The first measure taken that endorsed the amalgamation of Europe was the Benelux agreement, established by the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxemburg. These three countries realised how economic unity supplied advantages in their development after the war. These countries removed import tariffs as to create a common market to promote the restoration of their economy. This arrangement showed that a united economy would be successful and therefore advocated this idea for the whole of Europe.
Another factor which had promoted the unification of Europe was through the distribution of Marshall Aid among the western provinces of Europe. The Americans were fearful of communism; they did not want Europe to be dominated by the USSR (Soviets). In order to help European countries America gave billions of dollars to Europe. This money came in the form of an economic plan called The Marshall Plan of 1947, George Marshall was the American secretary of state (foreign affairs) he said “Our policy is not directed against any country or doctrine but against hunger, poverty, depression and chaos.” $13 billion dollars became available. However, the USA were not prepared to distribute the money themselves. They told the European nations that they would have to co-operate and allocate the different amounts between themselves. The nations of Western Europe created the OEEC in order to do this; this was another phase in the development of a combined Europe.
In 1950 Jean Monnet put foreword a plan to link in one organisation, the coal and steel industries of Western Europe. The French foreign minister, Schuman, also thought this was a good idea, he said “Placing the whole of Franco-German coal and steel output under one authority… will be a first step I the federation of Europe. This action will make it plain that any war between France and Germany would be impossible.” This was his reason for wanting European unity.
In 1952 Robert Schuman and Jean Monnet initiated what was to be the European Coal and Steel Confederation (ECSC). Coal and steel are essential for a society to function and this is why these industries were combined first. The linking of these industries was crucial for economic recovery, and for the first time in Europe national sovereignty was abridged for a greater purpose. Another key purpose of it was to improve Franco-German relations, which were non-existent due to the occupation. The countries that signed up to the ECSC were France, West Germany, Italy and the Benelux countries. These small states have always been instrumental in European integration and had strong federalist sentiments, from a backlash against the resurgence of nationalism.
Although the founding of the ECSC was only a small step towards unification, it was the first time European countries had given significant powers to a supranational government. This government was allowed to reduce tariff barriers, fix prices and abolish subsidies. The ECSC was formed to achieve the creation of a common market for coal and steel, but it had ultimately been created to start the development of a united Europe.
The creation of the ECSC signified a substantial growth in European unity at that time. It was the first time a supranational government had been given recognised power over other nationalist states. This supranational government was given the authority over the distribution of three major areas of industry and, unlike the OEEC, it was not heavily influenced by the USA in forcing their co-operation. Also, the common market had spread from just the Benelux countries to six nations, two of them being France and Germany. This was a dramatic step towards unity in itself as Franco-German relations
In 1955 in Messina, Italy a conference was held between the leaders of the ECSC to try to work together to unite Europe. They believed that certain fusion of economies would be beneficial to all, the first ideas of a common market. In 1957, as the cold war continued, with its frigid centre and flashpoint peripheries, the treaties of Rome were signed and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) and the European Economic Community (EEC) were established, thanks largely to pushing from the Benelux countries. On January 1st, 1958, the six ECSC states became the EEC. The most impressive effect this had was to 'bring back' West Germany and Italy into Europe. This answered the French 'German question'. German economic strength was not feared like military strength, but was seen to aid its neighbours. The formation of the EEC was a delicate balance of economic necessity and ideological concern.
The creation of the EEC was the next major step towards the integration of Europe. It had nine-member executive commission, council of ministers and a seven-member court of justice. One hundred and forty two member parliamentary assembly was created to cover the EEC, ECSC and the EURATOM.
The EEC Treaty committed the six to the creation of a common market. The creation of this was to take twelve years and be completed by gradually removing restrictions on internal trade, setting a common external tariff reducing barriers to the free movement of people, services and capital among member states, developing a common and transport policies, as well as a European social fund and investment bank.
The EURATOM treaty also created a common market of atomic energy. This was conducted it the same manner as the EEC and the ECSC and also strengthened the joining of Europe further. It made the six countries as equals in terms of nuclear technology and was a step closer to being equal technologically in all areas. The nuclear aspect was a large issue as it is another essential building block for a society, like coal and steel.
By 1945 many wartime leaders were turning to European Unity in order to prevent another war and also to elevate their countries economy. Many trials and steps had been made towards European Unity had been made by 1950, for example, the Benelux agreement and the formation of the OEEC. However, by 1950 six countries were now pushing for a combined Europe. This began with the ECSC and then the EEC, these organisations developed the unification of these six countries economies and this was a major step towards complete unity. EURATOM also saw the joining of the six through technology, creating a new branch for unity that would be later expanded on. European unity had grown substantially in the years between 1950 and 1957 and left it ready for possible expansion. They set up a European assembly and a court of justice so there is now the potential for the combining of Europe not just economically but politically as well.
By David Alison
