E UROPE AND ITS HISTORY
T HE S TRUCTURE
G ERMANY, F RANCE, I TALY, THE N ETHERLANDS, B ELGIUM, L UXEMBOURG – Council of Europe was founded 9th May1950 – official Day of Europe Common management of coal- and steel industries “Coal and Steel Treaty“ 25th March 1957 – Treaty of Rome; establishment of European Economic Community (EEC)
Common agricultural policy The six countries abolish custom duties on goods imported from member states free cross-border trade first plan for a single currency
three new member states: Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom European Regional Development Fund established EU citizens directly elect the members of the European Parliament for the first time
New members: Greece Portugal ) Spain – Erasmus-Programme was founded – Treaty on European Union signed in Maastricht EU replaces EEC New member states: Austria, Finland and Sweden
– Schengen Agreement – Euro introduced for commercial and financial transactions only (in 11 countries) – Euro becomes official currency in 12 countries – Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia become new member states
– new member states: Bulgaria and Rumania – Lisbon Treaty becomes effective September 2008 – closer economic ties because of financial crises 2010 – new financial crises have to be combatted
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