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The beginnings of the European Union
(https://youtu.be/mwI2gXYaNpI)
It rise up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody conflicts that culminated in the Second World War, European politicians begin the process of building what we know today as the European Union. -
Period: to
Before the creation of the European Union
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NATO was created
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is stablished, an intergovernmental security alliance between the United States, Canada and 10 Western European countries: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States.
(https://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/nato) -
The Council of Europe was established
10 Western European countries created the Council of Europe to promote democracy and protect human rights and the rule of law. The European Convention on Human Rights came into force on 3 September 1953. -
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Creation of the European Union
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Birth of the European Parliament
(https://www.ab.gov.tr/files/ardb/evt/1_avrupa_birligi/1_1_tarihce/50_years_of_european_parliament_history.pdf)
The first meeting of the European Parliamentary Assembly, a forerunner of today’s European Parliament, is held in Strasbourg, France, with Robert Schuman elected President. -
The ‘Swinging Sixties’ a period of economic growth
The 1960s were a good period for the economy, helped by the fact that EEC countries stopped charging custom duties when they traded with each other. -
From 6 to 9 member countries
The 6 members became 9 when Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom formally joined the European Communities. -
First direct elections to the European Parliament
European citizens directly elected the members of the European Parliament for the first time. Previously members were delegated by national parliaments. -
Greece becomes the 10th country to join
Greece joins the European Communities. It has been eligible to do so since the military regime was overthrown and democracy restored in 1974. -
Two new members; Spain and Portugal
Spain and Portugal join the European Communities, bringing membership to 12. -
European Economic Area is created
The agreement establishing the European Economic Area (EEA) enters into force, extending the single market to countries in EFTA. Today, people, goods, services and capital can move around the EEA’s 30 countries. Switzerland does not take part in the EEA but does have access to the single market.
(https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/european-economic-area-eea-agreement.asp) -
The EU gains three new members; Austria, Finland and Sweden
Austria, Finland and Sweden join the EU. The 15 members now cover almost the whole of Western Europe. -
The euro is born
The euro is introduced in 11 countries for commercial and financial transactions only. Notes and coins will come later.
(https://european-union.europa.eu/institutions-law-budget/euro/history-and-purpose_en) -
Euro notes and coins launch in 12 countries
Euro notes and coins become the legal currency in 12 UE countries. Notes are the same for all countries. Coins have one standard side, while the other carries a national emblem.
(https://european-union.europa.eu/institutions-law-budget/euro/countries-using-euro_en) -
10 new countries
Cyprus, Malta, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia join the EU, finally ending the division of Europe after the Second World War. Also, candidate countries and potential candidates were: Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey. -
EU constitution
Voters in France and the Netherlands reject the Treaty establishing a constitution for Europe, which was signed by the 25 EU member states in October 2004.
(https://www.europarl.europa.eu/Europe2004/textes/2005-01-10-brochure-constitution-en-v02.pdf) -
The EU welcomes Bulgaria and Romania
Two more countries from Eastern Europe; Bulgaria and Romania join the EU, bringing the number of Member States to 27. Candidate countries and potential candidates to join; Croatia, North Macedonia, Turkey. -
Croatia becomes the 28th EU member
Croatia joins the EU, becoming its 28th member. Candidate countries and potential candidates to join; Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Turkey, Serbia. -
United Kingdom votes to leave the EU
In a referendum in June 2016, 52% of voters in the United Kingdom vote for the UK to leave the European Union after more than 40 years as a member. -
UK departs from the EU
The UK leaves the European Union after 47 years of membership, opening a new chapter in its relationship with the EU.
(https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_20_104)