2.3. Timeline of European Integration

1951 April: Six west European countries, France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg sign the Treaty of Paris establishing the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).
1957 March 25: These six countries sign the Treaties of Rome establishing the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom).

In April 1951, six Western European countries united to create a framework for cooperation through the Treaty of Paris. This marked the birth of the ECSC, which aimed to integrate the coal and steel industries of these nations. By doing this, they hoped to prevent future conflicts by ensuring economic interdependence. Later, in March 1957, the same countries furthered their collaboration by signing the Treaties of Rome, which established the EEC and Euratom. The EEC aimed at economic integration and the common market while Euratom focused on cooperation in nuclear energy.

Think of it as a group project within a classroom where each student represents a country. Initially, they might just work together on a science project (ECSC), but later decide to collaborate on multiple projects (EEC and Euratom) to achieve bigger goals, leading to better results for all involved.

1973 January: Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom join the European Economic Community (EEC).
1981 January: Greece joins the EEC.
1985 June: The Schengen Agreement abolishes border controls among the EEC members.
1986 January: Spain and Portugal join the EEC.

In 1973, three more countries—Denmark, Ireland, and the UK—became EEC members, indicating a growing interest in European integration. This trend continued, with Greece joining in 1981. The Schengen Agreement in 1985 was a significant step as it eliminated border controls between participating countries, simplifying travel and commerce. Spain and Portugal joined in 1986, expanding the EEC to include more nations. This expansion not only strengthened the economic ties but also promoted a shared European identity.

Imagine a club that starts with a few members (initial EEC countries) but gradually invites more friends to join, making it easier for everyone to hang out together (Schengen Agreement). The larger the club becomes, the more activities they can enjoy collectively.

1992 February 7: The Treaty of Maastricht was signed establishing the European Union (EU).
1993 January: European Economic Community (EEC) was renamed the European Community (EC).

The signing of the Treaty of Maastricht in February 1992 was a landmark moment as it officially established the European Union (EU), broadening the scope of cooperation beyond just economic ties to political and social dimensions. This created a framework for a common currency and a unified foreign policy. In 1993, the EEC was renamed the European Community (EC), reflecting this new identity and role.

Consider the transition from a small study group to a full-fledged school club where various projects (like academics, sports, and arts) are managed together. This new club has a formal structure and broader objectives, enhancing the overall experience for its members.

2004 May: Ten new members, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia join the EU.
2007 January: Bulgaria and Romania join the EU.
2013: Croatia becomes the 28th member of the EU.

The EU continued to expand significantly in the early 2000s. In May 2004, ten countries, primarily from Eastern Europe, joined the EU, marking the largest single expansion of the union. This was followed by Bulgaria and Romania in 2007, and later Croatia in 2013, bringing the total membership to 28. This expansion represented the EU's commitment to unite European countries, including those from the former Soviet bloc, under democratic governance and economic collaboration.

Think of the EU as a big family reunion. Initially, a few close relatives gather, but over time, more distant relatives are invited to join the gathering. Each new family member brings unique stories and strengths, which can contribute to a richer family dynamic.

2009 December: The Lisbon Treaty came into force.
2016: Referendum in Britain, 51.9 per cent voters decide that Britain exit (Brexit) from the EU.

The Lisbon Treaty, which came into effect in December 2009, aimed to streamline the EU's operations, providing it with a more robust structure for decision-making and increasing its role on the global stage. However, challenges arose, including the UK’s Brexit referendum in 2016, where citizens voted for Britain to leave the EU, demonstrating the complexities and tensions within the union related to sovereignty, migration, and economic policy.

Imagine a team that is becoming more efficient and organized (Lisbon Treaty), but then one member decides they no longer want to be part of the group, causing turmoil and uncertainty about the future of the remaining members (Brexit). This highlights the balance between cooperation and individual interests within any group dynamic.

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