1951: The European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) is established with six founding members: Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany.
The ECSC aims to prevent future conflicts by pooling coal and steel production and placing it under a common authority.
1957: The Treaties of Rome are signed, establishing the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM).
The EEC aims to create a common market and economic integration among member states.
The European Parliament is created as a representative body for the citizens of the member states.
1973: Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom join the EU, expanding its membership to nine countries.
The EU establishes the European Regional Development Fund to support the economic development of less-developed regions.
1981: Greece becomes the tenth member of the EU.
The EU adopts the Single European Act in 1986, aiming to complete the internal market and eliminate barriers to trade and movement of goods, services, capital, and people.
1986: Spain and Portugal join the EU, increasing the membership to 12 countries.
The EU establishes the Common Fisheries Policy to manage and protect fish stocks.
The Maastricht Treaty is signed in 1992, creating the European Union and establishing the pillars of European integration: the European Communities, Common Foreign and Security Policy, and Justice and Home Affairs.
The Maastricht Treaty introduces the concept of EU citizenship and lays the groundwork for the euro currency.
1995: Austria, Finland, and Sweden join the EU, expanding the membership to 15 countries.
The EU launches the Eurostat statistical agency to provide data and information on economic and social conditions.
The Schengen Agreement is signed, establishing a passport-free travel area among participating EU member states.
The EU adopts the Amsterdam Treaty in 1997, strengthening cooperation in justice and home affairs, and enhancing the role of the European Parliament.
2002: The euro currency is introduced in 12 EU member states, forming the Eurozone.
The EU establishes the European Central Bank to oversee monetary policy in the Eurozone.
The EU expands its membership to include Central and Eastern European countries, with Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia joining in 2004.
2007: Bulgaria and Romania become EU members, bringing the total membership to 27 countries.
The EU adopts the Lisbon Treaty in 2007, streamlining decision-making processes, enhancing the role of the European Parliament, and creating the position of the President of the European Council.
The EU establishes the European External Action Service to coordinate its external relations and diplomacy.
The EU launches the European Neighbourhood Policy to foster cooperation with neighboring countries.
The EU plays a role in resolving conflicts and promoting peace, including its involvement in the Balkans and the Middle East peace process.
The EU expands its policy areas to include climate change, energy, and environmental protection.
The EU establishes the European Institute for Gender Equality to promote gender equality and women’s rights.
The EU adopts the Stability and Growth Pact to ensure fiscal discipline among member states.
The EU establishes the European Research Council to fund scientific research and innovation.
The EU launches the European External Investment Plan to promote investment and development in partner countries.
The EU adopts the Treaty on European Union in 2010, strengthening economic governance and establishing the European Stability Mechanism to provide financial assistance to member states in need.
The EU establishes the European Border and Coast Guard Agency to strengthen border security and manage migration.
The EU adopts the General Data Protection Regulation to protect the privacy and data rights of EU citizens.
The EU launches the European Defence Fund to enhance defense cooperation among member states.
The EU creates the European Public Prosecutor’s Office to combat fraud and financial crimes affecting the EU budget.
The EU establishes the European Pillar of Social Rights to promote fair and inclusive societies.
The EU launches the Just Transition Mechanism to support regions and sectors affected by the transition to a climate-neutral economy.
The EU plays a role in global trade negotiations and establishes the European External Action Service to represent its interests internationally.
The EU adopts the European Green Deal, aiming to make Europe the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050.
The EU responds to the COVID-19 pandemic by coordinating efforts to ensure access to vaccines, provide economic support, and mitigate the impact of the crisis.
The EU launches the Digital Single Market strategy to foster digital innovation and ensure a competitive digital economy.
The EU establishes the European Education Area to promote quality education and mobility among member states.
The EU adopts the European Pillar of Digital Rights to protect individuals’ digital rights and privacy.
The EU establishes the European Defence Union to strengthen defense cooperation, improve capabilities, and enhance strategic autonomy.
The EU promotes cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue through initiatives like the European Capital of Culture program.
The EU establishes the European Solidarity Corps to engage young people in volunteering and solidarity activities.
The EU launches the InvestEU program to mobilize investment and support sustainable projects.
The EU strengthens consumer protection through regulations and initiatives such as the Consumer Rights Directive and the Digital Services Act.
The EU continues to expand its influence and partnership with other regions and international organizations worldwide.
The EU remains committed to promoting peace, stability, prosperity, and values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law throughout Europe.
