The European Union initially focused on free trade of coal and steel with the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community, leading to further economic integration and the creation of the European Union.
The two items that were the focus of free trade when the European Union was first created were coal and steel. This began with the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1951, which was a precursor to the European Union. After World War II, leaders of several European nations believed by integrating their economies—especially in coal and steel industries—they could prevent future conflicts. This integration evolved from a free trade association to a common market, and finally into the European Economic Community (EEC) and later the European Union. The EU introduced key elements such as the common currency, the euro, and worked to eliminate barriers for the mobility of goods, labor, and capital across member states.