Six European countries create the European Coal and Steel Community, first proposed by the French foreign minister, Robert Schuman, above. - 1957 Treaty of Rome between France, Germany, Italy and the Benelux countries establishes the European Economic Community, and the atomic energy body, Euratom.
Norwegian voters reject membership.
The signing of the Single European Act establishes the goal of a single market in Europe by the end of 1992. Spain and Portugal enter the community. The European Union, rechristened at Maastricht, adds Austria, Sweden and Finland, bringing EU membership to fifteen. 1998 Designation of initial participants in the euro, fixing of inter-European exchange rates, choice of a central bank chief. Local currencies will no longer be accepted after July 1, 2002.