EU Midterm

European Union (EU)

A political and economic union of member states located primarily in Europe, designed to foster cooperation and integration.

Schuman Declaration

A proposal made by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman in 1950 to pool French and German coal and steel resources to prevent war.

European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)

The first concrete step toward European integration, established in 1951 to manage coal and steel production.

Cold War

A period of political tension and military rivalry between the Western bloc (led by the USA and NATO) and the Eastern bloc (led by the USSR and the Comecon), influencing European integration.

Single European Act (SEA)

An amendment to the Treaty of Rome that aimed to create a single market within the European Community by 1992.

Economic and Monetary Union (EMU)

A policy aimed at creating a single currency (the Euro) and coordinating economic policies among EU member states.

Maastricht Treaty

The treaty signed in 1992 that established the European Union and set the path for the Economic and Monetary Union.

European Central Bank (ECB)

The institution responsible for managing monetary policy in the Eurozone and ensuring price stability.

Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)

The EU's policy framework for foreign affairs and security, which evolved from earlier European Political Cooperation.

EU Enlargement

The process by which the European Union expanded from its original 6 members to 28, involving the inclusion of new member states.

Convergence criteria

Economic and fiscal rules that EU countries must meet to adopt the Euro, including limits on budget deficits and inflation.

Nobel Peace Prize 2012

Awarded to the EU for its role in promoting peace and reconciliation among European countries over the past 70 years.

Treaty of Paris (1951)

Established the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), pooling resources to prevent conflict among six founding members.

Treaties of Rome (1957)

Created the European Economic Community (EEC) and Euratom, aiming for customs union and common market.

Single European Act (1986)

First major revision of the Treaty of Rome, setting a deadline for the Single Market completion by December 31, 1992.

Treaty of Maastricht (1992)

Formally created the EU, establishing the 'Three Pillars' structure and setting the roadmap for the Euro.

Schuman Declaration (1950)

Proposal by Robert Schuman leading to ECSC; May 9 is celebrated as 'Europe Day'.

Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) (1962)

The EU's first major policy aimed at ensuring food security and supporting farmers.

Luxembourg Report (1970)

Established European Political Cooperation (EPC), precursor to modern common foreign policy.

First Direct Elections to the European Parliament (1979)

Marked the shift from a nominated assembly to a directly elected democratic body.

Launch of the Single Market (1993)

Official start of free movement of goods, services, people, and capital within the EU.

Introduction of Euro Banknotes and Coins (2002)

Physical euro currency replaced national currencies in 12 member states.

Eurozone Crisis Begins (2009)

Crisis triggered by budget deficits in members like Greece, challenging EMU stability.

EU Nobel Peace Prize (2012)

Awarded to the EU for promoting peace, democracy, and human rights over six decades.

First Enlargement (1973)

UK, Ireland, and Denmark joined the EU.

Southern Expansion (1981-1986)

Greece joined in 1981, followed by Spain and Portugal in 1986.

EFTA Enlargement (1995)

Austria, Finland, and Sweden joined the EU.

Big Bang Enlargement (2004)

Ten countries from Eastern Europe joined the EU simultaneously.

Eastern Expansion (2007)

Bulgaria and Romania joined the EU.

Most Recent Addition (2013)

Croatia became the 28th member state.