-
end of WW 2
(creation of UN) -
cold war
Political tensions between eastern and western Europe over ideology, economics and government. (the following descriptions were taken from "Europa.eu") -
Formation of the ECSC
Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, sign a treaty to create a European institution that would pool and manage coal and steel production. -
Treaty of Rome
The 6 founding states sign the Treaties of Rome, creating the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), and the European Economic Community -
Merger Treaty
unified the executive institutions of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) and the European Economic Community (EEC). -
First EU enlargement
Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom join the European Communities, marking the first enlargement. -
First European elections
For the first time, European citizens can vote for who they want to represent them in the European Parliament. -
Greece enters the EU
-
Schengen Agreement
gradually allows people to travel without having their passports checked at the borders. -
Spain and Portugal join the European Communities
-
Treaty of Maastricht
It is a major milestone of the European integration. -
Austria, Finland and Sweden join the EU
-
Treaty of Amsterdam
is signed in the capital of the Netherlands. It prepares the European Union for the arrival of future Member States. -
The euro
Euro notes and coins become the legal currency in 12 EU countries. -
Treaty of Nice
The main purpose of the Treaty was to facilitate the major EU enlargement (10 new states) which was to follow. -
Ten more countries join the EU
The addition of Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia -
Constitutional treaty
Draft treaty establishing a constitution for Europe (not ratified). -
Bulgaria and Romania join the EU
-
Economic crisis
A major financial crisis hits the world economy, triggering a recession. -
Croatia joins the EU
-
UK leaves the EU
