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ENDS WORLD WAR II
In 1945 the Nazis finally surrender and the World War II ended. -
STARTS EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY (EEC)
The idea to make the European Union came after two big wars happened in Europe.
Countries in Europe saw that it is better to work together than fighting against each other.
In the beginning, only 6 countries started working together in what they called European Economic Community: Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.
Soon, more and more countries in Europe joined them
and the European Union was made. -
SPAIN JOINS THE EEC
When Spain finally achieves to be a democracy, it does all that is necessary to join the EEC. This becomes possible in 1986. -
SCHENGEN TREATY
The European Union made the ‘Schengen Area’. The Schengen Area is an area without borders.
In this area, people can travel from country to country freely and easily.
They do not have to go through checks and controls
when they pass from one country to another. Thanks to the Schengen Area, it is now easier for people
to travel for work or tourism. The Schengen Area was made in 1985.
Today 22 out of the 27 countries of the European Union
are part of the Schengen Area -
MAASTRICHT TREATY - EU
With this treaty, the EEC becomes the European Union. They change laws and adapt them up to the moment.
They also take the decision to create a common currency, the euro €. -
THE EURO
Most countries that are part of the European Union use the same coin.
This coin is called ‘Euro’.
Using the same coin helps countries
in the European Union to do business together.
For example, people from Spain
can buy things they want from Belgium
easily and without extra costs.
Using the same coin
makes it easier for people to travel,
buy things online from other countries
and have more options.
Today, 19 out of 27 European Union countries use the euro. -
LISBON TREATY
This treaty revises the last ones and improve the aspects that have not worked in the past. -
BREXIT
The UK decides to leave the EU.
