European Union

The European Union decides to terminate all remaining sanctions related to the Iranian nuclear program. This action signifies a significant shift in the diplomatic and economic relations between the EU and Iran.

In 1920, John Maynard Keynes proposed a European customs union for the struggling post-war European economies.

In 1923, the oldest organization for European integration, the Paneuropean Union, was founded.

The Declaration of St James's Palace in 1941 was an important agreement during Europe's resistance in London.

The Second World War ends in Europe, leaving the continent devastated with millions of casualties and displaced individuals, and six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust.

Winston Churchill reiterated his calls for a 'European Union' and 'Council of Europe', emphasizing European integration as an antidote to extreme nationalism that led to the war.

The formation of United Europe took place on January 1, 1948. This event marked a significant step towards European integration and cooperation, laying the foundation for the development of the European Union.

The Council of Europe was founded on 5 May 1949, serving as one of the first institutions to bring the sovereign nations of Western Europe together, fostering hopes for further European integration.

The Hague Congress took place from 7th to 11th May in 1948, where over a thousand delegates from around 20 European countries gathered to discuss new forms of cooperation in Europe. The congress resulted in the proposal for the establishment of a 'European assembly'.

Following the Hague Congress in 1948, the Council of Europe was established on 27th and 28th January 1949. The council was set up in Strasbourg as a result of the congress, marking an important milestone in the history of European integration.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is established as an intergovernmental security alliance between the United States, Canada, and 10 Western European countries.

The European Union was officially formed in 1950, initially as the European Coal and Steel Community, with the aim of promoting economic cooperation and preventing future wars among European countries.

The Schuman Declaration on 9 May 1950 led to the drafting of the Treaty of Paris, which created the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), a milestone organization for European economic development and integration.

French foreign minister Robert Schuman made a declaration on 20 June 1950, which led to the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). This declaration is also known as the Schuman Declaration.

The Treaty of Paris in 1951 established the European Coal and Steel Community, a precursor to the European Union.

On 18 April 1951, in Paris, six countries including Belgium, France, Germany (Federal Republic), Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands signed the Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). The treaty came into force on 23 July 1952 for a period of 50 years.

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) was established in 1952 and consists of two courts: the Court of Justice and the General Court. It is tasked with interpreting EU law and ensuring its uniform application across all EU member states.

In 1952, the European Coal and Steel Community, European Commission, and European Court of Justice established their headquarters in the city.

In September 1953, the European Convention on Human Rights comes into force, signifying a crucial moment for human rights protection in Europe.

The Modified Brussels Treaty in 1954 transformed the Western Union into the Western European Union (WEU), marking a significant development in European integration.

9 May is celebrated annually as 'Europe Day' as it marks the birthday of the European Union. It is a day to celebrate peace and unity in Europe.

In 1957, the Treaty of Rome was signed, establishing the European Economic Community (EEC) or 'Common Market', aiming for free movement of people, goods, and services across borders.

The Treaty of Rome was signed in 1957 by Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany, creating the European Economic Community (EEC) and establishing a customs union. It also established the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) for cooperation in developing nuclear power.

The Treaty of Rome established the European Economic Community, laying the foundation for the European Union and promoting economic cooperation among member states.

Following the success of the Coal and Steel Treaty, the 6 founding countries expanded their cooperation to other economic sectors by signing two treaties, creating the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) on 1 January 1958.

The first meeting of the European Parliamentary Assembly, a forerunner of today’s European Parliament, is held in Strasbourg, France on 19 March 1958, with Robert Schuman elected President.

The Organisation for European Economic Co-operation (OEEC) was reformed in 1961 into the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), extending its membership to states outside of Europe, including the United States and Canada.

Several countries formed associations with the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1961.

In 1962, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) was introduced, aiming to provide a common market for agricultural products within the European Economic Community (EEC).

General de Gaulle announced at a press conference in 1963 that France would veto the United Kingdom's entry into the European Communities, impacting the future of the UK's relationship with the EEC.

In 1963, an association agreement was signed in Yaoundé between the European Economic Community (EEC) and 18 African countries, marking an important development in their economic and political relations.

On April 8, 1965, a treaty was signed to merge the executive bodies of the three Communities (EEC, Euratom, and ECSC), leading to the creation of a single Council and Commission, which came into force on July 1, 1967.

Following a political crisis, France agrees to take part in Council meetings once again, in return for an agreement that the unanimity rule be maintained when 'vital national interests' are at stake.

The Merger Treaty was signed in 1967, creating a single set of institutions for the European Communities, collectively referred to as the European Communities.

Customs duties on industrial goods are completely abolished, 18 months ahead of schedule, and a Common External Tariff is introduced.

At the Hague Summit, the EEC’s political leaders decide to move further ahead with European integration.

