AFFIRMATION OF THE EUROPEAN PROJECT (1970s-2000s)
I-The various enlargements of the European project
The European Economic Community (EEC) was seen by many countries as an attractive model in terms of economy (large market, low tariffs…) and political model (stable democracy…).
So, in the 1970s, the EEC started to integrate new countries in order to promote the European integration: in 1973, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark joined the EEC.
This first enlargement was followed by others (1981, 1986, 1995, 2004, 2007) and it ended in 2013 with the entrance of Croatia.
At that time, the European Union (EU) was made up of 28 countries, allowing a great political stability in the European Union. But it also made the EU a major power in the world. Indeed, it had become the 2nd world power, with 22 % of world trade.
However, these enlargements have created a change in the way the European Union works, fewer decisions are taken with unanimity but instead with a qualified majority.
II-Deepening of the political integration and of the political institutions
From the 1970s to the 2000s, the European Economic Community (then the European Union) started to deepen the political integration of its member countries and its political institutions.
In 1975, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) was created to allow the development of the poorest and isolated regions. This symbolizes one of the major values of the European Union: solidarity between its members.
Still in the 1970s, the EEC got its own budget, becoming then more independent.
In 1979, the members of the European Parliament were elected directly at the Universal suffrage for the first time. It provided more legitimacy to the European Parliament and a more direct link with the citizens of the Union.
In 1985, the Schengen Agreement allowed citizens of the members countries to move freely within Europe.
In 1986, the Single European Act gave more power to the European Parliament and the European Commission but it also created the basis for a single market: with free circulation of goods, services, capital and labor without any barriers (tariffs…) It was a first step toward the establishment of a single currency.
In 1987, the Erasmus program was created. It helped to create a European identity (with common values and a common culture).
The climax of the European project was reached with the signature of the Maastricht Treaty in 1992 (coming into effect in 1993). It created the European Union (EU) but also a European Citizenship. It also increased the power of the European parliament.
Moreover, it established a timetable for an Economic and Monetary Union, which led to the creation of a single currency but also to the creation of the European Central Bank.
The treaty also explored some social questions, such as workers’ pay, their safety… The treaty also established a desire to create a common European security and foreign policy.
III-Growing criticism and tensions
However, the success of the European Union faced growing tensions and criticism, for example with the coming of power of Margaret Thatcher, who refused financial solidarity between the members countries. She wanted an association of nations which would respect each nation’s identity and sovereignty.
The citizens of the Union started also to criticize it. It was shown by the referendum about the adoption of the Maastricht treaty: in France, it was adopted with a slim margin: 51% in favor of the yes. However, in 2005, the proposal of a European Constitution was rejected by referendum in France (54% voted no) and in the Netherlands (61,54% voted no).
No matter what, the Lisbon treaty (which was almost the same thing) was ratified by the French and Dutch Parliament in 2007.
The European Union was criticized by the supporters of a Unionist Europe, because they saw the Union as too federalist. Therefore, it was not respecting the sovereignty of member states.
Moreover, the European Union is often seen as too far away from the daily life of its citizens and as not protective enough of the workers’ rights.
It has also become a scapegoat for national problems faced by member states.