The European Union (EU) is a unique economic and political partnership between 28 European countries that together covers much of the continent. It was created in the aftermath of the Second World War with a focus on promoting peace, security, and economic cooperation between its member states. The EU has evolved over the decades into a powerful institution that is now home to over 500 million people, with a single market and its own currency, the euro. In this article, we’ll be exploring how the European Union came into existence and the key steps that led to its formation.
The Origins of European Unity
After the devastation caused by the Second World War, there was a widespread determination amongst European leaders to ensure that such a conflict never happened again. This led to the formation of several organizations designed to promote peace and stability, including the Council of Europe in 1949 and the Western European Union in 1954. These organizations sought to foster closer ties between countries and to coordinate policies in areas such as defense and foreign relations.
The European Economic Community
The next major step towards closer cooperation came with the formation of the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957. The EEC was established with the aim of creating a single market between its six founding members (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands) by removing trade barriers and standardizing regulations. The EEC was also given the task of developing a common agricultural policy and eventually introducing a common currency.
The Single European Act
One of the key steps towards the establishment of the EU was the signing of the Single European Act in 1986. This Act amended the EEC treaty, introducing the concept of the “single market” and committing the member states to pursuing a more unified policy. This landmark agreement paved the way for the subsequent introduction of the euro currency, as well as for the establishment of the European Union as we know it today.
The Maastricht Treaty
The Maastricht Treaty was signed in 1992, making it the most significant document in the creation of the EU. The treaty set out the core principles of the union – namely, the freedom of movement of people, goods, services, and capital – and created the framework for closer economic and monetary union. This included the creation of the European Central Bank and the adoption of a common currency by all members of the union.
Enlargement of the Union
Since its inception, the EU has grown in size and strength, as a result of several rounds of enlargement. The first two expansions took place in 1973 and 1981, respectively, when Denmark, Ireland, and the UK joined the union, followed by Greece in 1981. This was followed by the accession of Spain and Portugal in 1986, and more recently of 13 more states from Eastern Europe in 2004 and 2007.
The European Union has come a long way since its inception in 1957. From its initial focus on creating a single market and standardizing regulations, to its transformation into a powerful economic and political bloc, the EU has demonstrated its commitment to bringing together its member states in pursuit of a shared vision. By continuously working towards economic and political unity and integration, the EU has established itself as one of the leading international organisations of our time.
