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schuman declaration
birth of the European Union, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed the pooling of French and West German coal and steel production under a single, high authority. The goal was to make war between historical rivals "not merely unthinkable, but materially impossible." -
treaty of Paris
This treaty established the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), with Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands as founding members. This was the first step towards European integration. -
treaties of Rome
These two treaties created the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom). The EEC aimed to create a common market among its members, leading to the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people. -
merger treaty
This treaty merged the executive bodies of the ECSC, EEC, and Euratom, creating a single Commission and a single Council for the European Communities. -
first enlargement
Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom joined the European Communities, marking the first significant expansion beyond the original six members. -
first direct elections to the european parliament
For the first time, citizens in member states directly elected members to the European Parliament, giving them a more direct voice in European affairs. -
single european act
This act revised the Treaty of Rome and set the objective of establishing a single market by December 31, 1992. It also expanded the powers of the European Parliament and introduced new policy areas like environmental protection. -
treaty of the european union - maastricht treaty
This landmark treaty established the European Union (EU), building upon the European Communities. It laid the groundwork for a common currency (the euro), a common foreign and security policy, and closer cooperation in justice and home affairs. -
Schengen Agreement fully implemented
The Schengen Agreement, signed in 1985, became fully implemented, allowing for passport-free travel across much of the EU and associated countries. -
introduction of euro
The euro was introduced as an accounting currency, and eleven EU countries adopted it. Euro banknotes and coins began circulating in 2002. -
big bang enlargement
Ten new countries joined the EU, mostly from Central and Eastern Europe: Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. This was the largest single enlargement in the EU's history. -
treaty of Lisbon
This treaty aimed to make the EU more democratic, efficient, and better able to address global challenges. It strengthened the role of the European Parliament, introduced the position of President of the European Council, and gave the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union legal force. -
croatia joins the eu
Croatia became the 28th member state of the European Union. -
brexit
The United Kingdom formally withdrew from the European Union, following a 2016 referendum.