CHAPTER 1

EUROPEAN UNION –
development and
evolution
The process of european integration -
definition

ECONOMIC INTEGRATION =
process through which two or more
national markets, previously separated
and of different sizes, unite in order to
form a single market (common
market) of more efficient sizes.
The process of economic integration –
main stages

I The system of customs preferences

II Free trade area

III The customs union

IV The common market

V The economic union

VI The monetary union

VII The political union

 The main treaties underlying the
European integration process

 European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)

 It’s the starting point of the European integration process.

 The Treaty establishing the ECSC was signed in Paris, in
1951, by six countries, namely: Belgium, France, Italy,
Luxembourg, the Netherlands and the R. F. Germany.
 It entered into force on 25th of July 1952, after ratification by
the signatory states, for a 50 years period.
 According to the treaty, the ECSC had to build a common
market in the field of coal and steel, establishing also common
institutions and means of action to organize the common
market and to develop a common economic and social policy
in the field.
 The common market for coal and steel allowed for the
experimentation of a sectoral integration, which could
subsequently be extended progressively to other areas.
 European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC / EURATOM)

 The Treaty establishing the EAEC was signed in Rome, on

25th of March 1957 by the same six state and entered in force
on 1st of January 1958.
 It aims to contribute to the formation and development of
European nuclear industries, so that all the member states
could benefit from the development of atomic energy and
guarantee the security supply.

 European Economic Community (EEC)

 The Treaty establishing the EEC was signed on 25th of March
1957 by the same six states.
 The general objective of the EEC, initially unexplicit in the
treaty, was the integration of member states' economies.
It is even clear form the preamble to the treaty, which refers to
the necessity to strengthen the unity of member states'
economies and to ensure their harmonious development by
diminishing the existent differences between different regions
and reducing the laging behind of the less-favoured regions.
 Since its entry into force, on 1st of January 1958, and so far,
the EEC Treaty has met various additions, adaptations and
modifications.
 The enlargement of the
European integration process
 Objectives of the
European integration process
 The promotion of a harmonious and balanced development of
economic activities inside the Union;
 The sustainable and non-inflationary growth, a high level of
protection and improvement of the environment;
 The promotion of a high degree of convergence in economic
performance;
 A high level of employment and social protection, equality
between women and men;
 The increase of living standards and quality of life;
 The promotion of economic, social and territorial cohesion;
 The promotion of solidarity between member states;
 The maintanance and development of the Union as an area of
freedom, security and justice;
 The promotion of the scientific and technical progress, the
control of social exclusion and discrimination, the promotion of
justice and social protection, of solidarity between generations
and the protection of child's rights.
How big are the EU countries?
How many people live in the EU?
 The EU symbols

The motto:
The European anthem
United in diversity

The euro The European flag