-
European Coal and Steel Community
Based on the Schuman plan, six countries sign a treaty to run their coal and steel industries under a common management. In this way, no single country can make the weapons of war to turn against others, as in the past. -
Birth of European Parliament
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. -
Period: to
The "Swinging Sixties"
Further economic integration in Europe and the beginnings of international cooperation -
From 6 to 9 members
The 6 members become 9 when Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom formally join the European Communities. -
First direct elections
European citizens directly elect the members of the European Parliament for the first time -
Three new members
Greece, Spain and Portugal join the European Communities, bringing membership to 13 -
Maastricht Treaty
The Treaty on European Union is signed in Maastricht in the Netherlands. It is a major milestone, setting clear rules for the future single currency -
The introduction of euro
Euro notes and coins become the legal currency in 12 EU countries -
Period: to
EU constitution
Voters in France and the Netherlands reject the Treaty establishing a constitution for Europe -
Lisbon Treaty
The 27 EU countries sign the Treaty of Lisbon, designed to make the EU more democratic, efficient and transparent -
United Kingdom leaves the EU
The UK leaves the EU after 47 years of membership