Post-1992 Europe: History and implications

The twentieth century has witnessed a series of initiatives designed to unify Europe, which culminated in the founding of the European Community. In 1985 the European Commission (the executive arm of the decision-making Council) issued a White Paper that became the basis of the Single Europe Act, which took effect in 1987. The implementation of this act, to be completed by the end of 1992, will required the resolution of numerous problems but creates enormous opportunities for economic growth.