This chapter discusses the story of European integration in what is known as the European Union. The decision in 1951 by six European nations to pool coal and steel production under a common authority-the European Coal and Steel Community-marked the beginning of European integration. French...

For the latest thinking about the international financial system, monetary policy, economic development, poverty reduction, and other critical issues, subscribe to Finance and Development (F and D). This lively quarterly magazine brings you in-depth analyses of these and other subjects by the...