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History of the EU

Pioneers

Timeline

Find out about the creation of the European Union and how it has developed over the decades.

  1. 1945-59
    Peace in Europe and the beginnings of cooperation

    How post-war cooperation in Europe led to the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community, the signing of the Treaties of Rome and the birth of the European Parliament.

    More about the years 1945-59

  2. 1960-69
    The ‘Swinging Sixties’ – a period of economic growth

    How the European Union developed through the 1960s, with further economic integration in Europe and the beginnings of international cooperation.

    More about the years 1960-69

  3. 1970-79
    A growing Community – the first new members join: Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom

    How the European Union developed in the 70s, with the first addition of new members, European elections and a regional policy to boost poorer areas.

    More about the years 1970-79

  4. 1980-89
    The changing face of Europe - the collapse of communism

    How the European Union developed in the 1980s with more countries joining, the Erasmus programme and the start of the single market.

    More about the years 1980-89

  5. 1990-99
    A Europe without frontiers

    How the European Union developed in the 1990s, with more expansion, and the launch of the single market, border-free travel and the euro.

    More about the years 1990-99

  6. 2000-09
    Further expansion

    How the European Union developed from 2000 to 2009 with 12 new countries joining, the euro becoming legal tender and the signing of the Lisbon Treaty.

    More about the years 2000-09

  7. 2010-19
    A challenging decade

    How the European Union developed from 2010 to 2019, responding to the financial crisis, Croatia joining the EU, and the UK voting to leave.

    More about the years 2010-19

  8. 2020-today
    A united and resilient EU

    How the European Union has developed since 2020, responding to unprecedented challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and fighting climate change.

    More about the years 2020 to today