Reasons Why Spain Joined the European Union

Move Toward Democracy

Until 1975, Spain was ruled by fascist dictator General Franco. After his death, the country underwent a transition to democracy. It became a constitutional monarchy, with elections being held in 1977 and with the Constitution being ratified in 1978. The move to democracy saw Spain become less insular and more involved with the affairs of Europe.

The 1978 Spanish Constitution was the most significant factor in modernizing the country. Seeking a clean break from the right-wing dictatorship of Franco, the Constitution enshrined values of peace, liberty, democracy and cultural diversity. The preamble promised Spain would "collaborate in the strengthening of peaceful and efficient cooperation among all the peoples of the Earth," making integration with Europe an obvious goal.

Felipe Gonzalez became prime minister when his Socialist Party won the 1982 elections. He enacted a number of liberal reforms, including partially legalizing abortion, creating a social security system, increasing civil liberties and implementing universal free education for those 16 and younger. He also lobbied successfully for Spain to join the European Economic Community and to remain part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

The European Union at the time Spain joined existed primarily as a trading union, and better trade links were vital to the fragile Spanish economy. Unemployment was high, about 18 percent, and the Spanish GDP was 71 percent of the EU average. The single market and European funding offered a chance to bring the Spanish economy up to the standards of the rest of Europe, along with the support of Spain's wealthier neighbors. There was the promise of lucrative deals with influential countries such as the UK, which had joined in 1981.

Spanish society and infrastructure had fallen behind the rest of Western Europe during Franco's rule. Education was limited, women were largely excluded from the workforce, health care was largely privatized, and the country's infrastructure was poor. In 1985, Spain had only 1,300 miles of motorways. More people were leaving than there were coming into the country. Spain badly needed to modernize, and needed the support of the EEC to do so.