Sleep With History - Greece joins the European Union (1981)

Episode Date: October 1, 2024

From a Europe recovering from World War II to the fledgling Greece emerging from a military dictatorship, this episode unravels how Greece’s desire for democracy and economic stability led it to find solace with the European Economic Community (EEC), building the foundation for the current European Union. We highlight complex narratives, from the tension of Turkey's potential EU membership to internal upheavals in Greece. We discuss key figures, like Greek Prime Minister Konstantinos Karamanlis and European Commission President Roy Harris Jenkins, who played instrumental roles in this diplomatic dance. We also venture into the criticism, debates, and fears which swirled around Greece's union with the EU, worrying voices about potential loss of economic benefit, national sovereignty, and cultural identity. An entrancing look at the intricate, multifaceted journey of a nation, join us as we uncover Greece's footprint on the spacious landscape of the European Union — an unforgettable exploration of an event whose ripples still influence present - day narratives. 

Welcome to Sleep with History, your guide to the Chronicles of the World. We'll unravel the past events that altered the course of humanity forever. I'm Sarah Chance, your host. Before we begin, I wish to let you know that you can find our full range of relaxing shows covering topics such as mythology, psychology, science, classic books, meditations, and much more at our website. www.wisper.fm. New episodes of this show are released weekly, but with Whisper Premium, you don't have to wait. Consider subscribing to Whisper Premium to access our entire collection of sleepcasts,

bonus and extended episodes, all of which can be listened to without interruption or advertising. Sign up now to receive full early access to the current season. Greece, the progenitor of Western civilization, a place where once gods held court and philosophy found its first voice. Our historical exploration will illuminate an event of particular significance in Greece's more recent past, the year 1981, in the moment when Greece formerly became part of the European Union. A complexity of circumstances paved the way for this union. political aspirations, economic potentialities, and diplomacy. The way to Greece's entry had its trials and tribulations, victories and vicissitudes, but the spotlight of history shines ultimately on the pivotal moment

when Greece acceded to the European community. The nation formed an inevitable bond with the landscape of Western Europe that was to indelibly impact its future up to the present day. As we traverse this enriched terrain of past events, we'll tread upon the rich soil of Greece's historical legacy and witness a nation's ceaseless striving to align itself with a broader European framework. Europe during the aftermath of World War II was akin to a jigsaw puzzle, scattered into a thousand tiny pieces, each shard being evidence of the destructive conflict of the war, and the human lives snuffed out in the heat of battle.

Evidence of the shattered economies and the historical cities and monuments reduced to mere rubble. At that time, Europe yearned for unity for some semblance of collective identity and purposeful direction after the horrors which had carved deep ravines into her soul. That yearning found expression in the formation of the European Economic Community, EEC, in 1957, a cooperative venture connecting six nations, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. The EEC would form the bedrock of the present-day European Union, a brave vision of collective solidarity designed to bolster economic strength and champion democratic principles. As this nascent community of nations sought to mend what had been broken, to the far geographical

edge of this tangled continent, Greece was wrestling with its own share of existential quandaries. From the ashes of the devastating world war, Greece rose only to descend into the turbulent abyss of a civil war, a brutal confrontation between government forces and armed communist insurgents that racked the nation with violence and upheaval between 1946 to 1949. Emerging from the brackish waters of this internal conflict, Greece was thrown headlong into a tumultuous period of political unrest and economic turmoil. The specter of a military dictatorship further cast an ominous shadow over the country from 1967 to 1974, snuffing out the then-flickering embers of democracy. Freedom of expression was stifled. Human rights were trampled upon,

and the promise of a democratic nation seemed but a mirage in the harsh glare of autocratic rule. When the tides of history made an unexpected turn, Greece found herself stepping out from beneath the oppressive hold of a junta and into a new dawn of democracy. A yearning to retaliate against repression by propelling forwards, evolving and evolving. into a democracy, turned out to be one of the significant driving forces behind Greece's decision to join the EU. This urge stemmed from the tumultuous years in which autocratic darkness blanketed the country. Tortured by an invasive dictatorship where the essence of democracy was strangled and suffocated, Greece yearned to break free. The EEC was a beacon, with ambitions

