The history of the European Union (EU) begins in the aftermath of World War II, as European leaders sought to prevent future conflicts and rebuild war-torn economies through cooperation. The first major step came in 1951 with the formation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), which united six countries—Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany—in managing their coal and steel industries jointly.
This cooperation expanded in 1957 with the signing of the Treaty of Rome, creating the European Economic Community (EEC), aimed at establishing a common market and promoting economic integration. Over the decades, the EEC evolved through treaties and reforms, deepening political and economic ties among its members.
The term "European Union" was officially adopted with the Maastricht Treaty in 1993, which introduced new forms of cooperation in areas like foreign policy, security, and justice, as well as the foundation for a single currency—the euro. The euro was launched in 1999 and became physical currency in 2002.
The EU has continued to grow, expanding to include 27 member states as of 2020. It now functions as a political and economic union with its own institutions, including the European Parliament, European Commission, and European Court of Justice. The EU promotes peace, democracy, trade, and mobility across its member countries, though it has faced challenges, including Brexit and debates over national sovereignty.
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