In 1972, the European Commission commissions a study group to draw up a report on the possibilities of establishing a European economic and monetary union. In March 1973, the group of experts submits its analysis on the economic integration and monetary unification of Europe.

In October 1973, the Magnifico Report is published, following a study conducted by experts appointed by the Commission of the European Communities under the leadership of Professor G. Magnifico. The report, drafted under the aegis of the Commission’s Directorate General for Economic and Financial Affairs, focuses on the issue of European economic integration and monetary unification.

In connection with reflections on European monetary revival, the Committee of Governors of the Central Banks appoints a group of experts chaired by F. Heyvaert (the Heyvaert Group) to analyse the French proposals on the European Unit of Account and to sketch out possibilities for its potential revision. The Heyvaert Group’s report is published on 3 December 1974.

In 1974, the European Commission signalled its intention to set up a study group to draw up a report on the progress made towards economic and monetary union. On 8 March 1975, the group of experts, known as the study group ‘Economic and Monetary Union 1980’ and chaired by Robert Marjolin, submits its report. This document, called the ‘Marjolin Report’, sets out the main factors that contributed to the Werner Plan being put on hold.

On 29 December 1975, the Belgian Prime Minister, Leo Tindemans, publishes his report on European Union, drawn up on the basis of instructions given by the Nine at the Paris European Council of 9 and 10 December 1974.

In this interview, Leo Tindemans, former Belgian Prime Minister, describes how he was appointed by his peers, at the end of the Paris Summit of 9 and 10 December 1974, to draw up a report on European Union and how he selected the team of people to support him in this task.

On 16 January 1976, the Optica Report 1975 is published (‘Optica’ for ‘Optimum Currency Areas’). This report is the result of a study carried out by experts appointed by the Commission of the European Communities to examine the concept of an optimum currency area in Europe.

In April 1977, a group of experts appointed by the Commission of the European Communities and chaired by Donald MacDougall presents the first volume of its report on the role of public finance in European integration.

In April 1977, a group of experts appointed by the Commission of the European Communities and chaired by Donald MacDougall presents the second volume of its report on the role of public finance in European integration.