POČECI I RAZVOJ EUROPSKE UNIJE/THE BEGINNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

Abstract

The idea of creating a large and powerful confederation of states in the old continent goes back to the time before World War I and World War II, in terms of creating a large enough market that will be able to deal with the US and Asian markets on an equal footing. The second reason was to economically connect (create a single market) European countries that had often fought war (Germany and France had fought three times in 75 years). The paper will outline the European countries' accession to membership of the National Association (EU) through seven enlargement phases over the last 60 years. The large community of states has also produced a large administrative apparatus, which we colloquially call the European Union Institutions. All institutions are based at two addresses in Brussels (France) and Strasbourg (Belgium). Within the European Institutions, the EP Parliament and the political groups within it will be explained. Economic and political integration among the Member States of the European Union also implies the joint adoption and implementation of specific policies. At first, it was just coal and steel and agriculture policies. Today, these policies are revised and expanded and many others are open. This paper will focus on Regional policies, their importance and priorities.