The signing ceremony of the accession treaty of Denmark, Ireland, Norway, and the United Kingdom took place on 22 January 1972 in the Egmont Palace of Brussels. This event marked the formal agreement for the accession of these countries to the European Economic Community.

Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom become new members of the European Communities, increasing the total membership to nine. Norway, however, decides to stay out after a majority voted against membership in a referendum.

The UK officially became a member of the European Community (EC) on January 1, 1973, after ratifying the Treaty of Accession 1972. The accession was signed by Prime Minister Edward Heath.

At the Paris Summit, the political leaders of the nine member states agree to establish the European Council, with a commitment to meet three times a year. They also approve the direct elections to the European Parliament and the creation of the European Regional Development Fund.

Direct elections to the European Parliament are approved by the political leaders of the European Communities, marking a significant step towards democratic representation within the EU.

In a national referendum held on June 5, 1975, 67.23% of voters in the UK endorsed the country's continued membership in the European Community (EC). This solidified the UK's position within the EC.

A treaty was signed to grant the European Parliament greater power over the budget and establish the European Court of Auditors. It took effect on June 1, 1977.

At the Bremen Summit, France and Germany propose relaunching monetary cooperation by setting up a European Monetary System (EMS) to replace the 'snake'. The EMS comes into operation on 13 March 1979.

The European Communities sign a treaty of accession with Greece on 28 May 1979.

In 1980, during Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's term, there was a high rejection of EEC membership with 65% opposed and 26% in favor.

On 1 January 1981, Greece joins the European Communities, bringing the number of member states to 10.

During the 1983 general election, the Labour Party's manifesto included a pledge to withdraw from the European Community (EC) within the lifetime of the following Parliament. The manifesto was famously criticized as 'the longest suicide note in history'.

The second direct elections to the European Parliament took place on June 14 and 17.

Jacques Delors assumed the position of President of the Commission from 1985 to 1995.

The European Communities signed accession treaties with Spain and Portugal on June 12.

At the Luxembourg European Council, leaders of the 10 member states agree to revise the Treaty of Rome and to re-launch European integration via a ‘Single European Act’. This paves the way for creating the single market by 1993.

In 1986, the Single European Act is passed, creating the European Community (EC) and increasing the European Parliament's legislative powers.

The Single European Act is signed in Luxembourg and The Hague, and it comes into force on 1 July 1987.

The Berlin Wall, which had separated East and West Berlin for decades, fell on this date, symbolizing the end of the Cold War era and the reunification of Germany.

The European Council in Strasbourg decided to convene an inter-governmental conference to progress with economic and monetary union (EMU) and political union.

The Schengen Agreement, signed on this date, aimed to eliminate border checks between member states of the European Communities, facilitating the free movement of people within the region.

Margaret Thatcher resigned as the Prime Minister of the UK on November 22, 1990, amidst internal divisions within the Conservative Party regarding the country's involvement in Europe. Her resignation marked the end of an era in British politics.

Inter-governmental conferences on Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and political union commence in Rome.

The Maastricht European Council adopts a Treaty on European Union, laying the basis 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.

The Maastricht Treaty, signed in 1992, laid the foundation for the European Union by establishing the framework for economic and political integration among European countries.

The Maastricht Treaty, which laid the foundation for the European Union, was signed in 1992, leading to greater political and economic integration in Europe.

The Treaty on the European Union was signed in Maastricht on February 7, 1992, marking a significant step in the integration of European countries. It laid the groundwork for the formation of the European Union and introduced important changes in the political and economic landscape of Europe.

The Maastricht Treaty, also known as the Treaty on European Union, led to the formal establishment of the European Union and introduced the euro as the common currency.

The European Union was established with the signing of the Maastricht Treaty, which aimed to create a closer economic and political union among European countries.

The single market with the '4 freedoms' of free movement for people, goods, services and money is established, marking a significant milestone in European integration.

On January 1, 1993, the European Union (EU) was established, creating a political and economic union between several European countries to promote cooperation and integration.

The Maastricht Treaty came into force on 1 November 1993, formally establishing the European Union.

The agreement establishing the European Economic Area (EEA) enters into force, extending the single market to countries in EFTA, allowing people, goods, services and capital to move around the EEA's 30 countries.

The fourth direct elections to the European Parliament took place on June 9 and 12, 1994. These elections allowed citizens of the EU member states to directly elect their representatives to the European Parliament.

At the Corfu European Council on June 24-25, 1994, the EU signed accession treaties with Austria, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. This marked the expansion of the EU and the inclusion of these countries as members.

In 1995, Cyprus applied for membership in the European Union, but its application was reportedly vetoed by Turkey, leading to a setback in its accession process.

A new European Commission led by Jacques Santer becomes operational for the term 1995-1999.

The Schengen Agreement takes effect in 7 countries, allowing travelers to move between these countries with no passport controls at the frontiers. This marks the beginning of border-free travel within the Schengen area.

