The history of the European Union began after World War 2 when Europe was divided between Western and Eastern blocks. In 1951, six countries formed the European Coal and Steel Community to promote trade and rebuild after the war. This led to the formation of the European Economic Community in 1957 to create a single market. The European Union continued expanding to include more member states over time and implemented policies like the Euro currency and allowing free movement between countries. Key treaties and agreements helped further European integration and cooperation.

1. The history of European Union
by Izzo Gabriele and Mazzini Filippo

2. Europe at the end of second global war
Europe was destroyed and politicaly broken in two blocks because of the
second global war
The west block
was
democratic there was a
dictatorship
in the east block
which was under the influence of the
Sovietic Union
and under the influence of the
United States

3. The Economic Community of Coal and Steel
(C.E.C.A.)
1951: Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg
founded the C.E.C.A. to promote the production and business of coal and steel
and to rebuild Europe destroyed because of the war

4. The European Economic Community
For the most good results of C.E.C.A. the six foundator states formed the C.E.E.
to create a single market
where merchandisings, money and people can move on clearly
1957 - six foundator states
1973 – United Kingdom,
Irish and Denmark
1981 - Greek
1986 - Spain and Portugal
1995 - Austria, Sweden
and Finland
1 - Estonia, Latvia,
Lithuania, Poland,
Czech Republic,
Slovakia, Hungary,
Slovenia,Cyprus and Malta
2007 - Romania and Bulgaria

5. The Treaty of Maastricht
With the Treaty of Maastricht, in 1990, born the European citizenship
which affords the free circulation in all the countries which belong to the
Schengen Space.

6. The Constitution
The first european constitution was written in 2004
France and Netherland not approved it
So in 2009 was rewrite the text of the first constitution: the Treaty of Lisbon
approved also from France and Netherland

7. 2002: the single currency
The creation of EURO as a single currency was necessary
to get easy commercial exchages and travels.
United Kingdom, Sweden and Denmark have preferred to
postpone the adoption of the euro

8. The flag
•Stars = the Countries of the Union
•Circle = cooperation and equality
The anthem
Ode to joy: composed by Ludwig Van
Beethoven as an ode to peace
and brotherhood