Issue date: 12 Jun, 2010
On June 12th 1985 the Spanish Government signed, in the Hall of Columns of the Palacio Real in Madrid, the adhesion contract to the European Economic Community (EEC). On that same day, Portugal also signed its own accession.
Both countries became full members on January 1st 1986 summing up to the CEE twelve member states: Germany, Belgium, France, Holland, Italy, Luxemburg, Denmark, Ireland, United Kingdom, Greece, Spain and Portugal. In later years, further enlargements have increased the member countries to 27. After the incorporation of Spain to the CEE there came a period of economic prosperity and the development of the country’s infrastructures.
The main objective of the EEC was a common market based in economy and trade that would develop in time into a single market through a standardized system of laws which apply in all member states, ensuring the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital. In 1993 the CEE changed its name to EU (European Union) and in the XXI century, with a population of nearly 500 million people it developed a common policy in agriculture, technological innovation, environmental protection and social welfare. It also promotes research and development under the premise of peace and freedom.
One of the main economic achievements of the EU was the creation of the Euro as a single currency. In 2002 the Euro was issued and is now the currency of 16 member countries.
The EU is governed by the following institutions: The European Parliament, the European Council, the European Commission and the Court of Justice. The institutions of the EU operate solely within those competencies conferred on it upon the treaties and they have evolved to adapt to the circumstances of the time. Since Spain joined the EU in 1985, it has held the Presidency on four occasions: first half of 1989; second half of 1995; first half of 2002 and first half of 2010. This post is a rotating one and is held over periods of six months by member countries.
Rate A - €0.75. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, up to 20 g.
Rate A2 - €0.85. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, between 20 g and 50 g.
Rate B - €1.65. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to Europe (including Greenland), up to 20 g.
Rate C - €1.75. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the rest of the world (except USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand), up to 20 g.
Rate D - €2.10. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, up to 20 g.