After the Second World War, Luxembourg became a leading player in international relations. As a founding member of most of the major international institutions – including the United Nations (1945), the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (1949), the Council of Europe (1949), the European Communities (starting with the European Coal and Steel Community in 1951) and then the European Union (1993) –, Luxembourg assumed a key role in European integration and multilateralism. Its constant aim has always been to maintain and strengthen the framework of international law as a basis for democracy, human rights and the values of freedom, peace and security worldwide. Luxembourg’s diplomatic apparatus serves the people of Luxembourg, the country’s institutions, the private sector and civil society by supporting and defending Luxembourg’s political, economic, business, cultural and consular interests abroad. ; Europe Direct Centre at the University of Luxembourg (EDIC)