Celebrating 50 years of European Union

The Europe Union celebrates its 50th anniversary today. The EU has its roots in World War II, which was so cataclysmic that European leaders sought to find a way to avoid the possibility of such wars reoccuring. Thus, on May 9, 1950, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman made history by announcing a plan to control the forces of war. Schuman proposed to create a Europe where countries were economically and politically linked.

In 1951, six European countries signed the Treaty of Paris. France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Italy and the Netherlands formed the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).

In 1957, these six countries signed the Treaties of Rome, which set up the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom). The EEC began the task of integrating the European economies together and Euratom encouraged the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Collectively, the ECSC, EEC and Euratom became known as the European Communities.

In 1973, Denmark, the United Kingdom and Ireland joined the European Communities. Greece joined in 1981 and Spain and Portugal joined in 1986. In 1995, Sweden, Finland and Austria joined, making the present total of 15 members.

The Single European Act was signed in 1986, leading to the creation of a Single Market in 1993, which means the free movement of people, goods, services and capital within the territory of the Community.

The Treaty on European Union which was signed in Maastricht in 1992 and entered into force in 1993 overhauled the founding treaties. It created the "three pillar" European Union: the European Communities; a common foreign and security policy; and cooperation in the fields of justice and home affairs. The Treaty also included the decision to establish an economic and monetary union (EMU) with a single currency, the euro, in 1999.

In 1999, the Treaty of Amsterdam came into force. This Treaty continues the reforms of Maastricht and streamlines the EU's institutions ahead of a wave of new members, with 10 countries of central and eastern Europe, Malta and Cyprus seeking to join.

A look back over the 50 years of progress toward European integration shows the EU is a success. It all began on May 9, 1950, and this date is celebrated every year as "Europe Day". The EU emblem, with a circle of 12 gold stars on a blue background, was adopted in 1986 and symbolizes harmony and perfection. The EU anthem is an extract from the last movement of Beethoven's Ode to Joy. It is a tribute to liberty, community and peace, which was the aim of Europe's founding fathers.