Europe as a profit. Companies involved in European economic integration 1957-1990

The research project explores European integration between 1957 and 1990 from the
angle of corporate history. It seeks to overcome the prevailing top-down perspective
and analyzes the role of large corporations in the process of European integration.
We argue that corporations were drivers of market integration and cross-border
cooperation, as the profited considerably from the European market. Two case studies
will deal with corporate interests in different sectors. While the first case study
focuses on the rubber industry, a traditional industrial sector, the second study
analyzes the EBIC Group as a leading Banking Consortium.