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End of World War II in Europe
End of World War II in Europe. The continent is devastated. There are millions of people dead, injured or displaced. Six million Jews have been killed in the Holocaust. -
NATO creation
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO and OTAN in spanish) is created, an intergovernmental security alliance between the United States, Canada, and ten Western European countries. In 2020, NATO has thirty members, of which twenty-one are EU countries. -
Creation of the Council of Europe
Ten Western European countries create the Council of Europe to promote democracy and protect human rights and the rule of law. The European Convention on Human Rights enters into force on September 3, 1953 -
Plan for a new political cooperation in Europe
French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman presents a plan for closer cooperation. It proposes to integrate the Western European coal and steel industries. Later, the European Union begins to celebrate May 9 as "Europe Day". -
European Coal and Steel Community
Under the Schuman Plan, six countries sign a treaty to jointly manage their coal and steel industries. In this way, no country can produce weapons of war to turn against others, as in the past. These six countries are Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. In 1952 the European Coal and Steel Community was created. -
treaties of rome
Building on the success of the Coal and Steel Treaty, the six founding countries broaden their cooperation to other economic sectors, and formalize it by signing two treaties, creating the European Economic Community (EEC), and the European Energy Community. Atomic (Euratom). These organisms are born on January 1, 1958. Member countries: Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg. -
Birth of the European Parliament
The first meeting of the European Parliamentary Assembly, the forerunner of today's European Parliament, is held in Strasbourg, France, with Robert Schuman as elected president. Replaces the Common Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community, and is renamed the European Parliament on March 30, 1962. -
Creation of the European Free Trade Association
The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is created to promote free trade and economic integration between certain non-EEC countries: Austria, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Switzerland. As of 2020, EFTA members are Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. -
construction of the berlin wall
The East German communist government builds a wall across Berlin. It becomes a symbol of the separation between Eastern Europe and Western Europe during the Cold War. -
First common agricultural policy
The first common agricultural policy gives the EEC countries joint control of food production. There is enough food for everyone and the farmers have a good income. The unwanted side effect is overproduction, with large amounts of surplus. Since the 1990s, the priorities have been to reduce surpluses, increase food quality and promote sustainability. -
The EEC signs its first major international agreement
The six member countries sign the Yaoundé Convention to promote cooperation and trade with eighteen former colonies in Africa. The EU currently maintains such a special relationship with 79 countries in the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) regions and is working to build a closer partnership with Africa to address challenges common to both continents. -
Signature of the "Merger Treaty"
The Treaty merging the executive powers of the three Communities (the European Coal and Steel Community, the European Economic Community and Euratom) is signed in Brussels and enters into force on July 1, 1967. At that time, the European Communities has a single administrative arm (the Commission) and a single executive power (the Council). -
Student revolt in Paris
The student and worker riots in France shake the very foundations of the state. Milder student protests, reflecting frustration with governments, are taking place in other European countries, as are protests against the Vietnam War and the nuclear arms race. -
Beginning of the Customs Union
The six member countries of the EEC eliminate customs duties on products imported from one another, allowing free cross-border trade for the first time. They also apply the same duties to their imports from third countries. Trade between these six countries and with the rest of the world is growing rapidly. -
End of the Prague Spring
Soviet tanks crush the short-lived "Prague Spring" of the young Czechoslovak democracy. -
From six to nine member countries
The six members become nine when Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom formally join the European Communities. Member countries: Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg New member countries: Denmark, Ireland, United Kingdom -
The oil crisis reaches Europe
After the Arab-Israeli war in October, oil-producing countries in the Middle East impose large price increases and restrict sales to certain European countries. This creates economic problems throughout the EEC. -
New democracies in Portugal, Greece and Spain
The overthrow of the Salazar regime in Portugal and the collapse of the military regime in Greece in 1974, together with the death in Spain of General Franco in 1975, put an end to these dictatorships in Europe. The three countries commit to having a democratic government, an important step towards being a member of the European Communities in the future. -
Reducing disparities between regions
To show their solidarity, the EEC leaders agree to create a new main fund in the framework of European regional policy. Its goal is to transfer money from rich to poor regions to improve infrastructure, attract investment and create jobs. The European Regional Development Fund is created the following year. -
First direct elections to the European Parliament
European citizens directly elect members of the European Parliament for the first time. Previously, the deputies were delegates from the national Parliaments. Members are part of pan-European political groups, not national delegations. -
Shipyard strikes for workers' rights
Shipyard workers in the Polish city of Gdansk, led by Lech Walesa, go on strike to demand more rights. Other strikes take place across the country. The government capitulates and Solidarność is born as an independent union in September. The government gradually reasserts its power and imposes martial law in December 1981, ending Poland's brief contact with democracy, but the seeds are sown for the future. -
