EU Enlargement

The EU

Quick History  1950s – The European coal community begins to unite European countries politically and economically, the founders being Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.  1960s - EU countries stop charging custom duties when they trade with each other. They also agree joint control over food production  1970s - Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom join the European Union  1980s - Greece becomes the 10th member of the EU and Spain and Portugal follow five years later. In 1986 the Single European Act is signed allowing free-flow of trade across EU borders and creates the ‘Single Market’  1990s - EU gains three more new members, Austria, Finland and Sweden.  2000s – The Euro becomes currency, the European countries work closer together to fight crime 12 more country's join and the 2008 economic crisis hits

History of Treaties  25 March 1957 – Treaty of Rome creates the EEC (common market) and extends European integration to include general economic cooperation.  8 April 1965 – Brussels Treaty creation of a single Commission and a single Council to serve the then three European Communities (EEC, Euratom, ECSC). Repealed by the Treaty of Amsterdam.  17 February Single European Act extension of qualified majority voting in the Council (making it harder for a single country to veto proposed legislation), creation of the cooperation and assent procedures, giving Parliament more influence.  7 February Maastricht Treaty establishment of the European Union and introduction of the co-decision procedure, giving Parliament more say in decision- making. New forms of cooperation between EU governments – for example on defense and justice and home affairs.  2 October Treaty of Amsterdam amendment, renumbering and consolidation of EU and EEC treaties. More transparent decision-making  26 February Treaty of Nice methods for changing the composition of the Commission and redefining the voting system in the Council.  13 December Treaty of Lisbon more power for the European Parliament, change of voting procedures in the Council, citizens' initiative, a permanent president of the European Council, a new High Representative for Foreign Affairs, a new EU diplomatic service.  The Lisbon treaty clarifies which powers:  belong to the EU  belong to EU member countries  are shared.

History of Enlargement  Founders – Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Nederlands, Germany  Denmark, Ireland, UK  1981 – Greece  1986 – Portugal, Spain  1995 – Austria, Finland, Sweden  2004 – Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia  2007 – Bulgaria, Romania  2013 – Croatia

Appendix  Map of Europe Map of Europe  Quick History –  Timeline of events Timeline of events  ECSC ECSC  History of treaties –  Treaty of Rome Treaty of Rome  Treaties Treaties  History of enlargement History of enlargement  Macro-Effects on UK of enlargement Macro-Effects on UK of enlargement