Only during the past century, have the countries of Europe put aside long-standing feuds that tore them apart for so long.
Europe has been a continent of warfare for hundreds of years. Only during the past century, have the countries of Europe put aside long-standing feuds that tore them apart for so long. By doing so, European countries were able to concentrate on improving their economies and stabilizing their governments. Out of this peaceful arrangement, the European Union was established.
After the devastation of WWII, Europe had the grim task of rebuilding its shattered economies. In order to strengthen political and economic sway, six countries banded together to form the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). These countries were Belgium, West Germany, Luxemburg, France, Italy and the Netherlands. Over the next fifty-four years, the ECSC grew into the European Economic Community, and eventually, the European Union (EU). Currently the E.U. has twenty-five members, with Bulgaria and Romania pending membership in January 2007.
The early focuses of the ECSC were economic policies dealing with steel, coal and agriculture. By pooling their resources, members could rebuild their economies at a faster rate. They met goals by removing trade barriers between their countries and creating a common economic market. As membership grew, the EU developed policies for currency, foreign competition, and the environment, just to name a few. Members have learned to compromise and work together in order to compete in the global marketplace.
The application process for joining the E.U. is normally about 3-6 years. Nations must meet certain criteria to join the E.U., including:
- Geography- The applicant nation should be close to Europe. This does not mean they have to be part of Europe, necessarily. For example, Turkey is applying for admittance for 2008. It could be argued that Turkey is part of the Middle East, and not Europe.
- Democracy- All members have a democratic government. This means that their citizens can all participate in an equal manner (one person, equals one vote). They have free elections, secret ballots, and political parties. A country’s constitution and laws are upheld, and not subject to change to suit whichever political party is in charge.
- Human rights are observed for all people. There is no slavery, torture, and the government has a basic respect for human beings, including minority groups.
- Economy- Members must have a functioning market economy that can compete with other markets in the union, as well as globally. In other words, new nations will not be a financial burden on the rest of the E.U members.
As we march forward, into the twenty-first century, it will be interesting to watch the direction of the European Union. With its high standard of living, and well-educated work force, the European Union is poised to become a world superpower.
