New
New
Why was the EU formed?
I can explain why the European Union was formed.
Lesson 1 of 8
New
New
- Year 11
Why was the EU formed?
I can explain why the European Union was formed.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The EU formed through gradual supranational cooperation, with treaties promoting closer ties between Western Europe.
- Post-WWII there were a number of key treaties that lead to the formation of different unions.
- The formation of the EU has economic, security and social benefits for member countries.
Keywords
Cooperation - working together to achieve the same end
Union - the act of being joined together for political purposes
Common misconception
The EU is the same as the EEC.
The European Economic Community was formed first and is separate from the EU. The EU is the larger union of countries who cooperate on social, economic and security issues. The EEC is mostly focused on the economy of member states.
Use real-world examples to make abstract concepts more relatable. When teaching about the EU, security, and economic cooperation, try to use current events or historical examples that pupils can connect with.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A is a system of government in which citizens vote in regular, fair elections for representatives who then make laws and decisions on their behalf.
A is a system of government in which citizens vote in regular, fair elections for representatives who then make laws and decisions on their behalf.
Q2.Which of the following describes representative democracy?
Which of the following describes representative democracy?
citizens decide policy directly through votes or referendums on issues
citizens make all decisions themselves without elected representatives
Q3.Match the words to their correct definitions.
Match the words to their correct definitions.
Q4.Parliamentary is the principle that Parliament is the supreme legal authority in the UK. Parliament can create, amend or end any UK law.
Parliamentary is the principle that Parliament is the supreme legal authority in the UK. Parliament can create, amend or end any UK law.
Q5.Match the word to its definition.
Match the word to its definition.
Q6.What is this describing? A group of people who organise events or actions to achieve an aim, usually to influence public opinion and ultimately change local policy.
What is this describing? A group of people who organise events or actions to achieve an aim, usually to influence public opinion and ultimately change local policy.
political party
charitable organisation
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which event led to the formation of various unions post-WWII?
Which event led to the formation of various unions post-WWII?
the Great Depression
the Renaissance
Q2.Match the words to the correct definition.
Match the words to the correct definition.
Q3.What was formed first before the European Union (EU)?
What was formed first before the European Union (EU)?
NATO
UN
Q4.The EU is the larger of countries that cooperate on social, economic and security issues.
The EU is the larger of countries that cooperate on social, economic and security issues.
Q5.What is one of the benefits of the formation of the EU for Member States?
What is one of the benefits of the formation of the EU for Member States?
isolation from global trade
economic instability
Q6.The EU formed through gradual cooperation, with treaties promoting closer ties between Western Europe.
The EU formed through gradual cooperation, with treaties promoting closer ties between Western Europe.
