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Schuman Plan
Based on the Schuman plan, six countries sign a treaty to run their heavy industries coal and steel under a common management. In this way, none can on its own make the weapons of war to turn against the other, as in the past. The six are Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. -
The ECSC begins work with Jean Monnet at its head
The ECSC Treaty enters into force. Jean Monnet is appointed president of the High Authority and Paul-Henri Spaak is president of the Common Assembly. -
The rise and fall of the European Defence Community
In response to the Korean War the USA insists that Europe must contribute more to its own defence and that Germany must rearm. In 1952 the six ECSC members agree to create a European Defence Community which envisages German soldiers joining a European army. But the French parliament delays ratification and ultimately rejects the idea in 1954. -
Coal and Steel Treaty
Building on the success of the Coal and Steel Treaty, the six countries expand cooperation to other economic sectors. They sign the Treaty of Rome, creating the European Economic Community (EEC), or ‘ common market ’. The idea is for people, goods and services to move freely across borders. -
French President Charles de Gaulle vetoes British membership
France's nationalist leader Charles de Gaulle refuses to back the UK's application to join the EEC saying that the British government lacks commitment to European integration. -
The European Community customs union is completed
The six remove customs duties on goods imported from each other, allowing free cross-border trade for the first time. They also apply the same duties on their imports from outside countries. The world’s biggest trading group is born. Trade among the six and between the EU and the rest of the world grows rapidly. -
Council of the European Union
Luxembourg takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Communities. -
Single Currency
The EU’s first plan for a single currency dates from 1970. To maintain monetary stability, EU members decide to allow their currencies to fluctuate against each other only within narrow limits. This exchange rate mechanism (ERM), created in 1972, is a first step towards the introduction of the euro, 30 years later. -
Britain Denmark and Ireland join the European Community
The six become nine when Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom formally enter the EU.
Member States: Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.
New Member States New Member States: Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom. -
Secure the majority
The motion of censure against the Commission tabled in the Parliament on March 10, fails to secure the necessary majority. -
The road to the euro begins with the EMS
A European Council meeting is held in Paris, France. It settles March 13 as the date on which the European Monetary System (EMS) is to enter into force. It also discusses the economic and social situation, the common agricultural policy and energy. -
Greece joins.
Membership of the EU reaches double figures when Greece joins. It has been eligible to join since its military regime was overthrown and democracy restored in 1974. Member States: Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom.
New Member State: Greece. -
Research and development programmes
Computers and automation are changing the way we live and work. To stay in the forefront of innovation, the EU adopts the ‘Esprit’ programme in 1984 as the first of many research and development programmes it has since funded. -
‘Erasmus’ programme
The EU launches the ‘Erasmus’ programme to fund university students wishing to study for up to a year in another European country. More than 2 million young people have benefited from this and similar EU schemes. -
Austria, Finland and Sweden join the EU
Austria, Finland and Sweden join the EU. The 15 members now cover almost the whole of western Europe. In October 1990, Germany was unified and therefore former East Germany became part of the EU. Member States: Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Ireland, United Kingdom, Greece, Spain and Portugal.
New Member States: Austria, Finland and Sweden. -
Schengen Agreement
The Schengen Agreement takes effect in seven countries — Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Portugal. Travellers of any nationality can travel between all these countries without any passport control at the frontiers. Other countries have since joined the passport-free Schengen area. -
Treaty of Amsterdam
Signature of the Treaty of Amsterdam. It builds on the achievements of the treaty from Maastricht, laying down plans to reform EU institutions, to give Europe a stronger voice in the world, and to concentrate more resources on employment and the rights of citizens. -
Euro notes and coins arrive
Euro notes and coins arrive. Printing, minting and distributing them in 12 countries is a major logistical operation. More than 80 billion coins are involved. Notes are the same for all countries. Coins have one common face, giving the value, while the other carries a national emblem. All circulate freely. Using Finnish (or any other) euro coin to buy a Madrid metro ticket is something we take for granted. -
Foreign and security policy
As part of its foreign and security policy, the EU takes on peace-keeping operations in the Balkans, firstly in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and then in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In both cases, EU-led forces replace NATO units. Internally, the EU agrees to create an area of freedom, security and justice for all citizens by 2010. -
The Treaty of Lisbon
The Treaty of Lisbon is signed at Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, in Lisbon. European Parliament adopts its second reading of the 2008 EU budget, it is officially signed at the Parliament in Brussels on 18 December.
