Which best characterizes Europe in the period between the signing of the Schuman Plan and the formation of the European Union?

The Schuman Plan, announced in 1950, proposed joint management of French and West German coal and steel, key resources for industry and war. It helped launch European integration, which expanded through organizations and agreements before the European Union was formed in 1993. Thus, nations took sizable steps toward cooperation, rather than rebuilding separately or focusing mainly on military strength.

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