and values mirroring the hallow democratic principles that had been so woefully trampled upon by the oppressive military junta. Hence, Athens decided to hitch its wagon to the star of the EEC, hoping it would carry the nation on a triumphant chariot towards a future enlightened by the spirit of democracy. Undergoing an economic upheaval following the tumultuous political unrest that had left deep furrows of instability across its landscape, Greece, feud the EEC as a conduit towards fiscal stability, a pledge towards free trade with other member nations and the promise of an economically stable environment. Hardened by shared

fiscal and monetary policies acted as irresistible lores for Greece, caught in a desperate dance with financial instability. The democratic system in Greece of the 80s was still in its fledgling stage, taking its first tender steps after breaking free from the United States. from the iron grip of dictatorship. This raised a series of practical and ideological hurdles. Among the many geopolitical matters taken into account, one stood sharp, that of Turkey. That Turkey might also be considered for EU membership was unpopular with the Greek majority. To join a tight-knit community of nations where its historical adversary was also a member,

struck a discordant note in the harmonious melody Greece was hoping to find in the EEC. But the profound understanding and acceptance of the great strides towards democracy and shared economic relations that lay within its reach nudged Greece to set aside its fears. In opposition to key figures who galvanized the accession of Greece, some argued that Greece's accession was hasty and contended that owing to the country's rather nascent expression of democracy, and its economically unsteady standing. Walking along this path was more a leap of blind faith than a balanced step forward. Others interpreted Greece's admission to the European Union as a political maneuver,

carefully hidden behind economic and political integration. This point of view held that the primary intention behind endorsing Greece's accession was the strategic desire to stabilize the nuanced, volatile atmosphere in the Aegean region. There's certainly merit in this argument, bringing a different hue to the multicolored mosaic of this historical event. Despite the numerous perspectives and criticisms,

the significant aspect remains that in 1981, Greece's accession signaled a seismic shift in the EU's expanding geopolitical footprint, showcasing its ambition to embody an overarching European identity, transcending national boundaries. More so, it represented a resounding acknowledgement of Greece's reignited spirit of democracy, honoring its struggle and perseverance to return to the democratic ideals birth on its very soil. Let us shed light on the central figures who played indispensable roles in shaping the contours of the period.

The first figure who stands center stage in this long-drawn pageant is Constantino's Caramanlis. the Prime Minister of Greece from 1974 to 1980. Born in the small village of Protee in the region of Sare, Paramonlees was molded by the intricate folds of Greek politics. Having served two significant terms as Prime Minister before 1981, Paramonlees became a champion of the cause, lauding the successful integration of Greece into the EU as an achievement of historic proportions.

Drawn into political life during the trial, times of World War II, Karaman Lees developed a keen understanding of balance and diplomacy, qualities that would later serve his ambitious objective of steering Greece towards the EU. Guided by the vision of economic stability and democratic evolution, he swam against the tide of political uncertainty and rampant economic instability, plaguing his beloved Greece. Karaman Lees' leadership founded on principles of pragmatism and strategic national development privileged long-term beneficial perspectives over transient trials and tribulations. His interests lay in achieving a balance, blending Greece's rich historical

identity with a future burgeoning on economic stability and democratic governance, a future he believed could be secured within the dynamic community of the EU. Paramount Lise, a staunch patriot, saw in the European Union an opportunity for Greece to rise from the ashes of economic and political chaos. He was an unwavering harbinger of change, a dynamic leader dedicated to providing Greece a place in a new world order. Our second illustrious character is Roy Harris Jenkins, the president of the European Commission from 1977 to 1981. Conversant with the complex maneuvers of politics, Jenkins, born in a Welsh mining village, emerged as a prominent figure in post-war British politics. His familiarity with coalitions and alliances prepared him well for his European role. The Union Jack of British politics flew at half-mast when Jenkins transitioned from London to Brussels to answer the European call of responsibility.

