Founding Figures and Key Events in European Union History

Posted on Apr 1, 2025 in International Relations

Key figures in the formation of the European Union:

• Konrad Adenauer, Germany: Chancellor of West Germany from 1949-1963. He is considered one of the fathers of the EU because his policies made a later reunification of both German states possible.
• Joseph Bech, Luxembourg: Prime Minister of Luxembourg from 1926 to 1937 and from 1953 to 1958. He is highly regarded for his contributions to the unification of Europe.
• Johan Beyen, Netherlands: Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands from 1952 to 1956. He contributed to the formation of the European Economic Community.
• Winston Churchill, United Kingdom: Prime Minister of the UK from 1940 to 1945 and again from 1951 to 1955. He was one of the first to call for the creation of a United States of Europe.
• Alcide De Gasperi, Italy: Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister from 1945-1953. He was an inspiring mediator for democracy and freedom in Europe.
• Walter Hallstein, Germany: First President of the European Commission from 1958-1967. He had a diplomatic force propelling swift European integration.
• Sicco Mansholt, Netherlands: First European Commissioner responsible for agriculture. He was a farmer, resistance fighter, and a true European.
• Jean Monnet, France: French political and economic advisor. He was the unifying force behind the birth of the EU.
• Robert Schuman, France: Foreign Minister from 1948-1952. He was the architect of the European integration project.
• Paul-Henri Spaak, Belgium: European statesman. He was a European visionary and talented persuader.
• Altiero Spinelli, Italy: Leading figure of the European Parliament. He was an unrelenting federalist.

Key Events in EU History

• 1945-1959: The EU is set up with the ending of wars. The European Coal and Steel Community unites European countries economically and politically. Protests in Hungary are put down by Soviet tanks, the Soviet Union launches the first space satellite, and the Treaty of Rome creates the EEC.
• 1960-1969: The 1960s see the emergence of youth culture, helping to stimulate a cultural revolution. The EU stops charging custom duties and has control over food production. Changes occur in society and behavior.
• 1970-1979: Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom join the EU in 1973. The Arab-Israeli war results in economic problems in Europe. The last dictatorships in Europe come to an end with Salazar and Franco. The EU policy starts to create jobs and infrastructure in poor areas. In 1979, all citizens can elect their members directly.
• 1980-1989: The Polish Union became a household name because of the strikes in 1980. Greece becomes the 10th member of the EU, with Spain and Portugal joining five years later. The Single European Act is signed. In 1989, the Berlin Wall is pulled down, leading to the reunification of Germany.
• 1990-1999: With the collapse of communism, Europeans became closer. The single market is completed with the four freedoms. The Maastricht and Amsterdam Treaties are signed. People are concerned about protecting the environment. Three more members join: Austria, Finland, and Sweden. The Schengen Agreement allows people to travel without passports, and communication is made easier.
• 2000-2009: The Euro is the new currency for many Europeans. Hijacked airlines are flown into buildings. EU countries work to fight crime. The divisions between east and west are healed. 10 new countries join the EU, leading to closer economic cooperation between EU countries, modern institutions, and more efficient working methods.
• 2010-Today: The new decade starts with a severe economic crisis. New green and climate-friendly technologies emerge. European cooperation aims to bring growth and welfare.