1950 - Important speech
Robert Schuman, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, proposes that France and Germany pool their coal and steel in a new organisation, which other European countries can join.
Each year the 9th May is celebrated as Europe Day, since this date can be seen as the European Union's date of birth.
1951 - The European Coal and Steel Community is established by six countries
Belgium, the Federal Republic of Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands sign up to the treaty. This creates the European Coal and Steel community (ECSC). The ECSC manages all the coal and steel of the countries.
1957 - The Treaty of Rome establishes a Common Market
On 25th March 1957, the six countries (also called founding members) then decided with the Treaty of Rome, to build a European Economic Community (EEC) based on a common market. The Common Market allows countries to trade freely with one another with import/export taxes being added to the cost of their goods.
Today, all EU member states are members of the Common Market.
1973 - Increase to nine member states (countries) and common policies developed
Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom decide to join the Community, bringing the total up to nine. Norway decides not to join after a majority of the country vote not to become a member.
1979 - First elections to the European Parliament
For the first time, 410 members of the European Parliament are elected through public voting.
Elections now take place every five years.
1981 - Greece joins
Greece joins the European Community, bringing the number of members up to 10.
1986 - Spain and Portugal join
Spain and Portugal join the European Communities, bringing the membership up to 12.
1991 - Treaty on European Union adopted
The Maastricht European Council (made up of presidents and prime ministers of each country) adopts a Treaty on European Union, laying the foundation for a common foreign and security policy, closer cooperation on justice and home affairs, and the creation of an economic and monetary union, including a single currency (i.e. one currency for all countries involved).
1992 - Treaty signed
The Treaty on European Union is signed at Maastricht. It comes into force on 1st November 1993. This created the European Union (EU).
1993 - Single market created
Single market created.
1995 - Membership rises to 15
Austria, Finland, and Sweden join the European Union.
1997 - Treaty of Amsterdam signed
The Amsterdam Treaty meant changes to the Treaty of the European Union (like an update). There was more of a focus on citizenship and the rights of individuals, and more democracy in the shape of increased powers for the European Parliament. It came into force on 1st May 1999.
1999 - Third stage of European Monetary Union
11 EU countries adopt the Euro as their currency (for non-cash transactions). The European Central Bank takes on responsibility for money policy.
2001 - Treaty of Nice signed
Greece adopts Euro as currency (for non-cash transactions).
2002 - Euro notes and coins introduced
Euro notes and coins introduced in 12 euro-area countries. The Euro is now a major world currency, alongside the U.S dollar.
2004 - Ten more countries join the EU
Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia join the EU. This increases the number of member states (countries) from 15 to 25.
2007 - Two new countries join EU
Bulgaria and Romania join the EU on 1st Jan. Total number of member states goes from 25 to 27.
Slovenia adopts the Euro as its currency.
2009 - European Parliament Elections
The most recent elections to the European Parliament take place.
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