Milestones in the history of the European Union
1945 - Year of a new beginning
End of the Second World War. The idea of a unified Europe is raised, with the aim of securing permanent peace for the future.
1950 / 51 - Years that change (Western) Europe
On 9th May, Robert Schuman announces a plan to establish a German-French community for coal and steel, resulting in 1951 in the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). Founder members: B, D, F, I, L, NL
1957 - Year of enlargement
Meeting in Rome, the six ECSC countries found the European Economic Community and the European Atomic Energy Community.
1968 - Year of customs freedom
With the customs union, the first stage of economic integration in the European Economic Community (EEC) is achieved.
1979 - Year of the European Parliament
In the now nine countries of the EEC (accession of DK, IRL, GB in 1973) the members of the European Parliament are for the first time directly elected.
1986 - Year of opening the way to the European Union
The now twelve countries of the EEC (accession of GR, E, P in 1981/1986) sign the "Single European Act", in which they agree on further economic and political progress (e.g. the Single Market)
1989 / 90 - Years that change Europe
The
walls dividing Europe come down. The Cold War is over. Through German
reunification the former GDR becomes part of the EEC.
1992
- Year of Economic and Monetary Union
Meeting in Maastricht, the EEC countries
sign the Treaty in Foundation of the European Union (EU) and agree to complete
Economic and Monetary Union.
1993
- Year of freedoms
Start
of the EEC Single Market, guaranteeing free movement of goods, people, services
and capital. 1997
- Year of a new
treaty for Europe The
now fifteen countries of the EU (accession of A, S, SF in 1995) sign the new
treaty for Europe in Amsterdam. 1998
/ 99 -
Year of the euro
1st
January 1999: The euro has arrived; start of Economic and Monetary Union.
2002 Everyone
pays with the euro.
Red
Line New 6, Ernst Klett Verlag, Stuttgart, 2000, page 82