What is it?

The European Union(EU) is a international economic and political partnership between 27 European countries. It created half a century of peace and prosperity, raised living standards, launched the euro, and free travel between most EU states.$^1$

Goal

The goals of the European Union is sixfold. These are the goals:$^1$

• Maintain and build peace in Europe.
• Cooperation between EU member states.
• Security for all EU citizens.
• Economic and social solidarity
• Preserve European identity and diversity.
• Promulgate European values.

History

In 1951, the European Coal and Steel Community was set up to manage coal and steel across Europe. These were the primary resources used in wartime.$^1$

In 1957, the same six countries signed the Treaties of Rome, setting up the European Economic Community(EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community(Euroatom).

In 1973, the communities expanded to 9 member states and introduced common policies.

In 1979, the first direct elections for the European Parliament took place.

In 1981, the first Mediterranean enlargement happened.

In 1992, the European single market came into existence.

In 1993, the treaty of Maastricht was signed, bringing the EU into existence.

In 2002, the euro went into circulation.

In 2007, the EU had 27 member states.