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Europe

The European Union Turns 50

Plakat 50 Jahre Römische Verträge EU hat Geburtstag

On March 25, 1957, the leaders of Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands signed the Treaty of Rome. It joined the six countries in the European Economic Community, which has since grown to the 27-member European Union.

After two world wars and centuries of conflict in Europe, the bloc has brought peace and stability to the continent.

While many EU citizens still haven't developed a European identity, their leaders will gather in Berlin over the weekend to celebrate the historic achievements of the union, which was created half a century ago.

Find out more about the European Union's beginnings and its present and future challenges in this special DW-WORLD.DE dossier.

Future

"Without Values, This EU Has no Future"

DW-TV talked to Hans-Gert Pöttering, the likely new president of the European Parliament, about the German EU presidency, the chances for an EU constitution and his plans as leader of the bloc's legislative. (06.01.2007) 

Europe Seeks to Cut EU Red Tape

The European Union's 27 nations have supported a move to reduce the burden of EU paperwork for companies by 25 percent by 2012, while stopping short of making promises on national bureaucracy. (24.02.2007) 

Barroso: "Europe is a Success of Globalization"

As it celebrates its 50th anniversary, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso talked about what the EU has achieved and why it should be confident about accomplishing more in the future. (23.03.2007) 

Opinion: The European Dream

The EU remains abstract for many of its citizens, who see it as a bureaucratic monster that does away with national identities. But they should really be grateful for the union's invention, writes DW's Bernd Riegert. (22.03.2007) 

The EU in Search of a Second Life

Bureaucracy in Brussels, strife in the Balkans and a disinterested constituency in most places in between -- that's reality in the EU. Now the bloc thinks a parallel existence in cyberspace might be preferable. (13.03.2007) 

Present

EU Ponders More Questions Than Answers Amid Celebrations

The European Union celebrated its 50th birthday on Sunday, but critics said a much publicized statement marking the occasion papers over the cracks and the divisive differences over how to meet new challenges. (26.03.2007) 

EU Leaders Adopt 50th Anniversary Berlin Declaration

European Union leaders adopted Sunday a 50th anniversary declaration setting 2009 as the deadline for preparing a new treaty, following the failure of the bloc's constitution. (25.03.2007) 

Text of the Berlin Declaration to Mark 50 Years of the EU

Declaration on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the signature of the Treaty of Rome. (25.03.2007) 

Not Yet in Full Bloom, but a European Identity Is Growing

Europeans are both citizens of their own countries, and citizens of a European supranational union, the EU. Which do they feel a real part of? Surveys show increasing numbers feel allegiance to both. (24.03.2007) 

Finding Faith in the EU Constitution

What roles does Christianity have in the EU constitution? It's an issue that divides member states down the middle as they work towards ratification. (24.03.2007) 

Barroso: "Europe is a Success of Globalization"

As it celebrates its 50th anniversary, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso talked about what the EU has achieved and why it should be confident about accomplishing more in the future. (23.03.2007) 

Europeans Speak Out on European Identity

They're French or Finish, Estonian or Portuguese, but do Europeans also feel European? DW-WORLD.DE spoke with a handful of people with international backgrounds about their own European identity. (22.03.2007) 

Symbolizing Europe: The EU's Flag, Anthem, Holiday and Motto

Have you ever wondered why the EU flag only has 12 gold stars when there are 27 member states? Read on to learn more about the European Union's symbols. (22.03.2007) 

Most Europeans Feel Happy, Surveys Show

Two EU reports released this week show most Europeans are happy with their lives, despite social challenges facing the 27-nation bloc. Danes tops the happiness scale while Bulgarians say they have little reason to smile. (27.02.2007) 

Berlin Walks Tightrope in Search of EU Anniversary Text

A spat between London and Luxembourg about the euro has highlighted the problems the German EU presidency faces in devising a celebratory declaration for the 50th anniversary of the bloc's founding treaty next month. (25.02.2007) 

"The EU's Premier Foreign Policy Is Enlargement"

EU foreign policy boss Solana Javier will receive a peace prize during the Munich security conference, which opens Friday. DW-WORLD.DE spoke to an analyst about the challenges to the bloc's security and foreign policy. (09.02.2007) 

Past

The Day the EU Was Born

On March 25, 1957, representatives of the six founding countries met in the Italian capital to sign the Treaties of Rome, the cornerstone documents of what would become the European Union. (22.03.2007) 

Founding Fathers: Europeans Behind the Union

For many, it's hard to image a Europe without the euro, open borders and the blue flag with 12 gold stars. Names like Churchill, Schuman, and Monnet are inseparable with today's unified Europe. (22.03.2007) 

WWW Links

EU Turns 50

Find out more about the EU and celebrating its birthday on the union's official Web site. 

Audios and videos on the topic

Listen to DW-RADIO's special report on the EU's 50th anniversary

Listen to a report on the Treaty of Rome

Listen to an audio version of DW-TV's interview with EU Commission President Jose Barroso

Listen to the European anthem

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