Enlargement to the south

Negotiations for enlargement


The changes in the political systems which occurred in Greece, Spain and Portugal in the mid-1970s allowed the European Economic Community (EEC) gradually to expand towards the Mediterranean Basin.


Nevertheless, considerable economic and social obstacles remained on the road towards the integration of those predominantly agricultural countries into a highly industrialised Community. Laborious negotiations and lengthy transitional periods were required before it became possible to admit the new members.

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