- 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.