Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

History of the EU

June 1, 2005 12:00 AM
By LDEG

1951: Treaty of Paris- European Coal and Steel Community set up by Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and Netherlands

1958: Treaties of Rome - EEC (European Economic Community) and Euratom (European Atomic Energy Authority) are set up

1973: Denmark, Ireland and the UK join the EC

1979: 1st direct elections for the European Parliament

1981: Greece joins the EC (10th member)

1984: 2nd direct elections for the European Parliament

1986: Spain and Portugal join the EC

1987: Single European Act comes into force

1989: 3rd direct elections for the European Parliament

1990: Agreement on setting up EBRD is signed

1993: treaty of Maastricht - European Union comes into being

1994: Committee of the Regions is set up

1994: 4th direct elections for the European Parliament

1995: Austria, Finland and Sweden join the EU

1999: Amsterdam treaty in force. 5th direct elections for the European Parliament (1st in UK to use a form of PR)

2002: Euro launched

2004: 6th direct elections for the European Parliament

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    ldeg.org/en/article/2005/097397/history-of-the-eu
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    ldeg.org/a74bS

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image

    Print this page

  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join the Liberal Democrats

  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    • If you choose to join our email list, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us. You do not need to join our email list to complete this form.


    • Generate different image

    Contact us by email, post, or phone