Today the European
Union is most commonly known as a group of 27 European
countries that work together for common economic and political
goals. This may be true but unfortunately for some people
this is basically all they know about the European Union.
The use of a common currency might be one of the European
Unions greatest accomplishments however, it is only one
small step to understanding why it is so important. When
thinking about the intricacies of the European Union the
most important question to be asked is why. Why did the
European Union start, and why did these countries feel
that this would benefit the people the most. The first
small steps toward the union began after world war two.
The countries of Europe were shattered and broken after
the war. They thought that some kind of union would give
them hope that they could defeat the overwhelming hatred
that existed between many countries in Europe at this
time. The answer that they came up with was the European
coal and steel community. In this system the coal and
steel produced would be combined together under one higher
authority. This was the beginnings of the European Union.
Though it may not seem like much the original ideas are
still in use today. The European Union still works together
for the peace, prosperity and freedom for the 495 million
citizens. When we look back, this was the original goal
for Europe. The devastated countries of Europe found the
courage and boldness to work together to bring peace back
to a nation at war for the good of its people. This to
me is one of the most humbling acts a nation could do
for its people. When I think about the European Union
I no longer just think about the euro. I think about what
the euro has done for the people, and what the unity has
done for the people. The European Union has truly helped
to keep the people together in a safe and growing environment.
There has not been a war between the members of the European
Union in over sixty years. The single market also helped
to reduce prices, and open up opportunities for more then
two million students to study in another country. The
people of Europe have a true scene of unity. The European
flag consists of twelve golden stars arranged in a circle.
To The European Union this flag has a greater meaning.
The Circle of stars represents the solidarity and harmony
between the European people. But why are there twelve
stars? This is because the number twelve is commonly associated
with perfection, completeness and unity. This is something
I think that the European Union has succeeded in. The
European Union is slowly but surly picking up the pieces
of glass that were shattered many years ago.
