For more than a thousand years, the history of the European continent has been characterized mainly by war. Even before most European countries could call themselves that, their major policies were militaristic in nature and focused on the acquisition of land and power. While this may have seemed like a good plan at first (probably because each empire or kingdom believed it would succeed in conquering the entire known world), nationalistic ambition and general hostility multiplied as Europe suddenly became he found himself with dozens of new countries. nations. Each new conflict caused another series of border disputes, fierce battles, economic wars, etc., and sometimes the balance of power was non-existent. To combat this problem, the leaders of major European countries, who had attempted to form unions such as the European Coal and Steel Community, the EEC and Euratom, decided to join any European country that wishes to participate in a union which will establish an effective balance, however this time it would unite the social, political, economic, scientific, humanitarian, environmental and any other issues they deal with (Nugent, 2). The creation of the European Union was therefore intended to achieve prolonged stability through forming a single body with several separate countries and freeing countries from self-interest while promoting future progress as a whole. The objectives of the European Union, as defined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, are to promote social and economic progress, combined with a high level of employment throughout the Union. The way it intends to do this is by creating a borderless area, allowing workers and trade to travel across its vast land mass ("Folketingets EU"). Now, one might ask… middle of paper… its neighbors and encourage a joint effort to progress in the future. Works Cited"EU admits Constitution is frozen." BBC News 21 September 2005: 1. Web. 29 February 2010. "European Union". New York Times 1. Web. February 26, 2010..Nugent, Neill. The government and politics of the European Union. 6. London: 2006. Print.Thomas, Jr., Landon and Thomas Castle. "European Union Moves Towards Greek Rescue." New York Times February 28, 2010, Print.Thomas, Jr., Landon and Thomas Castle. "European Union Moves Towards Greek Rescue." New York Times February 28, 2010, print."What is the purpose of the European Union." Folketingets EU. Oplysning, Web. 27 February 2010. .