Category: Reflections

The reformulation of the social policy of the Community   The preamble to the original EC Treaty set out as its main long-term objectives “the constant improvement of the living and working conditions” of the people of the...

(1) The Single European Act (SEA)    The SEA was signed on 17 and 28 February 1986 and came into effect on 1 July 1987. It was not very ambitious (which explains its acceptance by the Member States), but had much potential for...

Relaunch of European integration   The early 1980s witnessed a new attitude of Member States towards the Community.   The unexpected emergence of enthusiasm, optimism and commitment to European integration, and a political will...

The Community from 1970 to 1985 – years of stagnation   From 1970 to 1985 the Community was in a state of stagnation. This so-called “Euro sclerosis” can be explained partially by the difficult international situation, but more...

Establishment of European Political Co-operation (EPC)   The Hague Summit decided to examine the best ways of achieving progress in the establishment of a political union. In October 1970 the Davignon Report (named after its...

Introduction   With the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon (ToL) on 1 December 2009, the EU has commenced a new chapter in its existence.   It can be said that under the ToL the EU is more democratic than some of its...

The Marshall Plan   On 5 June 1947 at a Conference at Harvard University Truman’s Secretary of State, George C. Marshall, announced the American plan for European reconstruction. In order to eliminate “hunger, poverty,...

The Schuman Plan   Robert Schuman, the French minister for foreign affairs, followed the advice of Winston Churchill, who emphasized in his speeches that France should take Germany back into the community of nations. Schuman was...