What is the European Union?

The European Union is a big family of ... 27 countries!!!

Souce: European Union 2012

Like many families, it was small at the beginning, with only 6 members that had the idea to create a club of fellow countries, more than 60 years ago: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

But... How it began everything? In that period Europe was sad and broken. Two big world-wide wars had destroyed schools, houses and especially lives, dreams and illusions. All was grey. The Europeans deserved something better! And they decided that it was time to overcome the problems and to begin a new way together in peace. And the family of fellow countries was born!

Little by little the European Union has gone growing and new members have joined to the club. Now we are 27 countries; each one of us is different: some are big, other small, ones are richer and others no so much. Each country has its own culture and its languages, but we shared many things and… most important: we want to work together to have a better future in Europe!

If you want to know more about the European Union, visit the EU Kids Corner. It's a great site for children!

You can also download a colourful map of the EU and put it in your room.