European Union: History, Growth, and Aims

• The EU is a supranational political and economic union of 27 member states.
• The EU has an estimated population of 450 million people.
• The European Union (EU) was created to promote peace, stability, and economic cooperation among European nations.

Preventing Future Wars

• After World War II, European countries wanted to avoid another devastating conflict.
• Stronger economic and political ties would make war less likely.

Economic Cooperation and Growth

• The EU started as the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1951.
• The ECSC ensured that war-related industries were jointly managed.
• In 1957, the Treaty of Rome created the European Economic Community (EEC).
• The EEC formed a common market to boost trade and prosperity.
• The EU created a single market allowing free movement of goods, services, people, and capital.
• It removed trade barriers and helped member economies grow together.

Political Unity and Stability

• The EU aimed to bring European countries together under shared democratic values.
• It promotes human rights, the rule of law, and good governance across member states.

Stronger Global Presence

• By acting as a unified bloc, the EU gives Europe a stronger voice in international politics and trade.
• It helps negotiate global agreements on climate, security, and trade policies.

Addressing Global Challenges

• The EU works together on issues like climate change, cybersecurity, human rights, and migration.
• Collective action makes it more effective than individual countries acting alone.

Importance for Human Rights Advocacy

• The EU is an essential target for human rights advocacy worldwide.

Economic and Political Leverage

• The EU is a major global economic force, accounting for around 14% of the world’s trade in goods.
• The EU and its member states provide approximately 60% of global Overseas Development Assistance.

Commitment to Human Rights

• The EU is committed to promoting international human rights standards worldwide.
• Article 3 of the Treaty of the European Union outlines the EU's external objectives.
• These include poverty eradication, human rights protection, and adherence to international law.

Support for Civil Society

• The EU is the world’s largest donor supporting human rights NGOs.
• Between 2021 and 2027, €1.511 billion was allocated globally for democracy and human rights promotion.
• This was primarily channeled through civil society actors.
• Programs like ProtectDefenders.eu offer direct support to human rights defenders, even in closed spaces.
• The EU-Egypt Strategic Partnership, signed in 2024, committed €7.4 billion in loans and grants to Egypt.
• Egypt is the EU’s largest trading partner in the region.
• Egypt contributes 0.7% of EU imports, while the EU accounts for 24.8% of Egypt’s trade.
• The EU often has greater leverage in partner countries due to its political and economic ties.

Explore the origins and evolution of the European Union (EU), from its early goals of preventing war after World War II to fostering economic cooperation and political unity among its member states. Learn about the EU's development from the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) to its current status as a supranational entity.