1. Why the European Union? Peace The idea of a united Europe was once just a dream in the minds of philosophers and visionaries. Victor Hugo, for example, imagined a peaceful 'United States of Europe' inspired by humanistic ideals. The dream was shattered by two terrible wars that ravaged the continent during the first half of the 20th century. But from the rubble of World War II emerged a new kind of hope. People who had …showed first 75 words of 5251 total…

…showed last 75 words of 5251 total…The Convention on the Future of Europe completes its work on the draft European Constitution. 4 October Start of the inter-governmental conference that will draw up a new treaty embodying the European Constitution. 2004 1 May Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia join the European Union. 10 and 13 June The sixth direct elections to the European Parliament. 2007 Date set by the 2002 Copenhagen European Council for Bulgaria and Romania to join the EU.