Synopsis
Nations of Europe are well on the way to becoming a powerful "united states" of Europe by joining forces within the European Union. Rather than fighting wars among themselves, most European nations have decided that they will be better off economically, politically, and socially if they work together. The people of France, Spain, Poland, Sweden, Italy, Germany, and many other nations are now "citizens of Europe."
Rebecca Watson - Children's Literature
In the fall of 1946 much of Europe lay in ruin. Not long after the end of World War II, two Frenchmen, Monnet and Schuman, reasoned that coal and steel were the raw materials of war—and that keeping track of their production and usage would make it very hard for one country to stockpile weapons for use against another. Five other countries accepted the proposal to form the European Coal and Steel Community, and the seeds of the European Union were sown. This book covers the history, formation and current organization of the European Union. Included are interesting true stories told from the point of view of children living in the EU on subjects such as the EU handling of Mad Cow disease and the current Muslim-Christian conflict in Cyprus. Subjects such as the European Court of Justice and changes in standards of living are considered in the context of these stories. The text is accompanied by colorful maps and photos and insets on such topics as the invention of Bic pens and Switzerland's decision not to join the EU in order to remain neutral. There is a short glossary, a bibliography, and an index. This book is part of the "International Organizations" series by World almanac Library. 2004, World Almanac Library, Ages 10 up.