Discuss the various steps that led …

Following attempts were made that led to the formation of the European Union in 1992.

1. Marshall Plan: Under this plan, America extended massive financial help for reviving Europe’s economy.
2. NATO: America created NATO as a new collective security structure.
3. OEEC: Under the Marshall Plan, the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation was established in 1948 to channel aid to the West European states. It encouraged cooperation on trade and economic issues.
4. Council of Europe: It was established in 1949 for political cooperation.
5. European Economic Community. It was formed in 1957.
6. European Parliament: Economic integration took a political dimension in the form of the European Parliament.
7. European Union: The disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to the formation of the European Union in 1992. Its aim was to have a common foreign and security policy, cooperation on justice and home affairs, and the creation of a single currency.