The European Union - 60th anniversary

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The European Union - 60th anniversary

Chancellor Konrad Adenauer (at left) and State Secretary Walter Hallstein (centre) sign the "Treaties of Rome"; at the right sits Italy's Prime Minister Antonio Segni.
01 / 10

On 25 March 1957 in Rome Chancellor Konrad Adenauer and State Secretary Walter Hallstein signed the founding documents of what became the European Union. Walter Hallstein later became the first EEC Commission President.

Photo: picture-alliance / dpa

Cars at the border crossing point at Venlo beside a 'Customs' sign
02 / 10

On 1 July 1968 the customs union between Germany, France, Italy and the Benelux states came into effect. It abolished customs duties beween member states. The customs union was an important milestone on the way to a European Single Market.

Photo: picture-alliance/ dpa

The plenary chamber of the European Parliament in 1979
03 / 10

Since 1979, the people of Europe have been able to directly elect the members of the European Parliament. One of them was former German Chancellor Willy Brandt.

Photo: Bundesregierung/Reineke

A bus drives across the German-Polish border as the barriers are opened.
04 / 10

In 1985 Germany, France and the Benelux states signed the "Schengen Agreement". They agreed to abolish border controls on persons at their internal borders and to step up controls at their external borders.

Photo: picture-alliance/ dpa

Chancellor Helmut Kohl and Commission President Jacques Delors with a map of Europe
05 / 10

Commission President Jacques Delors and Chancellor Helmut Kohl championed the integration of the former East Germany (GDR) into the European community. The reunited Germany is a member of both the European Community and NATO.

Photo: Bundesregierung/Reineke

Maastricht Treaty with wax seals
06 / 10

On 7 February 1992 the Treaty on European Union was signed in Maastricht. It put in place regulations for the common currency, foreign and security policy, and closer cooperation in the fields of justice and home affairs.

Photo: Bundesregierung/Reineke

Chancellor Gerhard Schröder holding up a euro starter kit
07 / 10

On 1 January 2002 the euro was introduced as an official currency and legal tender. Today 19 EU member states are part of the euro zone.

Photo: Bundesregierung/Stutterheim

Young people in Prague celebrate the Czech Republic's accession to the European Union.
08 / 10

The European Union continued to grow after the Iron Curtain fell. Ten countries in Central, Eastern and Southern Europe joined the EU, ending the division of Europe. The European Union now has 28 member states.

Photo: picture-alliance/ dpa/dpaweb

Chancellor Angela Merkel and Commission President José Manuel Barroso with children at the Brandenburg Gate
09 / 10

25 March 2007: The Berlin Declaration on the 50th anniversary of the founding of the EU reaffirmed Europe's commitment to shared values - respect for human dignity, tolerance, solidarity and equal opportunities.

Photo: Bundesregierung/Bolesch

The signing of the Lisbon Treaty in the city's Jerónimos Monastery
10 / 10

The Lisbon Treaty of 13 December 2007 strengthened the rights of the European Parliament in particular. A common European diplomatic service was also established.

Photo: picture-alliance/ dpa

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