in 1951, six countries made the "european coal and steel community", a basic version of what the eu is now. these six then went further and in 1957 they made the european economic community and the european coal and steel community. the uk and others decided not to join, and then when the uk changed its mind it was stopped from joining by french president charles de gaulle. when he was no longer president, the uk and others started to join. today there are 27 members but the idea that more should join is not seen as a good one by everyone.