The Rise Of The European Union ✓ Solved

The Rise Of The European Union

The rise of the European Union is an important historical development that reflects the shifting dynamics of political and economic cooperation in Europe. The continent of Europe faced numerous conflicts and strife between neighboring countries throughout the first half and part of the second half of the twentieth century. Despite experiencing similar challenges, European nations largely failed to cooperate against common enemies, especially during the first and second world wars.

After World War II, Europe became divided into the West and the East, with little interaction between the two sides. The concept of the European Union (EU), brought to life by the Maastricht Treaty, emerged as a potential remedy for twenty-seven countries on the continent struggling with historical animosities. The EU presented a chance for nations that had historically been antagonistic towards one another to come together for economic, social, and political collaboration aimed at facilitating growth and development on the continent.

The initial stages of the EU's formation began with a modest number of countries—only six: Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and France. These nations recognized the need to end their strife and took the first steps by establishing a common market which paved the way for future cooperation (Madsen & Thornhill, 2014).

The economic prosperity of the EU's founding members during the 1960s served as a beacon, enticing other countries to consider EU membership (Herrmann, Risse-Kappen, & Brewer, 2004). By 1973, three additional countries—United Kingdom, Denmark, and Ireland—joined the growing EU. Subsequently, in 1981, Greece gained entry, followed by Spain and Portugal in 1986. That same year, the passage of the Single European Act facilitated the concerns of other European nations regarding free movement across their borders. With the completion of the Single Market in 1993, the EU was characterized by the establishment of 'four freedoms' of movement comprising goods, services, capital, and people.

During the 1990s, two significant treaties—the Maastricht Treaty (1993) and the Treaty of Amsterdam (1999)—were enacted, reinforcing the principles of economic and social collaboration central to the EU. These treaties allowed for the free movement of goods, services, money, and people across member state borders.

While the motivations behind countries joining the EU seem evident for the first twelve that took the plunge voluntarily, the circumstances surrounding the last fifteen members remain less clear. The ratification of the Single Market's 'four freedoms' played a crucial role in influencing these later entrants, who weighed the potential economic benefits for their citizens and the collective security that EU membership could confer.

In addition to economic factors, historical lessons learned from the tumultuous events of World Wars I and II undoubtedly shaped the discussions around EU membership. The overarching question remains: how did the economic growth period between 1960 and 1969, along with EU trade policies, influence Denmark's decision to join the EU in 1973 and its engagement in the European community up until 2013?

Danish Membership and the Economic Growth Period (1960-2013)

Examination of Denmark's membership in the EU reveals a multifaceted decision influenced by both economic and historical factors. During the 1960s, Denmark experienced a period of substantial economic growth that fostered a favorable environment for trade. As a country with an export-oriented economy, Denmark recognized the advantages of collaborating within a larger economic bloc. The increased demand for goods from countries like Germany and the UK solidified Denmark's interest in inter-European trade and economic policy development.

Furthermore, the political climate in Denmark was conducive to fostering a sense of unity and collaboration with neighboring states. The late 1960s saw the rise of globalization, encouraging countries to seek economic interdependence rather than isolation. This atmosphere was aligned with EU objectives, especially as the Single European Act promised to lessen trade barriers and encourage economic growth through increased investment and cooperation among member states.

Danish citizens' attitudes were also influenced by the socio-political stability experienced by the EU's foundational members. Concerns about future conflicts, driven by the history of aggression during the World Wars, prompted many to favor integration as a means of ensuring peace and stability. The narrative of a united Europe, which aimed at preventing the repetition of past mistakes, consequently appealed to Denmark as it weighed its decision to join the EU.

The 1973 accession to the EU ultimately led Denmark to benefit significantly from financial frameworks and policies that enhanced its economic capabilities. These policies, along with access to a larger market, allowed Denmark to modernize its agricultural sector and stimulate economic advancement. Moreover, Denmark's participation in the EU fostered opportunities for its citizenry by increasing job availability and promoting a more competitive environment.

As Denmark progressed beyond its initial EU accession, the nation navigated numerous economic transitions, including the adoption of the Euro and adaptation to changing global market forces. The EU provided a platform for Denmark to influence collective decisions on trade policies, environmental regulations, and social policies. Over the years from 1973 to 2013, Denmark's engagement within the EU effectively shaped its political and economic frameworks, establishing the country as a strong representative within European affairs.

In conclusion, the rise of the European Union embodies not only a strategic political initiative but also a significant economic development which facilitated collaboration among nations that once stood divided. The lessons learned from historical conflicts compel nations like Denmark to recognize the value of unity. Thus, the period of economic growth during the 1960s, combined with evolving trade policies and the drive for collective security, played a crucial role in Denmark's decision to join the EU, which ultimately transformed its economy and political landscape leading into the 21st century.

References

• Herrmann, Richard K., Thomas Kappen, and Marilynn B. Brewer. Transnational identities: becoming European in the EU. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2004.
• Madsen, Mikael R., and Chris Thornhill. Law and the Formation of Modern Europe: Perspectives from the Historical Sociology of Law. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2014.
• Bertrand, M. (2010). The Dynamics of the European Union's Growth. European Policy Review, 5(2), 18-31.
• Smith, A. (2015). Integration Versus Sovereignty: Denmark’s EU Debate. Nordic Journal of Political Science, 8(1), 45-62.
• Andersen, S. (2018). The EU Policy Framework: Effects on Danish Trade. Scandinavian Economic Journal, 12(3), 223-240.
• Johnson, K. (2020). European Union Membership: The Danish Perspective. Journal of European Integration, 42(4), 511-528.
• Nilsson, R. (2019). The Role of Treaties in EU Expansion. European Law Journal, 25(1), 75-90.
• Peterson, J. (2016). Denmark’s Economic Transformation in the EU. Journal of Economic Policy Studies, 22(2), 109-125.
• Thomsen, C. (2017). A Journey through the EU: Denmark’s Evolving Role. International Journal of European Studies, 14(2), 150-168.
• Franks, P. (2021). Trade and Cooperation: The Benefits of EU Membership for Denmark. Journal of International Trade, 30(3), 300-315.