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The Greater Caribbean This Week

The European Union:

an example to follow

by Rubén Silié

In 1957, to speak of a half century was to refer to a notion of a long period of time, a distant future. In that respect, the pioneers of European integration during the mid twentieth century, who conceived the idea of building the European Union, having operated under the old notion of the future, surely did not visualize the materialization of their efforts within a relatively short period of time, that is to say, in less than half a century. However, social changes and technological transformations were shortening the notion of the future, which historically speaking, occurs when there is a change in situation that marks a difference from what existed previously.

There’s no denying that the demands of globalization were the factors that most influenced the speedy advancement of the united European utopia. Following the two major wars, their dramatic results compelled governments to do everything in their power to break the wave of massive destruction. Thus, countless treaties and agreements were signed that put an end to the confrontations; nevertheless, the resource to ensure compliance with the agreements continued to be based on war logic, since the arms race pressed on and each state understood that the guarantee of peace was to be prepared for a possible nuclear war. This responded to the implausible nineteenth century notion of Karl Von Clausewitz: “if you want peace prepare for war.”

Around the middle of the twentieth century, the Cold War was established as the norm of international relations. The Cold War failed however, in the sense that the confrontations expected never came to pass. Although the ideological contradictions intensified to the extreme, excessive military expenditure, apart from being destructive, must have made an impact for many to think, especially the Europeans, that a bipolar world would not be the best approach for achieving the development goals being pursued. Thus, they began the quest for the means by which to ensure a suitable alternative that would distance them from the two super powers of the era: the United States and the Soviet Union. With respect to the former, this would be done through an alternative integration and development plan based on their own institutions; as for the latter, they would establish themselves as a striking economic force.

The Europeans defined a peace consolidation strategy, anchored in the strengthening of their economies and a political system established on strong democratic bases.

That gave rise to the start of the internal process of persuasion to move forward with regional integration. The early arguments revolved around the economy; thus, the first agreements were established to strengthen the steel and coal industry, creating the European Coal and Steel Community, cognizant of the fact that this would be an initial step in working toward the consolidation of a more far-reaching agreement that would have greater political strength. This first step was taken by the founding countries, namely France, Germany, Belgium Luxembourg, Italy and the Netherlands .

However, along the way there were steps forward and step back, since the European Community of Defense and subsequently the European Political Community could not withstand the reluctance of some. Nevertheless, even though there were obstacles, there were never regressions in this project since the idea was growing among the European countries to create a common market that would expand the possibilities of each country, with the free circulation of goods and factors of production, understood as companies, workers and capital. There were also expectations to establish a political structure above the state-nation that responded to those common problems that could not be resolved by each state individually.

The integration project moved ahead with increased speed, after which the European Economic Community was created through an agreement signed in 1957. That agreement provided for: the suppression of customs; a common external customs tariff; a common transport and agriculture policy; the creation of a European Social Fund; the European Investment Bank and the pursuit of closer ties among the members. Initially, the agreement was only signed by the same six founding countries, after which Greater Britain, Denmark, Ireland, Portugal, Greece and Spain were incorporated.

Together, the first twelve began the work of the European Councils, where discussions were held on the differences and details regarding what would be achieved through the Maastricht Agreement, when the European Union Treaty was signed, which launched a process of creating “an ever closer union among the peoples of Europe.”

From 1993, when that treaty entered into force, the European Union became the first model of global government.

We could say that Europe is keeping up with the times, since globalization requires a world order that goes beyond the specific interests of nations and which would better respond to the progressive international interdependence that we are experiencing.

Fifty years of community experience make it clear that this is a better approach for the advancement of the peoples; therefore our region must believe that every year of progress for the European Union represents one of regression for us.

Dr. Rubén Silié Valdez is the Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States. The opinions expressed are not necessarily the official views of the ACS. Comments and reactions can be sent to mail@acs-aec.org

Bernal, Freedom of expression again
Heck, No sense of reality about Venezuela
Committee to Protect Journalists, Chávez attacks freedom of the press
Munini, Recovering electromagnetic space from the plutocrats
Reporters Without Borders, Defend freedom of the press against Chávez
Smith, Correa should think twice before prosecuting for insults
Wayne, Looking at Cuba without the distorted Miami lenses
Jackson, What to Do about Cuba?

Council on Hemispheric Affairs, Europe's declining influence in Latin America

Silié, Following the European Union's example

Leis, Ten factors in quality education

Sirias, Deadly poison from China