New Delhi, Feb. 22 -- The European Union was established in the 1950's by the European countries- France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Netherlands and Luxembourg. They knew that if they come together then the threat for constant wars amongst each other could end and they can grow and develop economically. Initially known as the European Economic Community (EEC), the EU was primarily a trade bloc of Western European countries. The 'big bang' enlargement of 2004 opened the doors of the European Union to Eastern Europe beyond the 'Iron Curtain'.

Since then, many countries of the Balkan region have applied for membership of the EU. The membership of the EU is contingent upon the country fulfilling a few criteria as stated by the Copenhagen Crite...