Final answer:
The EU gained an edge in creating a common market initially through the establishment of a free trade association that evolved into a common market, leading to enhanced economic integration and the introduction of the euro.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the first factors that gave the European Union (EU) an advantage in becoming a common market was the establishment of a free trade association post-World War II. This initial step laid the groundwork for a more unified economic approach among European countries. It evolved into a common market, fostering economic cooperation to prevent future conflicts.
The EU's transformative journey saw the development of a single currency, the euro, enhancing financial integration by replacing national currencies like the German mark and the French franc. Moreover, a crucial aspect of the EU was to eliminate barriers to the movement of goods, labor, and capital, effectively allowing for a more fluid and cohesive European economy.