Greek entry into the European Economic Community

Greek entry into the European Economic Community occurred on 1 January 1981, when Greece became the tenth member of the European Economic Community (EEC). This followed a lengthy period of association established by the 1961 Treaty of Athens and complex negotiations after the fall of the military junta. The accession, formalized by the treaty signed in Athens on 28 May 1979, marked a pivotal geopolitical and economic reorientation for Greece towards Western Europe and away from a history of political instability.

Historical context and motivations

The path to membership began with the 1961 Association Agreement signed by the government of Konstantinos Karamanlis, which envisioned a gradual customs union and eventual full membership. This process was frozen following the 1967 coup and the subsequent rule of the Colonels' Regime, during which the European Commission suspended the agreement. The restoration of democracy in 1974 under Prime Minister Konstantinos Karamanlis made accession a central political priority. Key motivations included anchoring the fragile democratic system within the Western Bloc, securing economic development funds, and strengthening Greece's position in regional disputes, notably with Turkey over the Aegean Sea and Cyprus.

Negotiation process and accession treaty

Greece formally applied for full membership on 12 June 1975. Negotiations, led on the Greek side by Foreign Minister Georgios Rallis, commenced in July 1976 and were notably arduous. Major sticking points included lengthy transition periods requested by Greece for sensitive economic sectors like agriculture and industry, and concerns from existing members, particularly France and Italy, about competition for Mediterranean agricultural products. The European Commission, under President Roy Jenkins, issued a favorable opinion, and the final Accession treaty was signed at the Zappeion Hall in Athens. The treaty required ratification by all national parliaments, including the Hellenic Parliament, and the European Parliament.

Political and economic implications

Politically, accession solidified Greece's post-junta democratic credentials and integrated it into the core of European integration, including participation in the European Political Cooperation. Economically, it provided massive inflows of structural funds from the European Community budget, particularly for infrastructure projects. Membership required significant harmonization of Greek law with the Community acquis and opened the market to increased competition. It also granted Greece a voice in critical EEC institutions like the Council of Ministers and the European Commission, influencing policies affecting the Mediterranean region.

Domestic debate and public opinion

The move sparked intense domestic debate. The governing New Democracy party, alongside the center-left PASOK under Andreas Papandreou, largely supported entry, though PASOK initially campaigned on a platform of renegotiation. The principal opposition came from the Communist Party of Greece and factions on the far left, which viewed the EEC as a capitalist club that would undermine national sovereignty and exacerbate economic inequalities. Public opinion, influenced by promises of modernization and stability, was generally favorable, with a supportive referendum considered but not held. The press, including major newspapers like Kathimerini, reflected this polarized yet ultimately pro-European consensus.

Integration and subsequent developments

Following accession, Greece received significant Common Agricultural Policy support and became a net beneficiary of the EEC budget. The country participated in landmark European projects, including the Single European Act and the Maastricht Treaty, adopting the euro in 2001. The Delors Commission's reforms directly impacted Greek development. However, integration also exposed structural economic weaknesses, contributing to later crises like the Greek government-debt crisis. Geopolitically, Greek membership influenced the EEC's stance on the Cyprus problem and relations with Turkey, and it paved the way for the subsequent accessions of Spain and Portugal.

Category:Accession treaties to the European Union Category:Political history of Greece Category:1979 in Greece Category:1981 in the European Economic Community