Never again! In 1945, many politicians dreamt of a united Europe. They envisaged a new model of peace. Today, war in Europe seems impossible.

Eureka: Building the European Union

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/13698908/J003-0006-EN.srt

Today, war in Europe seems impossible   but that wasn't always the case.

In 1945, the WWII comes to an end.   Nazi Germany is beaten.

Europe is in ruins.   Everything has to be rebuilt.

This is when the first   European movement is born.

Many politicians dream   of building a united Europe.

This is not a movement of parties   but of people.

why not join forces with them   in the name of reconstruction

and find a way of bringing the French   and Germans together for good?

The idea could be perceived as naive   but it ends up being quite successful.

The governments of Germany, Italy,   the Netherlands and Luxembourg....

In 1949, the Council of Europe   is founded in London by 10 countries.

It is the birth of the first   pan-European assembly,

based in Strasbourg, symbol   of the new Franco-German peace.

The assembly promotes democracy   and human rights.

It's a forum for debate where different   visions of Europe are freely expressed.

Europe will not be built in a day   nor as part of some overall design;

it will be built   through practical achievements

that first create   a sense of common purpose.

dreams up a plan   for the construction of Europe.

He proposes a practical,   economic alliance with Germany.

The aim is to pool the materials   used to make arms and war in Europe.

Every European country   that wants to join is welcome.

To enter this alliance,   the nations would have to hand over

some of their independence   to a higher authority.

Five countries are won over   by France's proposal.

On 8 April 1951, the European Coal and   Steel Community is created in Paris.

The ECSC is made up of France,   the Federal Republic of Germany,

Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium   and Luxembourg.

The 6 countries share their coal and steel   production and trade.

It's the first foundation block   in the building of Europe.

the 6 countries decide to extend their   partnership to cover the whole economy.

On 25 March, 1957 they sign   the Treaty of Rome,

giving rise to the EEC,   the European Economic Community.

establish a strong union   between European countries

The foundations of   Europe are in place.

The 6 founding nations decide   to create a common market,

to lift the customs barriers,   and develop strong institutions.

They plan to open up their   community to other European countries

and build a peaceful   and prosperous union.

It takes 50 years to build,   and becomes the EU of today

with its 27 countries   and its 500 million citizens.