Spain’s Accession to the European Union: 1986
Spain’s Integration into the European Union
This text, intended for the general public, examines the political process of Spain’s integration into the European Union (EU). The author, Professor Marroyo Sanchez, Director of the Department of History at the University of Extremadura and author of numerous historical books, details the key events culminating in Spain’s signing of the Adhesion Treaty on June 12, 1985. This signature initiated a period of significant adaptation, particularly within Spain’s political and economic structures, leading to full integration on January 1, 1986.
The Evolution of the European Economic Community
The European Economic Community (EEC) was established in January 1958 with the signing of the Treaty of Rome. Its primary goal was to create a common market with free movement of goods, capital, and labor. The Treaty of Rome was initially signed by six countries: the three Benelux nations (Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg), France, Germany, and Italy (EUR 6).
Expansion of the EEC occurred in stages:
- 1973: The United Kingdom, Ireland, and Denmark joined (EUR 9).
- 1981: Greece became a member (EUR 10).
- 1986: Spain and Portugal joined (EUR 12).
Impact of EU Membership on Spain
Spain’s incorporation into the EU marked the end of the country’s historical isolation. It also prompted a significant overhaul of its outdated economic structures. Traditional Spanish economic protectionism gave way to a more open, liberalized economy, fostering competitiveness and modernization, especially in the public sector.
The text also highlights the subsequent changes:
- The entry into force of the Single European Act, transforming the Union into a single market with free movement of goods, persons, and capital.
- The adjustment period for Spain’s economic sectors to align with the single market’s structures.
The Single European Act significantly accelerated the integration process. Jacques Delors, then President of the European Commission, championed Economic and Monetary Union as a cornerstone of integration. He also proposed the adoption of a Social Charter to guarantee minimum social standards for all European workers, balancing the progress of business unity, which directly benefited employers.
Consequences and Benefits for Spain
Accession to the EU presented both challenges and benefits for Spain. While sometimes difficult, it ultimately strengthened the political system born from the transition to democracy and modernized the Spanish economy. The necessary adjustments stimulated economic growth and investment (both domestic and foreign). This provided an economic discipline that modernized the Spanish economy, a process that had begun to slow down since the 1960s. This accession marked the end of the “national route of Spanish capitalism” as a way of understanding Spain’s economic development. The Treaty imposed supranationalism, requiring Spain to relinquish executive and legislative sovereignty over certain areas, such as agriculture and social policies.
Integration brought numerous advantages, but also necessitated significant structural reforms with considerable social costs. Cohesion Funds provided assistance to the most disadvantaged regions, supporting their development. Furthermore, Community Funds (ERDF, ESF, EAGGF) contributed to infrastructure modernization, improved vocational training, and enhanced productivity. These benefits were reduced once Spain reached the average income level of the Union.
Political Transition and European Integration
Spain’s political transition culminated in its full membership in the European Communities. Although integration was attempted during Franco’s dictatorship, it was not possible due to the lack of support from European democracies. However, once freedoms were restored in Spain, the path to integration was clear. Supported by virtually all Spanish political forces, integration into Europe strengthened and provided international recognition for the young Spanish democracy, solidifying its transition from a totalitarian regime to a system of freedoms aligned with the most advanced nations in its environment.