When was the European Union (EU) founded?

The founding of the European Union (EU) is often marked by the signing of the Treaty of Rome on March 25, 1957, which established the European Economic Community (EEC). This event laid the groundwork for the EU as we know it today, creating a platform for economic integration and cooperation among European nations. Over time, the EEC evolved into the EU, expanding its scope beyond economic collaboration to include political, social, and environmental policies.

While the other years mentioned have significance in European history—1945 represents the end of World War II and the beginnings of European unity efforts, 1973 saw the first enlargement of the EEC with the accession of the UK, Denmark, and Ireland, and 1992 marked the signing of the Maastricht Treaty that established the EU and laid the framework for further political integration—they do not represent the year the EU was formally founded. Therefore, the year 1957 is accurately recognized as the point of origin for the European integration process that ultimately led to the creation of the EU.