The History of the European Union

The European Union has a significant impact on our daily lives, allowing for free movement between countries and a unified economy, but this was not always the case.

The first step towards a united Europe was the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), which aimed to prevent war between European states by controlling the production of coal and steel, the essential materials for war.

In 1952, the ECSC was established, comprising six countries: Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, which formed a common authority, the "High Authority," and relinquished part of their sovereignty.

The second step towards a united Europe was the signing of the Rome Treaties in 1957, which established the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM), aiming to abolish tariffs between member states and promote free movement of goods, services, and people.

The EEC allowed for the free movement of goods, services, and people between member states, and the EURATOM coordinated the civil use of nuclear power.

The third step was the first enlargement of the European Community in 1973, when the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Ireland joined, with Norway rejecting membership in a referendum.

The fourth and fifth steps were the establishment of the European Monetary System (EMS) in 1979, which aimed to stabilize currency exchange rates, and the direct election of the European Parliament by the people in 1979, giving the parliament more legitimacy and self-confidence.

The sixth step was the southern enlargement of the European Community, when Greece, Spain, and Portugal joined in the 1980s, aiming to stabilize the European Mediterranean region.

The seventh step was the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, which established the European Union (EU) and introduced a single currency, the euro, and a common foreign and security policy.

The Maastricht Treaty created three pillars of the EU: the first pillar consisted of the merged European Coal and Steel Community, European Economic Community, and EURATOM; the second pillar consisted of the common foreign and security policy; and the third pillar consisted of cooperation in the areas of justice and home affairs.

The eighth step was the Treaty of Nice in 2001, which prepared the EU for its largest enlargement to date, with 12 new member states joining in 2004, bringing the total number of member states to 27.

The EU institutions are no longer functioning properly, prompting a re-evaluation of the voting weights of each member state.

The EU Commission is being reduced in size, and the number of seats in the Parliament is being adjusted.

The Treaty of Nice (2001) aims to make the EU fit for expansion.

The key change is the introduction of the double majority principle for decision-making in the Council, where 55% of member states and 65% of the EU population must agree.

This marks a significant progress, as it would have been impossible to reach a decision otherwise.

The EU expands to 25 (and soon 27) member states with the 2004 Eastern Enlargement, including countries that receive more from the EU budget than they contribute (known as net recipients).

The EU wants to take the opportunity to integrate former Soviet-dominated states, but this brings problems due to their different political experiences.

The EU's next step is to plan a European Constitution, which would outline the political rules for cooperation and enshrine fundamental rights for citizens.

The Constitution is met with opposition, with critics warning of a super-state that is undemocratic and militaristic, and prioritizing economic interests over citizens' well-being.

The Constitution is rejected in France and the Netherlands in 2005, leading to its abandonment.

The Treaty of Lisbon is subsequently written, incorporating key changes from the failed Constitution, including more powers for the European Parliament, rebalanced voting rules, and a Charter of Fundamental Rights.

The EU gains its own legal personality, enabling it to conclude treaties with other countries on behalf of its member states.

The EU becomes more democratic, transparent, and capable of action with the Lisbon Treaty.

Since then, the EU has faced challenges such as the Euro crisis, debt crisis, and refugee crisis, prompting the need for further reform.

The Brexit has highlighted the need for the EU to take its next big step, but it remains unclear what direction this should take.