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the beginnings of cooperation
French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman presents a plan for deeper cooperation.Later, every 9 May is celebrated as EUROPE DAY -
the beginnings of cooperation
Based on the Schuman plan, six countries sign a treaty to run their heavy industries– coal and steel – under a common management. In this way, nonecan on its own make the weapons of war to turn against the other, as in the past. The six are Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg -
A growing comunity
Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom join the European Union on 1 January 1973, raising the number of member states to nine. -
A growing comunity
Membership of the EU reaches double figures when Greece joins. -
A growing comunity
Spain and Portugal enter the EU, bringing membership to 12. -
A growing comunity
The Berlin Wall is pulled down and the border between East and West Germany is opened for the first time in 28 years. -
A Europe without frontiers
The Treaty on European Union, is signed in Maastricht in the Netherlands, setting clear rules for the future single currency as well as for foreign and security policy and closer cooperation in justice and home affairs. Under the treaty, the ‘European Union’ is officially created. -
A Europe without frontiers
Austria, Finland and Sweden join the EU. The 15 members now cover almost the whole of western Europe. -
A Europe without frontiers
Euro notes and coins become the legal currency in 12 EU countries. -
A Europe without frontiers
Eight countries of central and eastern Europe — Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia— join the EU. -
A Europe without frontiers
Two more countries from eastern Europe - Bulgaria and Romania - join the EU,bringing the number of Member States to 27. -
A Europe without frontiers
The EU is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize "for over six decades [having]contributed to the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy andhuman rights in Europe". -
A Europe without frontiers
Croatia joins the EU, becoming its 28th member. -
A Europe without frontiers
However, in 2016, one member—the United Kingdom—voted to leave the EU. The country officially left the union on January 31, 2020.
