The main steps of the E.U.

Robert Schuman

May 9, 1950

French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman presented a plan for deeper cooperation.

ECSC

Apr 18, 1951

Based on the Schuman plan, six countries signed the “Treaty of Paris” to run their heavy industries – coal and steel – under a common management (ECSC).

EEC

Mar 25, 1957

The six countries expanded cooperation to other economic sectors. They signed the “Treaty of Rome”, creating the European Economic Community (EEC), or ‘common market’.

Single European Act

Feb 17, 7986

The Single European Act was signed. It launches a vast six-year programme to sort these out. The Act also gives the European Parliament more say and strengthens EU powers in environmental protection.