European Union History

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the history of the European Union.

Europe Flag

A flag symbolizing unity, solidarity, and harmony among the peoples of Europe, featuring a circle of gold stars and designed in 1955.

Schuman Plan

Proposed by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman in 1950, it led to the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).

European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)

Established in 1951, it was the first step towards European integration by delegating control over coal and steel production to a higher authority.

Treaty of Rome

Signed in 1957, it established the European Economic Community (EEC) and aimed to create a common market among member states.

Maastricht Treaty

A landmark 1992 agreement that transformed the European Economic Community into the European Union, enhancing political and economic integration.

Common Market

A system aiming to eliminate tariffs and foster free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor among member states.

Eurozone

A group of EU countries that have adopted the euro as their currency, established through the Maastricht Treaty.

Treaty of Amsterdam

A 1997 treaty designed to reform EU institutions and improve decision-making ahead of the union's enlargement.

Lisbon Treaty

The 2009 treaty that reformed the EU's institutional structure, established a permanent President of the European Council, and made the Charter of Fundamental Rights legally binding.

Brexit

The United Kingdom's withdrawal from the EU following a 2016 referendum, officially executed on January 31, 2020.

European Citizenship

Introduced by the Maastricht Treaty, it grants citizens of EU member states the right to live and work in any member state.

ECSC's Importance

Set a precedent for European integration through its institutional success and governance structure, paving the way for future cooperation.

Pillar Structure of EU

The Maastricht Treaty's framework divided EU policies into three pillars: European Community, Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), and Justice and Home Affairs.

Eurozone Crisis

Economic turmoil experienced by several EU countries, notably Greece, resulting in debt crises and austerity measures following the 2008 financial crisis.

EFTA Enlargement

The integration of countries from the European Free Trade Association into the EU, enhancing its influence in Western Europe.

Eastern Enlargement

The significant expansion of the EU in the early 2000s with the accession of multiple Central and Eastern European countries.

Future Enlargement Candidates

Countries currently negotiating for EU membership include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo, and Türkiye.