The Euro-Mediterranean Conference held in Barcelona establishes a partnership between the EU and the countries on the southern shore of the Mediterranean. This partnership aims to foster cooperation and collaboration in various areas.

The Amsterdam European Council reaches an agreement on a treaty that grants the European Union additional powers and responsibilities. This treaty marks a significant development in the evolution of the EU.

The Treaty of Amsterdam is signed, aiming to reform the EU institutions, strengthen Europe's global influence, and focus more on employment and citizens' rights. It enters into force on 1 May 1999.

On March 30, 1998, the accession process commenced for new candidate countries, including Cyprus, Malta, and 10 countries from central and eastern Europe.

The Brussels European Council decided on May 3, 1998, that 11 EU member states met the requirements for adopting the single currency on January 1, 1999, with Greece joining later.

On December 31, 1998, the European Commission proposed the final parities for the euro, a crucial step in the establishment of the single currency. This decision had far-reaching effects on the monetary policies and economic stability of the EU member states.

The euro was introduced as the official currency in 11 member states of the European Union on January 1, 1999, marking a significant milestone in the economic and monetary union of the EU.

The euro currency was introduced, replacing national currencies in many European countries and marking a significant step towards economic integration in the region.

The Cologne European Council decides to ask a Convention to draw up a European Charter of Fundamental Rights, with representatives of the EU's heads of state or government and the European Commission President. Javier Solana is appointed as High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP).

The fifth direct elections to the European Parliament take place.

The Tampere European Council decides to transform the EU into an area of freedom, security, and justice, laying the foundation for significant policy changes.

The Helsinki European Council officially recognizes Turkey as a candidate for EU membership and initiates negotiations with 12 other candidate countries, demonstrating the EU's commitment to enlargement.

The European Union Military Staff is the highest military institution of the European Union, established within the framework of the European Council, and follows on from the decisions of the Helsinki European Council (10–11 December 1999), which called for the establishment of permanent political-military institutions.

The European Union was officially formed in the year 2000, marking a significant milestone in European integration and cooperation.

The European Council in Nice reached an agreement on a new Treaty to change the EU's decision-making system in preparation for enlargement, and also solemnly proclaimed the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Between 2001 to 2015, Greece, Slovenia, Cyprus, Malta, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania joined the EU, expanding the bank's scope and marking a milestone in the complex process of EU integration.

The Treaty of Nice was signed on February 26, 2001, and it came into force on February 1, 2003, aiming to reform the EU's decision-making system in preparation for enlargement.

The Laeken European Council adopts a declaration on the future of the Union, paving the way for a major reform of the EU and the establishment of a Convention to prepare a European Constitution. Valéry Giscard d’Estaing is appointed Chairman of the Convention.

People in the euro area countries begin using euro notes and coins from this date onwards.

All 15 EU member states simultaneously ratify the Kyoto Protocol, a world-wide agreement aimed at reducing air pollution.

The Seville European Council reached an agreement on the EU asylum and immigration policy.

The Copenhagen European Council agreed that 10 candidate countries can join the EU on 1 May 2004, with Bulgaria and Romania expected to join in 2007.

In Athens, the EU signs accession treaties with Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia on April 16, 2003.

On July 10, 2003, the Convention on the Future of Europe completes its work on the draft European Constitution.

Several countries joined the European Union in 2004 as part of the largest single expansion of the EU.

The inter-governmental conference commences to draft a new treaty embodying the European Constitution.

In May 2004, Slovakia became one of the 10 new states to join the European Union, marking a significant milestone in its integration with the EU.

The sixth direct elections to the European Parliament take place.

Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia officially become members of the European Union.

Decision is made to initiate accession talks with Croatia and Turkey in 2005, subject to certain conditions being met.

The European Union signs accession treaties with Bulgaria and Romania in Luxembourg.

The European Consensus on Development was endorsed on 20 December 2005 by EU Member States, the council, the European Parliament and the commission. It is applied from the principles of Capability approach and Rights-based approach to development.

The European Common Aviation Area (ECAA) agreements were signed on 5 May 2006 in Salzburg, Austria between the EU and some third countries. These agreements liberalize the air transport industry within the ECAA member states.

In 2007, Bulgaria and Romania became EU members.

On Europe Day 2007, the Montesquieu Institute opened in The Hague, the Netherlands, focusing on research and education on the parliamentary history and political culture of the European Union and its member states.

Since 2008, the organisers of the Charlemagne Prize, in conjunction with the European Parliament, have awarded the Charlemagne Youth Prize in recognition of similar efforts led by young people.

The Montesquieu tower in Luxembourg was completed in 2008 as an addition to the headquarters of the Court of Justice of the European Union, housing many of the institution's translation services.

