A chronological history of the European Union 1946-1998

A chronological history of the European Union 1946-1998:

This major reference work provides a detailed chronological account of the development of European integration from the fragmentation at the end of World War II to the launch of the Euro on 31st December 1998. It offers a summary of important events, measures, arrangements, conferences and ideas shaping progress towards integration.

The chronology is preceded by an introductory chapter, showing that the attainment of political union was on the one hand a controversial point in the struggle for integration while on the other it was always kept in view as the ultimate objective. This introduction gives a broad overview of EMU in order to put the chronology into context and give a framework to the detail that follows. The author concludes that with the creation of the Economic and Monetary Union, the efforts to achieve European political unification have reached an interim phase. The chronology itself is clearly laid out, with the key event or term in each section highlighted with italics to make it easier for the reader to find. Quotations of relevant addresses, orations and comments by politicians and persons closely involved in the process have been translated into English. It includes an appendix of the relevant articles of the EC Treaties referred to in the chronology, and and index of major events and people.

This reference work should prove invaluable to students, academics and professionals interested in the development of the European Union.