26 March 1995
The Schengen Agreement takes effect in Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Portugal.
17 June 1997
Signature of the Treaty of Amsterdam.
13 December 1997
EU leaders agree to start the process of membership negotiations with Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. The Mediterranean islands of Cyprus and Malta are also included. In 2000.
1 January 1999
The euro is introduced in 11 countries (joined by Greece in 2001).
1 January 2002
Euro notes and coins arrive.
1 May 2004
The Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia join. Bulgaria and Romania are due to follow in 2007. Croatia and Turkey are also candidates for membership.
29 October 2004
The 25 EU countries sign a Treaty establishing a European Constitution. It also creates the post of a European Foreign Minister.