Timeline: EU through the years
CBC News Online | May 30, 2005
cbc.ca
May 29, 2005:
French voters reject the European Union's new constitution, with nearly 55 per cent of them voting No. French President Jacques Chirac accepts the outcome, but warns that it will make defending France's interests within the union more difficult.
April 25, 2005:
Romania and Bulgaria sign conditional agreements to become members of the EU in 2007. The countries must enact political and economic reforms before they can join.
April 6, 2005:
Italy ratifies the constitution by a vote in its upper house of parliament. The ratification motion passes 217-16.
Feb. 20, 2005:
Spain becomes the first country to ratify the EU constitution by referendum. The non-binding poll shows 77 per cent of Spaniards are behind the constitution.
Feb. 1, 2005:
Slovenia's parliament ratifies the EU constitution, by a vote of 79-4.
Dec. 20, 2004:
Hungary ratifies the EU constitution by a parliamentary vote: 304-9.
Dec. 17, 2004:
Turkish and European Union leaders agree to terms to begin membership talks in October 2005.
Nov. 11, 2004:
Lithuania becomes the first country to ratify the EU constitution, by a vote of 84-4, with three abstentions.
Oct. 20, 2004:
The leaders of the EU's 25 member countries sign its first constitution, which sets out plans for a long-term president and foreign minister for the EU, and a charter of rights. The constitution must be ratified by each of the member countries.
May 1, 2004
Ten nations – the Greek sector of Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia – join the EU in its largest ever expansion.
June 2003
Britain announces it will put off adopting the euro, saying the issue will be put to referendum before 2006. It could be a tough sell, as more than 70 per cent of people in the U.K. say they don't want to abandon the pound.
2002
The euro is officially adopted as the sole currency in 12 EU nations, including Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Greece, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.
1999
The euro is adopted by 11 member nations. They have until 2002 to phase out their own currencies. Also this year, the entire European Commission resigns amid corruption allegations.
1998
EU takes its first step toward eastern expansion, and opens talks with six eastern European nations including Hungary, Poland, Estonia, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Cyprus.
1995
Internal border controls eliminated, making it unnecessary for most Europeans to carry passports for European travel. Ireland and the U.K. opt to maintain their border controls for security and immigration reasons.
1993
Single European Market instituted, scrapping trade tariffs. Treaty of the European Union brought into force.
1991
At a meeting in the Dutch town of Maastricht, leaders draft the Treaty of the European Union, amending the 1957 Treaty of Rome. Among other things, the new treaty establishes a timeline by which to institute common currency. It also establishes freedom of movement for citizens of member countries, allowing them to live in any of the member nations, and vote in local elections.
1986
Spain and Portugal join. The European Community issues first passports.
1979
European Monetary System is instituted, and the precursor to the euro, known as the European Currency Unit, is introduced. It is used in travellers' cheques and bank deposits. Also this year, the first European Parliament elections are held.
1965
ECSC and EEC join the European Atomic Energy Community under the EEC banner.
1957
Through the Treaty of Rome, ECSC signatory nations establish European Economic Community to work alongside ECSC.
1951
European Coal and Steel Community Treaty is signed in Paris to pool coal and steel resources of member nations. The agreement is signed by the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg and Italy.
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