The Success of the European Union

European Union became a very successful organization helping countries recover after wars as well as boost their economy and standard of living. At first the goals of the European Union where to unite fighting neighbours, now it is about uniting all European countries to preserve their culture and become a one big “family”. Looking at the quality of life in Europe I believe that the European Organisation has successfully achieved more than the goals that they have set. Rich countries set examples for poorer countries- which with a little bit of help manage to reach their level. European Union was created by Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Nederland and Italy in 1950 right after the WWII. They came together in order to create peace, clean up after the war and to stabilize the economy and politics. Few years later in 1957 the European Economic Community (EEC) or “common market” is created by the Treaty of Rome. In the sixties the European Union was making serious moves, first countries stop charging duties, when trading between each other, and then they had a joint control over food, so that everybody had enough eat. 1973 three countries join the Union; Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom. October 1973 a brutal Arab-Israeli war started, which resulted in an energy crisis and economic problems in Europe. The last right-wing dictatorships in Europe came to an end with the overthrow of the Salazar regime in Portugal in 1974 and the death of General Franco of Spain in 1975. After that the EU regional policy starts to transfer huge sums to create jobs and help the infrastructure in poorer areas. Soon after that The European Parliament increases its influence in EU affairs and in 1979 all citizens can, for the first time, elect their members directly. A few years later in 1981, Greece becomes the 10th member of the EU and Spain and Portugal follow five years later. In 1987 the Single European Act is signed- a treaty which provides the basis for a vast