Supranationality
- Only where needed -
Robert Schuman, Strasbourg, 16 May 1949
"The 19th century saw feudal ideas being opposed and, with the rise of a national spirit, nationalities asserting themselves. Our century, that has witnessed the catastrophes resulting in the unending clash of nationalities and nationalisms, must attempt and succeed in reconciling nations in a supranational association. This would safeguard the diversities and aspirations of each nation while coordinating them in the same manner as the regions are coordinated within the unity of the nation."
This supranational aspect of the European Community was essential according to Schuman. The new European authority should overrule national authorities, but only on topics of European unification. Schuman already spoke about a supranational Europe in the immediate post-war years. For Schuman this supranational aspect was akin to a ‘scientific discovery’. It would be the first time in world history that such a supranational political structure would be established.
The EU Treaties following the Schuman Declaration of 1950
Treaty of Paris - 1951
It laid out the foundations to set up the High Authority which brought forward the common market where coal and steel were placed on a supranational level.
Treaty of Rome - 1957
The main aim of the European Economic Community was to establish a common market which would be based on the four freedoms of movement (persons, goods, capital and services).
The Single European Act - 1986
Its objective was to complete and broaden the internal market which was first introduced in 1957.
The Maastricht Treaty/Treaty of European Union - 1992
This Treaty established the European Union with a single institutional structure consisting of the Council, the European Parliament, the European Commission, the Court of Justice and the Court of Auditors.
The Amsterdam Treaty - 1997
It was in this Treaty that Member States mutually decided to transfer certain powers from national governments to the European Parliament. This resulted in a stronger position for the Union with regards to legislation in different areas.
Treaty of Lisbon - 2007
This Treaty is an international agreement which was aimed at forming the constitutional framework of the European Union. Through this Treaty, the European Parliament gained more legislative powers and elevated it to the same status as the Council of Minister.