The EU
How the European Union evolved from a six-nation club to a major global player
The Explanation · BBC World Service
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Show Notes
With its foundations in the ashes of World War II, the European Union was initially formed to avoid further wars and remove trade barriers. It grew from a six-nation club as the ECC in 1957, to today’s 27 members that covers much of the continent and has evolved to tackle contemporary issues such as mass migration, a global pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
In recent years, it survived a wave of Euroscepticism that led to Britain leaving (Brexit), but other member states have looked to reform from within, preferring to stay part of the larger bloc during uncertain times.
Katya Adler, the BBC’s Europe Editor, shares insights into the EU from its foundation to its contemporary challenges.