-
The six founding countries.
Schuman’s vision starts to take shape when six countries — Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands — sign a treaty to create a European institution that would pool and manage coal and steel production. With these countries deciding together what to do with Europe’s coal and steel, no single nation can build weapons without the other nations knowing about it.(europa.eu) -
Treaty of Rome
Building on the success of the coal and steel treaty, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands expand cooperation to other economic sectors. They sign the Treaties of Rome, creating the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), and the European Economic Community or ‘common market’, allowing people, goods and services to move freely across borders.(europa.eu) -
First EU enlargement
Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom join the European Communities, marking the first enlargement. Together with Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, they bring the membership to nine. Following a referendum, Norway decides not to join.(europa.eu) -
First European Elections
For the first time, European citizens can vote for who they want to represent them in the European Parliament. Before the introduction of direct elections, MEPs were appointed by the national parliaments of each Member State. The European elections have been held every 5 years since then. You have the right to vote at 18 in all EU countries except Austria, Malta (16), and Greece (17).(europa.eu) -
Greece joins the European Communities
Greece becomes the 10th country to join the European Communities, now known as the European Union.(europa.eu) -
Schengen Agreement
A small village in Luxembourg gives its name to the Schengen Agreement that gradually allows people to travel without having their passports checked at the borders. It is signed on 14 June 1985 by Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. 26 countries currently make up the Schengen area. Did you know that 1.7 million Europeans commute between EU countries every day for work? Is your country part of the Schengen area?(europa.eu) -
Spain and Portugal join the European Communities
Spain and Portugal join the European Communities, bringing the total number of members to twelve.(europe.eu) -
Maastricht Treaty
The Maastricht Treaty, named after the Dutch city in which it was signed, comes into force. It is a major milestone of the European integration. It formally creates the European Union and paves the way for the creation of the single European currency: the euro. It also gives the European Parliament a bigger role in decision-making and the power to approve the Commission as a whole.(europe.eu) -
Sweden, Finland and Denmark enter the EU.
Sweden, Finland and Denmark enter the EU.(europa.eu) -
Treaty of Amsterdam
The Treaty of Amsterdam is signed in the capital of the Netherlands. It prepares the European Union for the arrival of future Member States. From now on, a new Commission president can only be appointed with the approval of the European Parliament.(europa.eu) -
Treaty of Nice
The Treaty of Nice is signed by the heads of the EU’s 15 Member States at a meeting in this French city. It changes the EU’s decision-making process so that the European Union will be ready for countries from Eastern Europe to join when ready. The European Parliament’s legislative and supervisory powers are increased. The treaty comes into force on 1 February 2003.(europa.eu) -
The euro
Euro notes and coins become the legal currency in 12 EU countries. Printing, minting and distributing them is a major logistical operation. More than 80 billion coins are involved. While euro coins have a common side giving the value, each country has its own design on the other side. Using a Finnish (or any other) euro coin to buy a Madrid metro ticket is something we soon take for granted. 19 countries currently use the euro.(europe.eu)