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After World War II, Western European economies were in shambles. Two French statesmen, Jean Monnet and Robert Schuman, proposed a plan to integrate European economies, leading to the European Coal and Steel Community. Their idea eventually led to a more fully integrated and vibrant economic community, the 28 member (UK will soon leave) European Union. The history of the European Union is described in this timeline, as well by the link below.
https://europa.eu/european-union/about-eu/history_en -
After World War II, European economies were in shambles. Jean Monnet and Robert Schuman pursued economic integration as a means of restarting Europe's economies. Under their guidance the European Coal and Steel Community was created, which included France, West Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg joined.
https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=photo+of+robert+schuman&qpvt=photo+of+robert+schuman&qpvt=photo+of+robert+schuman&qpvt=photo+of+robert+schuman&FORM=IGRE -
The same six nations who were members of ECSC signed the Treaty of Rome, establishing the European Economic Community (ECC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM). The EEC started removing trade barriers among the members and moving towards creating a common market.
https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=free+photos+of+rome&id=B001A111591CD4EAB52C0E3D04BCA8F340CC2E59&FORM=IQFRBA -
The three communities, EEC, ECSC and EURATOM, merged into one set of three institutions: the European Commission, European Council and European Parliament.
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French President Charles De Gaulle blocked Great Britain's entry into the EC for years. In 1973, Great Britain entered the EC. Prime Minister Edward Heath considered it one of his greatest achievements as prime minister. https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=ONkft1bV&id=A81C1E8BBC266C9D4DACA99275D87B120303D698&thid=OIP.ONkft1bVGx4hXu2-FkYF6gEsDW&q=photo+of+Edward+heath+signing+Great+Britain%27s+entry+into+Common+Market&simid=608054705102261236&selectedIndex=6&ajaxhist=0
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The Single European Act mandates the creation of four freedoms: the free movement of people, goods, capital and services around the European Community. Portugal and Spain join the EC. In 1981, Greece joined the EC.
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https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=photos+of+single+european+act&id=E43C5AC2EDEBC9E1C4F76F12020697D25F3814B4&FORM=IQFRBA -
The Maastricht Treaty establishes the European Union as the successor to the European Community. The treaty establishes the concept of European citizenship, allowing citizens of member states to move freely between the nations of the EU; sets out a plan for a single currency and more cooperation on justice and home affairs. Great Britain opts out of the Social Chapter.
https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=photos+of+maastricht+treaty&id=FEF12286862FE38CC0159770F71F08F349E16D80&FORM=IQFRBA -
The entry of Austria, Finland and Sweden into the European Union expands its membership to fifteen states
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The Schengen Agreement permits all travelers of any nationality to travel between Schengen countries, without any passport control at the borders. The EU countries have joined the agreement, except for Ireland and Great Britain.
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The Euro, the common currency for the EU is introduced in eleven of the EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece (accepted Euro in 2001), Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. Finland, Sweden and Great Britain stay out.
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A sign that Russian influence in Europe is waning was the entry of eight Central and Eastern European countries into the EU:
the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. Cyprus and Malta also join the EU. -
Twenty five EU countries sign the Treaty of Lisbon which creates an European Constitution. However, voters in France and the Netherlands reject the treaty and it does not go into effect. The EU calls for "a period of reflection."
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The twenty seven countries of the EU ratify a revised Treaty of Lisbon. Under Article 50 of the new charter, a member state has to notify the European Council of its decision to withdraw, and has two years to negotiate the terms of its withdrawal.
Bulgaria and Romania join the EU earlier in the year,
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Great Britain votes to leave EU. Prime Minister David Cameron resigns. Theresa May is selected to replace him. Under Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon, Britain must notify the European Council of its intent to withdraw from the EU. It has up to two years to negotiation its terms.
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The future of the EU is favorable. According to Post Brexit polls, the EU is very popular within its member nations, and a majority want their countries to remain in the EU. Recent elections in France confirm its popularity.
http://www.pewglobal.org/2017/06/15/post-brexit-europeans-more-favorable-toward-eu/
https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=photos%20of%20European%20union%20flag&qs=n&form=QBIR&sp=-1&pq=photos%20of%20european%20union%20flag&sc=0-29&sk=&cvid=9E75175910444BB38D7DD643082FE006
