The European Union grew out of which initial organization?

The European Union evolved from the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), which was established in 1951. The ECSC was one of the first steps toward European integration, created to promote economic cooperation and prevent the potential for conflict between France and Germany following World War II. By managing coal and steel production, the ECSC laid the groundwork for broader economic collaboration and political stability in the region.

The success of the ECSC led to further agreements and the formation of additional organizations, ultimately culminating in the creation of the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957 and the European Union in the 1990s. This history of gradual integration reflects the foundational role that the ECSC played in fostering cooperation among European nations, which later expanded to encompass various areas, including trade, common policies, and institutional governance.