The European Union has its origins in the post-World War II desire to create lasting peace and cooperation in Europe.

The first step was the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), founded in 1951 to pool the coal and steel resources of six countries, including France and West Germany.

The goal was to make war between France and Germany 'not merely unthinkable, but materially impossible.'

The Treaty of Rome in 1957 created the European Economic Community (EEC), or 'Common Market.'

The EEC's goal was to create a single market by removing trade barriers and allowing the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people.

The community gradually expanded to include more member states from across Europe.

The Maastricht Treaty, signed in 1992, officially created the European Union (EU).

The treaty established the framework for a single currency, the euro, and expanded cooperation into areas like foreign policy and justice.

The EU is a unique economic and political partnership that has transformed Europe.

It has created a large, integrated market and has been a major force for peace and democracy on the continent, though it faces ongoing challenges.