Economic and political initiatives of European integration for the period 1945-1992

The integration of the European Communities (EC, today EU) has been described as one of the most successful examples of economic integration worldwide. This study examines the reason for this success from two perspectives. Firstly, the economic success of EC integration for the period 1945 to 1992 is investigated. It is concluded that, notwithstanding difficulties experienced, the economic integration process represents the EC's greatest achievement. An example of this is the completion of the EC internal market through the European Economic Community (EEC) customs union and the EC-92 programme. Secondly, the investigation focuses on the political success of EC integration. The evaluation shows that political powerplay endangered and inhibited the process of economic integration in the EC.