1993 The establishment of the EU

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The European Union (EU) was founded as a result of the Maastricht Treaty on Nov. 1, 1993.

It is a political and economic union between European countries that sets policies concerning the members’ economies, societies, laws, and security.

During the Cold War, Europe divided into Soviet Union dominated eastern blocs (East Europe) and the democratic western bloc (West Europe). After the Reunification of Germany, thoughts of create a federal European union appeared. West Europe decided to bring Germany into pan-European democratic institutions, in order to make sure Germany wouldn’t be able to start a new war and would resist the expansion of the communist from Soviet Union. Moreover, Germany was one of the most important members that participated in the establishment of the EU.

The establishment of the EU advanced European integration, it was seen as a way to balance the influence of Russia and the U.S. It is also a good way to develop the economy by currency integration between EU members. Since then, the European Union is seen as an important power through the globalization. (“Wilde, Robert. “The History of the European Union” ThoughtCo., Accessed 13 June 2020.)