Page 149 - Key to Social Studies 5

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Europe before and after the Establishment of the EU

Europe before the Establishment of the EU

After World War II, most of the European countries were devastated and their economic situations were

in a bad state. Consequently, Winston Churchill, Britain’s leader at the time, argued in favor of creating

what he called the “United States of Europe,” which he thought would be a great help and solution to the

European problems.

The rst step in developing the EU was created by The Hague Congress that was held in 1948. The

establishment of the College of Europe was suggested, where Europe’s potential and future leaders can

study and live together.

Europe after the Establishment of the EU

The Treaty of Rome was the treaty that created the EU and six countries signed it: Belgium, France, Italy,

Luxembourg, Netherlands, and West Germany.

Later, the EU expanded and other countries joined, and the rst direct elections to the European

Parliament were held in 1979.
Building of the European Union

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