Greece Joins the EEC: What Happened
On 1 January 1981, Greece became the tenth member of the European Economic Community, the forerunner of the European Union. Greece had signed an association agreement with the EEC in 1961, the first country to do so, but the process was frozen during the military dictatorship from 1967 to 1974. After democracy was restored, Prime Minister Konstantinos Karamanlis made full membership his top priority, believing it would secure Greek democracy, strengthen the economy and anchor the country in Western Europe. Greece applied for membership in 1975, and the treaty of accession was signed in Athens on 28 May 1979. Membership brought major changes. Greek farmers benefited from European agricultural support, and the country received large amounts of European funding for roads, infrastructure and development over the following decades. Joining was controversial. The main opposition party, PASOK, led by Andreas Papandreou, initially opposed membership and called for a referendum, but it did not take Greece out once it came to power later in 1981. Greece became part of the European Union in 1993 and adopted the euro in 2001.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Greece join the EEC?
Greece became the tenth member of the European Economic Community on 1 January 1981, the first country to join after the dictatorships of southern Europe ended.
When did Greece sign the accession treaty?
The treaty of accession was signed in Athens on 28 May 1979, after Greece applied for membership in 1975.
Why did Karamanlis want Greece in the EEC?
Karamanlis believed EEC membership would secure Greek democracy, strengthen the economy and anchor Greece firmly in Western Europe.
Did everyone support joining the EEC?
No. PASOK, led by Andreas Papandreou, initially opposed membership and called for a referendum, but kept Greece in once it came to power.
How did EEC membership affect Greece?
Greek farmers benefited from agricultural support, and the country received large European funds for roads and infrastructure over the following decades.
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