After World War I and II, Europe was in ruins. In an effort to promote peace, stability, and economic cooperation, the European Union (EU) began to take shapein 1951 with the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). This initiative wasproposed in 1950with the aim ofcreating a common market for steel and coal across its member countries— France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg—and preventing future wars.
In 1957, these six countries signed the Treaty ofRome, leading to the creation of the European Economic Community (EEC). Its primary objective was to establish a common market by eliminating trade barriers and facilitating the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital among its member states. The EEC alsoaimed to promote growth and economic development throughout Europe. In 1967, the ECSC, the EEC, and the European Atomic Energy Community merged and eventually developed into the modern-day EU.
