After the Second World War II, several European countries wanted to unite to avoid war breaking out in the future. They decided to pool the materials used to wage war and created the ECSC.

Eureka: Creation of the ECSC

After WW2 several European   countries wanted to unite

to prevent a new war   from breaking out.

They decide to pool the materials used   to wage war and form the ECSC,

the first foundation block in   the building of Europe.

In 1950 the French minister   Robert Schuman

set out his plan on how   to build Europe.

He proposed a firm alliance with Germany

to bring the countries   closer economically.

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

Every European country   that wanted to join was welcome.

To enter this alliance,   countries had to hand over

some of their independence to   a higher authority.

Five countries were won over by   France's proposal.

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

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

Italy, the Netherlands,   Belgium and Luxembourg.

These countries shared their   coal and steel production and trade.

It was the first foundation block in   the building of Europe.

the six countries decided to extend their   partnership to cover the whole economy.

Five years later, the six countries created   an economic community.

In 1957 they signed an historic   agreement, the famous Treaty of Rome,

with the aim of creating   an area of peace and prosperity.