Brief historical development of the EU?

Question

European Union

Answer 1

Forerunner organisation, the European Coal and Steel Community, formed 1952. Six member countries: France, West Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy. (Britain refused to join).

1956 European Economic Community formed (same members).

1962 Britain refused admission to EEC (De Gaulle of France veto).

1973 Britain, Denmark and ireland join EEC.

1981 10 members - Greece added.

Membership increased later to 12 (Spain and Portugal), then 15 (Austria, Finland and Sweden) and in May 2004 to 25 (Cyprus, Malta and 8 east European countries).

Norway refused to join with FInalnd because of its oil, and Iceland ditto because of its fish.

1990s Name changed to European Union. Single market established (1992).