Western European Union (WEU)

The Western European Union (WEU) was a defensive organization established in 1948 to promote collective security among Western European countries, mainly to counter potential Soviet threats during the Cold War. It coordinated military defense efforts and shared resources among member states. Over time, its role diminished as NATO became the primary security alliance for Europe. In 2011, the WEU was officially dissolved, with many of its functions transferred to the European Union or NATO. Today, it mainly serves as a symbol of European integration and cooperation on security issues.