Past and Future of EU Law

History of the EU

Catalyst for Integration

• World War II devastated Europe economically, morally, and physically, acting as a catalyst for integration.

Europe Recast: A History of European Union, Desmond Dinan 

Historical Attempts at Unity

• Various historical figures and regimes, such as the Holy Roman Emperors, Napoleon, and Hitler, sought European unity through alliances, ethnic cohesion, ideology, or power.

Post-War Political Priorities

• After WWII, European politicians prioritised ending international strife. European integration became synonymous with peace and prosperity.

Key Questions Addressed

1. Economic and Colonial Question

◦ Establishing a common market to avoid competition and enhance collective wealth.

◦ Sharing economic power and influence through the common market.

2. German Question

◦ Germany was too powerful to be controlled but too weak to dominate Europe.

◦ Economic integration aimed to prevent Germany from initiating another war.

3. Communist Question

◦ Promoting a federalist momentum and a rights-based liberal order.

◦ Influential figures: Robert Schuman and Jean Monnet.

Major Treaties and Developments

Treaty of Rome (1957)

• The founding text of the European Economic Community (EEC).

• Emphasised commitment to the common market and free movement of goods, services, people, and capital.

Treaty of Maastricht (1992)

• Transitioned from an economic community to the European Union.

• Marked the EU as a political hub, evolving from policy to polity.

Democratic and Legitimacy Challenges (1992-2010s)

• Treaty of Amsterdam (1997)

• Treaty of Nice (2001)

• Constitutional Treaty (2004)

• Treaty of Lisbon (2009)

Rapid Expansion

• 1995: Sweden, Finland, Austria

• 2004: Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Malta, Cyprus

• 2007: Romania, Bulgaria

• 2013: Croatia

• Pending: Ukraine, Georgia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia