Brief history of the European Community
1951:
The Process began when the Treaty of Paris created the European Steel and Coal Community (ESCC)
1957:
The formation of the European Common Market or European Economic Community (EEC) under the Treaties of Rome, was intended to create economic integration between Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Seemingly, at the time, this was a beneficial arrangement intended to streamline trade between these sovereign nations. The EEC grew in member states over the next 4 decades, Ireland joining in 1973.
1986:
The EEC then passed The Single European Act that aimed toward flexing greater political muscle.
1992:
7 February the Maasdricht Treaty was signed creating the European Union and leading to the creation of an international currency called the Euro. gradually taking control of each member nations economy. Under this present EU only 20% of Irish laws are passed by the Daíl, the other 80% coming from Brussels. There are currently 27 member states in the European Union. The maasdricht Treaty also implemented regionalization of Europe, effectively breaking down sovereign states, and it provided for membership of up to 27 nations to the EU, increased from its previous 15.
1997:
The Amsterdam Treaty introduced measures to expand to include more Eastern European nations and increase power to the EU. It handed control of immigration to the EU, hence that huge increase in immigration over the last few years and its inevitable problems.
2001:
The Treaty of Nice introduced more measures for eastern expansion and integration.
2005:
The Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe sought to replace the previous treaties with a new single European Constitution. The ratification process was halted because the Dutch and French populations voted NO. (all 27 nations would have to ratify it)
2008:
The Lisbon Treaty is the repackaged EU Constitution and differs mainly by the fact that rather than terminating and replacing the previous treaties it would change them fundamentally by means of hundreds of amendments. It still contains 96-98% of the Constitution for Europe. The name "constitution" was curiously removed to give it a deceptively non-binding feel,in an underhand attempt to win votes. The Irish people voted NO, therefore the ratification process should be halted, but it isn't.
Consequently the Irish people are being forced into a second referendum by the end of 2009.
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