1951 - Treaty of Paris
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Six countries - France, West Germany, Italy and the Benelux countries Belgium, Luxembourg, and The Netherlands - set up the European Coal and Steel Community. This became the first step towards forming the European Union. The treaty came into force on 23 July 1952 and expired 50 years later on 23 July 2002. |
1957 - Treaty of Rome
signed in Rome, 25 March 1957 European Coal and Steel Community becomes European Economic Community. The six countries of the EEC were Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and The Netherlands. |
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Establishes common market:
Free movement of people, goods, services and capital
Common agricultural policy
Sets up institutions of governance
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1986 - Schengen Agreement
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Set up the rules allowing borders to be open between some European countries. |
1987 - Single European Act
Signed in Luxembourg, 17/28 February 1986
by 12 member states
Came into force 1 July 1987
First major revision of Treaty of Rome
Sets target for completing the Single Market
First powers for Parliament
Extends QMV to speed decision making.
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1992 - Treaty of Maastricht
Signed 7 February 1992 by 12 member states New governance framework |
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1997 - Treaty of Amsterdam
Signed 2 October 1997
by 15 member states
Came into force 1 May 1999
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Reforms to governance ahead of enlargement - More power to European Parliament Stronger common foreign and security policy Safety of citizens Closer co-operation among groups of member states Policy on external borders |
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2001 - Treaty of Nice
Signed 26 February 2001
by 15 member states
Came into force 1 February 2003
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Reforms decision-making ahead of 2004/2007 enlargement Sets cap on number of Commissioners and MEPs Removes many national vetoes Extends qualified majority voting Revises weighting of votes in Council of Ministers More power for the Parliament Enhanced co-operation |
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2007 - Treaty of Lisbon
Signed 13 December 2007 by 27 member states Came into force 1 December 2009 Makes EU more democratic More power for European Parliament Makes EU more efficient, more open Gives EU stronger voice in the world |
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click for more on the Lisbon Treaty