The European Union, initially called the European Economic Community, was born after World War II out of determination to avoid another catastrophic war on the European continent. Six countries -- Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg -- signed the founding Treaty of Rome in 1957. The EU now boasts 27 national states, including 10 new democracies that were formerly under the Communist umbrella.

Description based on print version record.

Europe and the European Union -- History of the EU, 1950-1993 -- History of the EU, 1990--today -- How the EU decides -- The European economy -- Food, agriculture, and the environment -- People and culture -- The EU on the world stage -- The EU : past present, and future.