Unit 5: The origins of the EU and ’s proċess of joining the EU

The origins of the :

 The European Union was founded after the Second World War to unite European countries socially and economically and to preserve peace. Both World Wars started in Europe. They wanted to repeat the same mistakes again.  Jean Monnet, a French economist and diplomat came out with the original idea. However, the French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman acted on the proposal of Monnet and initially the European Coal and Steal Community (ECSC) was formed in 1951, after the Treaty of Paris.  After 6 years, in 1957, a further importantstep in European unity took place when the Common Market (today known as European Union) was founded in the Treaty of Rome.  The six founding countries were , West Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.

The enlargement of the European Union:

In addition to the six founding countries other countries joined the European Union from 1973 onwards.

 In 1973 – Denmark, Ireland and the U.K (in few years time the British will end their membership - Brexit).  In 1981 – Greece  In 1986 – and Spain  In 1995 – Austria, Finland and Sweden  In 2004 – Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, , Lithuania, , Slovakia, Slovenia and Malta.  In 2007 – Bulgaria and Romania  In 2013 – joined too.

Important treaty - Maastricht Treaty 1992:

By this Treaty, in 1992, among other changes, the Common Market was renamed European Union. The main issues discussed in this treaty were: more cooperation between member in trade and commerce, security and defence, foreign policy, social and economic problems, European citizenship for all citizens of member states, more liberty to live and study in other European countries, removal of certain controls in borders and the introduction of a common currency, the Euro in 2002.

Ms. Roberta Mula B.A. Hons. & PGCE History – History General Year 11 26 Unit 5: The origins of the EU and Malta’s proċess of joining the EU

Malta and the European Union:

 In 1970 an Association Agreement (creating trade relationship with the aim that in the future, it will become a member state) took place between Malta and the European Union, known at that time as the Common Market.  In 1990 Malta officially applied for full membership with the European Union, when Malta was under the Nationalist government, with Eddie Fenech Adami as Prime Minister.  In 1996, the Maltese application was interrupted when the new Labour government, with as Prime Minister was against the full membership of Malta.  However in September of 1998, the Nationalist government, back in power, reactivated the Maltese application.  In the months that followed, an agreement was reached between Malta and the E.U. regarding various issued and special arrangements for Malta.  In 2003 the Maltese accepted this agreement and agreed that Malta should be part of the European Union by means of a referendum in March 2003.  In April 2003 Malta signed the Treaty of Accession in Athens: Prime Minister Fenech Adami and Foreign Minister Joe Borg signed the Treaty for Malta.  Finally on the 1st of May 2004 Malta became full member of the European Union.  The Euro became the official currency of Malta on the 1st of January 2008.

Malta’s EU membership – Fourteen Years on:

 Fourteen years since it joined the EU, Malta has changed in many ways. Some of these changes were a direct result of EU membership while others were simply the result of globalisation.  Malta’s economy has been transformed into one primarily based on services, while the manufacturing sector has shifted towards more high-value products. There have been major investments in infrastructure and environment. Heritage and agriculture have benefited from additional funds too.  Being a member of the EU has also given Malta the opportunity to voice its opinions on the political issues facing Europe and the world.

Important European institutions:

 European Commission – responsible for legislation (passing of laws) and general treaties.  European Council – responsible for setting the EU’s agenda.  European Parliament – consisting of 736 members elected from member countries – representing the people.

Ms. Roberta Mula B.A. Hons. & PGCE History – History General Year 11 27