Tens of thousands of lives were tragically and horribly lost in the pursuit of that aim. But how was lasting peace achieved between European countries that, for centuries, had been more used to resolving their differences through violence, war, and subjugation?
The European Community, established during the post-war years and now called the European Union, played a key role. Yes, NATO helped to protect us from external threats. But it was the European Union that brought sustained security and peace between its members.
By collaborating and cooperating, in peace and democratically, to decide on the running and future direction of our continent, European countries found and agreed solutions to common problems.
It worked. Never has a shot been fired between EU member states. An amazing achievement, for which the EU won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012. So, when people ask, ‘Why was the EU started?’ the answer, first and foremost, was peace. Yes, trade was one of the means, but peace was the primary goal. And it’s why Britain joined the European Community. To work together, peacefully and democratically, with our European allies to recreate our post-war continent based on democracy, human rights, free market trade and the rule of law.
Did people truly understand this when ticking the ‘Leave’ box in the 2016 referendum?
