In 1992, in Maastricht, the Netherlands, that the participants of the future euro zone signed the "Treaty on European Union."Thus arose the EU.The composition of this unique community now estimated 28 countries.The EU was created for the purpose of cooperation in the field of economics and politics.The move was intended to ensure greater welfare of the citizens and the peaceful resolution of potential conflicts.
all started with coal and steel
active integration processes in Europe developed in the fifties of the last century.In 1951 there was a Community of six countries (Italy, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Germany and the Netherlands), who joined the top three industries.Until then it was common currency is still far.The Common Market was erected on a strong foundation of metallurgical and coal industry.In March 1957 this association, as well as another supra-national industry alliance (nuclear energy) are the first components of the EEC.It was a community economic.It will take decades - and the process goes far beyond the boundaries of the industry.In the summer of 1985 the Schengen agreement on the free movement of people, capital and goods were swept customs barriers within the community.The final step in rallying the European powers and became the European Union, whose membership in the early twentieth century, enlarged at the expense of its neighbors to the east covered the desire for the unity of the world.
The ten new members
States joined the EU in turn for decades.By 2004, the composition of the European Union was: Italy, France, Malta, United Kingdom, Cyprus, Germany, Poland, Luxembourg, Spain, Hungary, Portugal, Austria, Greece, the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium.In 2004, these countries were joined by Slovenia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Sweden, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia.In 2007, two more countries - Bulgaria and Romania - joined the European Union.The composition of the community, so in a short time has grown considerably.This was due to the collapse of the Soviet Union.In 2013, the euro area is now Croatia.
the European Union: the composition is tested for strength
Today, a number of countries (such as Turkey) are candidates for EU membership.Despite the fact that in some countries there is quite a lot of opponents of the euro zone, none of its members did not leave the European Union.Composition of 2013 - it is not the final design.In a number of Eastern European countries are thinking about joining the euro zone: not now, but in the distant future.To become a member of the EU, it is necessary to meet the stringent requirements relating to human rights, democracy and maintain a high standard of economic achievements.EU accession should be preceded by several years of association with him.
New members can bring new problems.
discontent as opponents of the European Union, as a rule, due to the conditions of the financial markets, "debt slavery".Of the votes cast, and those who are concerned about the possible destruction of the national identity.Further construction of Europe will depend on whether European governments to take into account the interests of each sovereign nation.
