The European Union was born with the desire to end the frequent and bloody conflicts between neighbors that had culminated in the Second World War. In the 50s, the first step started in an economic and political union of European countries to achieve lasting peace, so that they won't fight anymore.
Its six founders are Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.
In the 60's comes the 'youth culture', fueled by bands like the Beatles that attract crowds of teenagers wherever they go, helping to stimulate a cultural revolution and widening the generation gap. It is a good time for the economy favored, among other things, because the EU countries didn't have to pay anymore on commercial transactions between them.
On January 1, 1973 Denmark, Ireland and the UK become part of the European Union, bringing the number of Member States rises to nine.
In 1981, Greece becomes the tenth member of the EU, and five years later, Spain and Portugal joined. In 1986, The Single European Act was signed;, treaty to eliminate borders and free movement of goods across EU borders, and gives rise, therefore, the 'single market'. In the same year, both Germany's opened their borders and unified.
In 1995, Austria, Finland and Sweden enter to the European Union.
Around the year 2000, ten new countries join the EU and the EURO started to circulate as the new monetary in the EU.
