e U.S.
             CREATION OF THE EUROPEAN MONETARY UNION
             European integration goes as far back as 1951 with the European Coal
             and Steel Community. This was a common market in coal, iron, and steel
             products joining Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, and the
             Netherlands together. After 50 years and four waves, the European Union has
             continually grown to its current 15 country membership. Following the first six
             countries, were in 1973, Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom. In 1981
             Greece entered, 1986, Spain and Portugal and in 1995, Austria, Finland and
             Sweden. The EU is progressing with a fifth enlargement soon aimed towards the
             countries in Eastern and Southern Europe. With the introduction of the Euro, this
             completed the final stage of the EMU, which origins go back to March of 1957.
             ...