How did the European countries resolve their post-Second World War problem? Briefly outline the attempts that led to the formation of the European Union.

Question

Philoid · Accepted Answer

After the second world war, the European economy was aided by the cold war. Under the Marshall Plan, US extended massive financial support to the European economy.

• Under the Marshall Plan, the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation was established in 1998 channelling aid to the western European states. Its members were- France, west Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

• Another way forward in political cooperation was the formation of the Council of Europe in 1949. The European Parliament was formed.

• In 1973, Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom joined the European Committee.

• In 1981, Greece joined EC.

• The Schengen agreement abolishing border controls among the EC members was signed in 1985.

• In 1986, Spain and Portugal join EC and in 1990 Germany is unified.

• The Treaty of Maastricht was signed in 1992 establishing the European Union and a single market was created.

This is how the European Union was formed.