The EU’s Integration Strategy and Perspectives. An Economic and Financial Analysis from 1999 to 2024

Since the Maastricht Treaty, European countries have been developing an integration strategy within the European Union. This process has been long and complex, due to the differences among the countries involved, and remains incomplete. Currently, the EU member states have adopted a single currency, share a unified monetary policy, and follow a regulatory framework that applies to all member states, as well as to candidate countries seeking to join the European Union. The concept of creating a unified market and economic bloc dates back to 1949, when the statute of the European Council emphasized this strategy’s role in safeguarding common ideals and principles among member states and supporting the region’s growth. This chapter will consider the evolution of the EU since 1999, focusing on economic trends, international trade, monetary policy, and financial integration strategies. Based on official data provided by Eurostat, the analysis will highlight differences in economic fundamentals among member states and examine the disparities in economic development among countries planning to join the union in the coming years. The analysis will be supported by macroeconomic data to clarify the economic significance of the policies and decisions adopted.