Starting with Single market
If I get anything wrong or miss something can you but in please?
1957. EEC formed Treaty of Paris. Enshrined the Single Market.
Germany's economy has whizzed off as a result of 2 things.
1. It invested loans from the Marshall Plan into its industrial base.
2. It operated a strict monetary policy based on price stability - as a result of its experience of hyperinflation in the 30s. Germany to this day continues with this policy, which I think is why so many of the EU countries have problems with Germany as they are culturally and economically opposed to this economic model.
What I don't get at this point is that Germany, whose economy was more stable even than the USA, could have presumably become once again a world power, but instead chose to shackle itself to Europe.
However back to 1957 Plan for an internal market. 6 countries joined initially, with us knocking on the door. I am beginning to understand a bit why we were rejected. The EEC was formed as a reaction to Americas Bretton Woods plan. Europe and in particular France have always been keen to distinguish itself from USA. Briton has always tended to face across the Atlantic, and so I think was mistrusted by France in particular.
Single Market based on 41/2 freedoms of movement. Actually it's 4 but you will see what I mean in a minute.
1. Goods - a customs union is formed
2. Capital - self evident
3. People - initially only the economically active. The non economically active were added later - allowing us freedom to roam?
4. Services added later and
41/2 Establishment which means that the self employed can establish themselves anywhere in the EU.
There are plans in line to have a Digital Single Market
So now I have turned to the House of Common Library notes to look at the Economic Impact of EU membership on UK. That's the next lot of stuff.