HISTORY
1945-1959
A PEACEFUL EUROPE: THE BEGINNING OF COOPERATION
EU was born with the desire to end with frequent and bloody conflicts between the neighbors that had culminated in the Second World War. In the 50s the European Community of Coal and Steel, the origin of what would later be the European Economic Community and the European Atomic Energy Community, is the first step of an economic and political union to achieve a lasting peace. Its six founders are Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. That period is characterized by the cold war between east and west. The protests against the communist regime in Hungary are crushed by the Soviet tanks in 1956. In 1957 the Treaty of Rome is signed, by which the European Economic Community (EEC) or "common market" is constituted.
1960-1969
PERIOD OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
The 60’s decade was a good moment for the economy. The States of the European Union eliminated the custom duties existing for commercial transactions between them. At the same time, they agreed to control the total production of food so that people had enough to eat. As a consequence, there was a surplus of nourishment. In May 1968 there was a student riot in Paris and a lot of social and life habits changes. All related with the Generation of 1928.
1970-1979
A GROWING COMMUNITY: THE FIRST EXTENSION.
On January 1, 1973, Denmark, Ireland and United Kingdom joined the EU, therefore the number of State Members increase to nine. The brief but cruel Arab-Israeli war of October 1973 gives rise to an energy crisis and economic problems in Europe. With the overthrow of the Salazar regime in Portugal in 1974 and the death of General Franco in Spain in 1975, the last "right" dictatorships in Europe disappeared. The EU's regional policy begins to transfer large amounts of money for the creation of employment and infrastructure in the poorest areas. The European Parliament increases its influence in the affairs of the EU and, in 1979, it is elected for the first time by universal suffrage. In the 1970s, the fight against pollution intensifies. The EU adopts new provisions to protect the environment and introduces for the first time the concept of "who pollutes, pays".
1980-1989
THE CHANGING FACE OF EUROPE: FALL OF THE BERLIN WALL.
The Polish union, Solidarność, and its leader, Lech Walesa, became famous in Europe and all around the world after the shipyard’s strike of Gdansk during summer 1980. In1981, Greece became the 10th member of the European Union and later on Spain and Portugal. In 1986, the Single European Act was signed, treaty that constituted the base of programme of six years. Its purpose was to eliminate the obstacles on free movement of merchandise through the EU frontiers. This became the origin of the common market. On 9th November 1989 there was an important political change and the fall of the Berlin Wall. For the first time in 28 years, the frontier between the two Germanys, was opened. This led to the unification of Germany in October 1990.
BEFORE
AFTER
1990-1999
A EUROPE WITHOUT BORDERS.
With the fall of communism in Central and Eastern Europe, Europeans feel closer. In 1993 the creation of a single market with the “four freedoms” of circulation: goods, services, people and capital ends. The 1990s is also the decade of two treaties: that of Maastricht (Treaty of the European Union) in 1993 and of Amsterdam in 1999. Citizens are concerned about the protection of the environment and joint action in matters of security and defending. In 1995, three more countries joined the EU: Austria, Finland and Sweden. The agreements signed in Schengen, a small town in Luxembourg, gradually allow citizens to travel without having to present their passports at the borders. Millions of young people study in other countries with the help of the EU. Communication becomes easier as the use of the mobile phone and the Internet is extended.
2000-2009
THE EXPANSION.
The euro is the new currency of many European countries. During this decade, more and more countries adopt it as their currency. After the 11 September, 2001, when New York City and Washington were attacked, countries of EU cooperate against delinquency. The division between west and eastern Europe ends after the union of ten new countries in 2004 and of Bulgaria and Romania in 2007.
The financial crisis hits the global economy on 2008. The Treaty of Lisbon, which provides more modern institutions and more efficients ways of working, is ratified by all EU’s members before its effective date on 2009.
2010-nowadays
A DELICATE DECADE.
The global economic crisis hits squarely in Europe. The EU helps several countries to face their difficulties and establishes the "banking union" to create a safer and more reliable banking sector. In 2012, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the European Union. In 2013 Croatia becomes the 28th member of the EU. Climate change continues to be high on the agenda and leaders agree to reduce harmful emissions. In 2014 the European elections are held and the eurosceptics win seats in the European Parliament. A new security policy is established following the annexation of Crimea to Russia. Increases religious extremism in the Middle East and in various countries and regions around the world, leading to riots and wars that lead many people to flee their homes and seek refuge in Europe. The EU not only faces the dilemma of how to deal with them, but it is also the target of several terrorist attacks