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European Coal and Steel Community created under the Treaty of Paris by Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands.
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European Economic Community (EEC) created under the Treaty of Rome.
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Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom join the European Union.
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Energy crisis and economic problems in Europe due to the Arab-Israeli War.
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Citizens given the right to elect the members of the European Parliament.
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European Monetary System is established as a precursor to the modern economic union.
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Greece becomes part of the European Union.
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Single European Act is signed; Spain and Portugal join the European Union.
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Berlin Wal is brought down; the border between East and West Germany opens after 28 years.
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East and West Germany are unified.
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Single Market completed, joined by the "four freedoms" (movement of goods, services, people, and money).
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Schengen Agreement abolishes internal borders between Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands.
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The euro is introduced and adopted as the single currency of the European Union.
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National currencies are replaced by euro notes and coins (billions of them).
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Ten Eastern European countries become members of the European Union.
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Schengen Area enlarged to include Eastern European countries.
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European Union affected gravely by the global financial crisis.
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Treaty of Lisbon begins action to ensure a more democratic, united, efficient, and transparent European Union.
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The European Union is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
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British citizens vote upon the exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union.