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After World War II the countries of western Europe wanted to avoid future wars. Some leaders thought that having their countries work together would help.

In 1952 six countriesFrance, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourgformed the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). The ECSC brought together the countries coal and steel businesses. It was a success.

The ECSC countries then looked for other ways to cooperate. In 1958 they set up the European Atomic Energy Community (also called Euratom) to produce nuclear power together. They also formed the European Economic Community (EEC). The EEC worked to get rid of taxes and rules that limited trade in Europe.

The ECSC, Euratom, and the EEC merged in 1967 to form the European Communities (EC). More countries joined the EC in the 1970s and 1980s. The EC was so successful in economic matters that its members started working together in other ways as well. In 1991 the members agreed to form the European Union. The EU was officially created in 1993. The EU added more members in the years that followed.

The EU currency, or form of money, is called the euro. It was introduced in 1999. Most member countries switched from their own currencies to the euro.

Read more from the original source:
European Union - Kids | Britannica Kids | Homework Help