An intellectual stalwart, Jenkins played a crucial role in the development of the European monetary system and passionately believed in European integration, a belief further solidified when confronted with the spectacle of Greece's entrance into the EU. It was Jenkins who, charged with the responsibilities of his position, recognized the symbolic significance of welcoming Greece, the progenitor of Western civilization into the European fold. Jenkins realized that the intertwining of this land of ancient wisdom with the young dynamism of the EU was a potent symbol of cultural and historical continuity in the face of political change.

Jenkins, much like his Greek counterpart, was deeply dedicated to democracy. He envisioned the European Union as an archetypical democratic system. He opposed tyranny and extremism, which had overshadowed Greece for several somber years. Thus, when Greece stepped forward, Jenkins was among the key figures who stood in support. He worked in close cooperation with Karamannleys, fostering a relationship that guided Greece on the complicated road towards EU membership. Modern criticism of the Union contend that Greece's accession was premature, given its weak

economy and rather nascent democracy at that time. They argue the EU's laxity in enforcing compliance with the required criteria sowed the seeds of future economic struggles. Moreover, others posit that Greece's admission was more political machination aimed at stabilizing the Aegean region than a genuine effort to meet EU's primary intentions. Prior to the accession, those in opposition offered several arguments. One argument was that Greece's economy was not prepared to compete within the larger and more developed European market. They feared that opening the country to free market competition for more advanced economies would harm domestic industries, leading to job losses and a decline in local manufacturing.

The agricultural sector, a significant part of the Greek economy, was particularly highlighted, with concerns about the impact of competition from European agribusiness. There was also apprehension about the loss of national sovereignty, as decisions affecting Greek laws, regulations, and policies would increasingly be influenced by European institutions. Critics were concerned about the transfer of power from Athens to Brussels, fearing it could undermine Greece's ability to control its own economic and political affairs. Some opposition voices were worried about the potential cultural and social impact. of EU membership, including the erosion of Greek identity and traditions.

The integration into a broader European framework was seen by some as a threat to Greece's unique cultural heritage. Lastly, the transition to the EEC's regulatory and market norms required significant adjustments that posed short-term economic challenges. Critics pointed out the cost of these adjustments, including the need for significant investments, and infrastructure and industries to meet European standards which Greece was ill-prepared to afford at the time. These arguments came from various quarters, including certain political parties, trade unions, and segments of the population concerned

about Greece's readiness for integration and the potential impacts on the country's autonomy, economy, and social fabric. The Communist Party of Greece, KKE, was notably opposed to the EU accession, emphasizing the risk to national sovereignty and the interests of workers and farmers. The 1980s were a time of intense change for the country. Greece was a fledgling phoenix.

Her wings singed from fires long-raging, and yet, she was ready to ascend towards a loftier horizon, imbued with stability and democratic governance. In those transformative years, Greece caught sight of an enticing opportunity to align itself with a larger narrative, weaving across the European continent. Greece looked to the EEC, the precursor to the EU, a community representing not just economic cooperation

with the promise of political stability and shared democratic values. Unifying with the EEC offered Greece's promise. A road ahead to achieving stability, nurturing economic growth, and cementing her place in the pantheon of democratic nations. Joining such an alliance would not be an effortless glide upwards. Numerous factors conspired to weave the narrative of a session, political aspirations, economic potentialities, and diplomatic maneuvering.

It was confounding, intriguing, fraught with nudges and waivers, but at its heart lay a fascinating possibility, the intersection of an antiquity-stepped nation and a future-forward European collective. We've reached the end of another episode. Keep turning those pages of history with us. Don't forget to subscribe to sleep with history wherever you get your podcasts. After all, who needs the Sandman when you have the Athenians? Tune in next time when we unwrap another historic parcel from the vaults of time.

Goodbye for now.