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European Economic Community/Treaty of Rome
The Six (Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands) sign the Treaties establishing the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) in Rome; these treaties are then known as the ‘Treaties of Rome’. The EEC aims to create a common market a customs union plus free movement of capital and labour. To please France it also promises subsidies to farmers. Euratom's goal is the joint development of nuclear energy. -
Britain, Ireland and Denmark apply to join EEC.
The UK's decision to apply for membership of the EEC was taken by the government of Harold Macmillan a Conservative. It was not welcomed by French President Charles de Gaulle who saw it as a threat to his goal of using the EEC to amplify France's voice in world affairs. He was also concerned about the UK's close ties with the US. -
Britain, Ireland and Denmark join the European Community.
The three countries and Norway had failed to join 10 years earlier because of General de Gaulle's veto on British membership. This time all sign an accession treaty in 1972 but Norwegians reject it in a referendum later in the year. Denmark and Ireland hold successful referendums. The UK does not hold a referendum until 1975 after renegotiating its entry terms the result is twotoone in favour. This is widening integration due to the fact that they were the first to join the original six. -
Greece join European Union.
Another example of widening integration as Greece become the 10th member of the European union. Also an example of enlargement. -
The UK wins its budget rebate.
The UK won the rebate in 1984, after the then prime minister Margaret Thatcher threatened to halt payments to the EU budget. The UK was then the third poorest member of the Community but was on course to become the biggest net contributor to the EU budget. -
Portugal and Spain join the EC and the European flag is unveiled
Spain and Portugal joined in the same wave of enlargement as Greece.
