CLASS 10 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE

European integration up to Maastricht – basic principles

How it works

European integration describes the process of political and economic cooperation among European states after the Second World War. Important milestones are the founding of the Coal and Steel Community (ECSC, 1951), the EEC (1957), the enlargements, the introduction of common institutions, and the Treaty of Maastricht, which was signed in 1992 and entered into force in 1993; with it, the European Union (EU) was founded and cooperation was extended to new policy areas. The goals were peace, economic prosperity, and political stability. The development was marked by crises, enlargements, and deepening.

Note
European integration took place step by step through treaties, institution-building, and enlargements, with economic and political cooperation at the forefront.

An example

Which treaty officially established the European Union?

The Treaty of Maastricht officially established the European Union. It was signed in 1992 and entered into force in 1993. Even before that, there were European communities and common institutions, but with this treaty cooperation was clearly expanded and extended to new political areas.

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Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: History. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.