The Lisbon Treaty reformed the European Union by merging the EU three pillars system into a single legal entity, creating a permanent president of the European Council, and strengthening the position of the high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy.

The European External Action Service (EEAS) was officially implemented and operational on 1 December 2010, serving as a foreign ministry and diplomatic corps for the European Union.

Mario Draghi used his time to promote growth in the EU through negative interest rates and quantitative easing (QE), which had a significant impact on the European Union's economic policies.

In 2012, the EU was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

In 2013, Croatia officially became a member of the European Union after completing the accession process.

A conference held at the University of Pittsburgh focusing on politics and policy in the European Union.

The United Kingdom held a referendum in 2016 to decide on its membership in the European Union, resulting in a narrow vote in favor of leaving, known as Brexit.

In 2016, the United Kingdom held a referendum in which the majority voted to leave the European Union, a decision known as Brexit.

In June 2016, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union in a referendum, fueling Eurosceptics across the continent and sparking speculation about other countries leaving the EU.

Brexit refers to the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union following a referendum held in June 2016.

On 23 June 2016, the United Kingdom held a referendum on whether to leave the European Union (EU), resulting in a vote to leave.

Theresa May became Prime Minister on 13 July 2016, succeeding David Cameron after he announced his resignation following the Brexit referendum.

Viktor Orbán and Jarosław Kaczyński pledged a 'cultural counter-revolution' to reform the European Union.

The idea of creating a Eurozone Finance Minister was supported by political figures like Emmanuel Macron, Angela Merkel, Jean-Claude Trichet, and Pierre Moscovici. The minister's role would involve supervising economic policies, enforcing rules, negotiating in crises, and representing the euro area internationally.

On 29 March 2017, the Government of the United Kingdom invoked Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, marking the start of Brexit.

The book 'Fractured Continent' by William Drozdiak discusses the crisis in Europe and the future of the West. It delves into the challenges facing the European Union and the fractured state of the continent.

The European Public Prosecutor's Office, established under the Treaty of Lisbon, is a decentralized independent body of the European Union. It investigates and prosecutes fraud against the budget of the European Union and other crimes against the EU's financial interests.

The European Union launches an antitrust investigation into Amazon's business practices, raising concerns about its market dominance and competition policies.

An article in Sueddeutsche Zeitung where Weber expresses no intention to collaborate with right-wing extremists.

EU leaders elect Charles Michel as the new president of the European Council, succeeding Donald Tusk.

Ursula von der Leyen is elected as the new president of the European Commission, replacing Jean-Claude Juncker.

On 31 January 2020, the United Kingdom officially left the European Union after the Brexit withdrawal agreement took effect.

On 19 October 2020, the European Union revealed new plans to create a legal structure to act against human rights violations worldwide, providing the EU with greater flexibility to target and sanction those responsible for serious human rights violations and abuses around the world.

Following the incident on 23 May 2021, the EU took swift action by banning EU-based airlines from flying over Belarusian airspace and prohibiting Belarusian carriers from entering EU airspace. This was in response to the forced landing of a Ryanair flight in Minsk.

In June 2021, the European Union passed a European Climate Law with targets of 55% GHG emissions reduction by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.

Preparations for the EU-US trade and technology council talks were delayed due to the crisis, with France initially opposing the discussions but eventually dropping their opposition.

France begins its six-month presidency of the European Union, with President Macron emphasizing the goal of strengthening Europe's global influence and sovereignty. He advocates for 'strategic rearmament' and assertive negotiations with Russia, aligning with his longstanding vision for Europe.

After the Russian Armed Forces attempted a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the European Union imposed heavy sanctions on Russia and agreed on a pooled military aid package to Ukraine for lethal weapons funded via the European Peace Facility off-budget instrument.

European leaders reached an agreement to increase ammunition purchases from suppliers outside the EU.

On 4 May 2022, Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Union would seek to ban all imports of Russian crude oil and petroleum products in response to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Beginning on July 1, 2022, the Presidency of the Council is held by the Czech Republic, which rotates between member states every six months.

On 18 July 2022, Ursula von der Leyen called Azerbaijan a reliable partner for energy supply and signed an agreement with the Azerbaijan government to diversify gas supplies. This sparked controversy when Azerbaijan later attacked its neighbor Armenia, leading to criticism of the EU's relationship with Azerbaijan.

In response to the threat of divisions within the EU, the Franco-German alliance demonstrates its unity.

In an interview with the German newspaper Die Welt in September 2023, Karl Nehammer called for the termination of full membership negotiations between the EU and Turkey and the development of a new concept within the relations between the EU and Turkey.

The European Commission officially approved a measure to phase out palm oil–based biofuels by 2030 as part of the EU Deforestation Regulation, which was a topic of concern during a meeting between Ursula von der Leyen and Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

The 2024 European elections are highly anticipated as they will shape the future of the European Union.