Greece becomes the tenth member country
Accession of Greece to the European Communities. Accession is possible thanks to the overthrow of the military regime and the restoration of democracy in 1974. Member countries: Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Ireland, United Kingdom New member countries: Greece -
First European research program
Computers and automation are changing the way we live and work. To stay at the forefront of innovation, the "Esprit" program was launched in 1984, the first of many research and innovation programs on a European scale. -
Two new members: Spain and Portugal
Entry of Spain and Portugal into the European Communities, which thus come to have twelve Member States. Member countries: Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Ireland, United Kingdom, Greece New member countries: Spain, Portugal -
towards a single market
Although tariffs were abolished in 1968, trade does not flow freely across borders between member countries. The main obstacles are the differences between national regulations. The Single European Act sets in motion a comprehensive six-year program to address these disparities and create a single market. The law, which entered into force on 1july 87, also gives more powers to the European Parliament and strengthens the powers of the European Communities in matters of environmental protection. -
Launch of the Erasmus program
The Erasmus program is launched to offer scholarships to university students who wish to study in another European country. Since then, the program has given more than ten million people the opportunity to study, train, volunteer or gain work experience abroad. -
The fall of the Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall falls and the border between East and West opens for the first time in twenty-eight years. Germany is unified after more than forty years of separation and its eastern part joins the European Communities on October 3, 1990. -
Yugoslavia Division
In the Balkans, Yugoslavia begins to divide. The ensuing wars claim tens of thousands of casualties and continue for much of the next decade. -
Maastricht Treaty
In Maastricht (Netherlands) the Treaty of the European Union is signed. It is an important milestone, setting clear rules for the future single currency, for foreign and security policy and for closer cooperation on justice and home affairs. The treaty, which enters into force on November 1, 1993, officially creates the "European Union." -
Launch of the single market
The single market and its four freedoms are established: the free movement of people, goods, services and capital. Since 1986, hundreds of legal provisions have been adopted in the fields of fiscal policy, economic activities, professional qualifications and other obstacles to the opening of borders. However, the free movement of some services is postponed. -
Creation of the European Economic Area
The Agreement creating the European Economic Area (EEA) enters into force, extending the single market to the EFTA countries. At present, people, goods, services and capital can move through the thirty EEA countries (EU-27 plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway). Switzerland does not participate in the EEA but has access to the single market. -
The EU has three new members: Austria, Finland and Sweden
Austria, Finlandia y Suecia se adhieren a la UE. Los 15 miembros abarcan ya casi la totalidad de Europa Occidental. Member countries: Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Ireland, United Kingdom, Greece, Spain, Portugal New member countries: Austria, Finland, Sweden -
Borderless movement begins in seven countries
The Schengen Agreement enters into force in seven countries: Germany, Belgium, France, Spain, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Portugal. Travelers can move between all of these countries without passport controls at the borders. In 2021, twenty-six countries are part of the passport-free Schengen area, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. -
Treaty of Amsterdam
The Treaty of Amsterdam is signed, building on the achievements of the Maastricht Treaty, which sets out plans to reform the EU institutions, give Europe a greater role in the world and devote more resources to jobs and citizens' rights. It enters into force on May 1, 1999. -
creation of the euro
The euro is introduced in eleven countries only for commercial and financial transactions. Bills and coins will arrive later. The first countries in the euro zone are Germany, Austria, Belgium, Spain, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Portugal. Denmark, the United Kingdom and Sweden decide to sit out for the time being. -
Tratado de Niza
EU leaders sign the Treaty of Nice. Its aim is to reform the institutions so that the EU can function effectively after reaching 25 member countries and prepare for the accession of the next big group of new members. Enters into force on February 1, 2003. -
Terrorist attacks in the United States
Varios aviones son secuestrados y estrellados contra las torres gemelas del World Trade Center, en Nueva York, y el Pentágono, en Washington. Mueren alrededor de 3 000 personas. Los países de la UE y los Estados Unidos se unen en la lucha contra el terrorismo internacional. -
Euro banknotes and coins begin to circulate in twelve EU countries
Los billetes y monedas en euros se convierten en moneda de curso legal en doce países de la UE (Grecia se adhirió a la zona del euro en 2001, así como otros países después de 2002). Su impresión, acuñación y distribución suponen una importante operación logística. Los billetes son los mismos en todos los países. Las monedas tienen una cara común y otra con un distintivo nacional. -
Operaciones de mantenimiento de la paz en los Balcanes
As part of its foreign and security policy, the EU begins peacekeeping operations in the Balkans, first in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (now North Macedonia) and later in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In both cases, EU-led forces replace NATO units. -
ten new countries
Cyprus and Malta join the EU along with eight Central and Eastern European countries (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland) ending the division of Europe after World War II.
