History of the European Union

By michelaagentile

  • Treaty of Paris

    France, The Benelux states, Germany and Italy signed the Treaty of Paris which established the ECSC (European Coal and Steel Community to avoid new wars.

  • Treaty of Rome

    the EEc was born ( European Economic Community)

  • Countries joined the EEC

    The UK, Denmark and Ireland joined the EEC

  • Birth of Ecu

    The EMS (European Monetary System) introduced the European currency unit Ecu. It was a virtual currency and it was used in trades between countries

  • Country joined the EEc

    Greece joined the EEC

  • Schengen Agreement

    Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands signed the Schengen Agreement, that removed internals frontier controls and introduced freedom of movement for people between their countries. Italy signed it in 1990

  • Countries joined the EEC

    Spain and Portugal joined the EEC and the European flag was unveiled

  • The Maastricht Treaty

    It was established the European Union. The idea of one currency for all countries was born and the European citizenship was introduced. The goals were related to the economy, culture and immigration

  • Countries joined the EU

    Austria, Finland and Sweden joined the EU

  • The Amsterdam Treaty

    The EU became responsible for legislating on immigration, civil law or civil procedure, as this was necessary for the free movement of persons within the EU. At the same time, intergovernmental co-operation was intensified in the police and criminal justice field so that Member States should be able to coordinate their activities more effectively. The Union aims to establish an area of freedom, security and justice for its citizens.

  • the Euro

    the euro became the official currency of 11 countries (except Sweden, Denmark and the UK)

  • The treaty of Nice

    The aim of the Treaty of Nice was to reform the institutional structure of the European Union to with stand the challenges of the new enlargement

  • the Euro

    Euro notes and coins were introduced in the 12 participating states and over the next few months their national currencies were phased out

  • Countries joined the EU

    10 countries joined the EU: Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia

  • Countries joined the EU

    Romania and Bulgaria became member states. The Treaty of Lisbon was signed.

  • Countries joined the EU

    Croatia joined the European Union, this brought the number of the EU members to 28