinos Karamanlis, a former Prime Minister, returned to Greece and initiated the process of establishing a constitutional democracy, based on the rule of law.

General Francisco Franco, the dictator of Spain, prepared his exit strategy in 1969. Upon his death in 1975, King Juan Carlos ascended to the throne and swiftly initiated the transformation of Spain into a constitutional monarchy.

The end of the dictatorships in Portugal, Greece, and Spain created an opportunity for these countries to apply for full membership in the European Economic Community (EEC) and simultaneously progress towards becoming fully democratic systems.

Before their applications for EEC membership, Portugal, Greece, and Spain had different relationships with NATO and Europe. Portugal was a founding member of NATO, Greece joined in 1952, and Spain was not a member but had a close relationship with the West.

Greece's association agreement with Europe in 1961 was frozen after the Colonels' regime took power, highlighting the fact that a lack of democracy barred countries from joining the EEC.

Spain, despite presenting an application for association in 1962, faced continuous delays from EEC countries and the European Commission. The Franco dictatorship was deemed undemocratic, therefore preventing Spain's full integration.

After the end of the Colonels' regime, Greece was the first to submit an application for EEC membership, demonstrating its commitment to joining the European community. The specific details of the request remain unspecified.