Member countries: Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Ireland, United Kingdom, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Finland, Sweden
New member : Czechia, Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia -
EU Constitution
In France and the Netherlands, voters reject the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe, signed by the 25 EU Member States in October 2004. -
The EU welcomes Bulgaria and Romania
Two more Eastern European countries, Bulgaria and Romania, join the EU, which thus has 27 member states. Member countries: Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Ireland, United Kingdom, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Czechia, Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland , Slovenia, Slovakia New member countries: Bulgaria, Romania Candidate countries and potential candidates: Croatia, North Macedonia, Turkey -
Treaty of Lisbon
The 27 countries of the EU sign the Treaty of Lisbon, which modifies the previous treaties. It is designed to make the EU more democratic, efficient, transparent and capable of tackling global challenges such as climate change, security and sustainable development. All EU countries ratify the Treaty before it enters into force on December 1, 2009. -
World Economic crisis
A major financial crisis is shaking the world economy. The problems with mortgage loans in the United States begin. Various European banks are also experiencing difficulties. The crisis leads to closer economic cooperation between EU countries. -
Europe tackles the financial crisis
As a result of the economic crisis that began in 2008, several countries have problems with their public finances. The 16 EU countries that use the euro draw up a plan to help them deal with their deficits. The EU helps various countries to cope with their difficulties and establishes the banking union to create a safer and more reliable banking sector. -
The EU receives the Nobel Peace Prize
The European Union receives the Nobel Peace Prize at a ceremony in Oslo. The prize recognizes the contribution of the EU for more than six decades to the promotion of peace, reconciliation, democracy and human rights. -
Croatia becomes the 28th EU Member State
Croatia joins the European Union, becoming its 28th member country. Member countries: Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Ireland, United Kingdom, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Czechia, Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland , Slovenia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania
New member countries: Croatia
Candidate and potential candidate countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Kosovo*, Montenegro, Turkey, Serbia -
Terrorists attack in Europe
Several European cities, including Paris, Brussels, Nice, Berlin, London and Barcelona, become targets of terrorist attacks. The European Union and its Member States take action to address all aspects of the terrorist threat. -
More than a million people apply for asylum in Europe
By the end of 2015, more than one million asylum seekers had arrived in Europe. Many of them are fleeing the civil war in Syria and need international protection. EU leaders are intensifying their efforts to strengthen controls at external borders and reduce the number of asylum seekers through cooperation with neighboring countries such as Turkey. -
Paris Agreement on Climate Change
At a United Nations conference in Paris, 195 countries celebrate a new agreement on climate change, in which the EU plays a key role. It includes an action plan to limit global warming "well below" 2ºC compared to pre-industrial levels. -
The UK votes to leave the EU
In a referendum held in June 2016, 52% of UK voters voted for the UK to leave the European Union after more than 40 years as a member. The UK leaves the EU on January 31, 2020. -
Towards a climate neutral Europe
Public concern about the climate crisis is growing, fueled by a growing and active international youth movement. A new Commission takes office with its sights set firmly on making Europe climate neutral by 2050 through a new growth strategy, the European Green Deal. -
The COVID-19 pandemic and the road to recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a serious public health emergency and an unprecedented slowdown in the economy. The European Union and its member countries are working together to support healthcare systems, contain the spread of the virus and ensure vaccinations for people both in the EU and outside of it.