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European Coal and Steel Community
In the year 1950 the European Coal and Steel Community helps to unite the countries economically and politically speaking which later helps unite countries from this union. -
Common Agricultural Policy
In 1962, the EU starts its ‘ common agricultural policy ’ giving the countries joint control over food production. Farmers are paid the same price for their produce. The EU grows enough food for its needs and farmers earn well. -
Cross-border trade for the first time
In 1968, 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. -
European Regional Development Fund
In 1974, EU leaders set up the European Regional Development Fund. Its purpose is to transfer money from rich to poor regions to improve roads and communications, attract investment and create jobs. -
Single European Act is signed.
In 1986 the Single European Act is signed. This is a treaty which provides the basis for a vast six-year programme aimed at sorting out the problems with the free flow of trade across EU borders and thus creates the ‘Single Market’. -
Berlin Wall is pulled down
On 9 November 1989, the Berlin Wall is pulled down and the border between East and West Germany is opened for the first time in 28 years, this leads to the reunification of Germany when both East and West Germany are united in October 1990. -
Single market is established
The single market and its four freedoms are established: the free movement of goods, services, people and money is now a reality. More than 200 laws have been agreed since 1986 covering tax policy, business regulations, professional qualifications and other barriers to open frontiers. -
Europe without frontiers
In 2003, The communications revolution continues. Many schools and homes now have high-speed access to the Internet. Text messages are the favourite way for people to stay in touch with each other. Later in the decade, people begin to communicate widely through social media, and to use smartphones. -
Banking Union and Nobel Peace Price winner.
The EU helps several countries to confront their difficulties and establishes the 'Banking Union' to ensure safer and more reliable banks. In 2012, the European Union was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. -
EU leaders pledge €1 billion towards fighting the spread of the Ebola.
In 2014, EU leaders pledge €1 billion towards fighting the spread of the Ebola virus in West Africa, particularly in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. It is the largest and most complex outbreak since Ebola was first observed in 1976. By the end of 2015 the virus is virtually eradicated in these countries.
