The Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union began on 1 January, Sweden's third presidency since joining the EU in 1995. Spain will take over the rotating presidency in June.

Their presidencies will oversee important milestones in 2023 - reminders of pivotal moments that have helped build the EU as we know it today, as well as the values which have progressively brought 27 countries together.

10 years since Croatia joined the EU

On 1 July 2013, Croatia became the newest member of the EU.

In 2023, it has also become the 20th country to adopt the euro as part of the EuroZone and has joined the Schengen area.

See the Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with Prime Minister Plenković and President Pirc Musar.

25 years of the European Central Bank

On 1 June 1998, the European Central Bank was officially opened in Frankfurt.

The ECB works with the national central banks of all EU countries and is responsible for managing the euro.

30 years of the single market

In 1993, the single market was launched with the '4 freedoms' of free movement for people, goods, services and money.

It has fuelled economic growth and made the everyday life of European businesses and consumers easier.

30 years of the Treaty of Maastricht

The Treaty on the European Union was signed in The Netherlands and entered into force on 1 November 1993.

A major milestone, it set clear rules for the future single currency, foreign policy and closer cooperation in justice and home affairs.

50 years since Denmark and Ireland joined the EU.

Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom joined the European Communities on 1 January 1973, raising the number of member countries to 9.

55 years of the Customs Union.

On 1 July 1968, the 6 EEC member countries removed customs duties on goods imported from each other, allowing free cross-border trade for the first time.

65 years of the entry into force of the Treaties of Rome

In 1957, the Treaty of Rome established the European Economic Community (EEC) and a new era of ever-closer cooperation in Europe.

70 years of the common market for coal and steel

The common market for coal and steel ore was put into place on this day: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands removed custom duties and quantitative restrictions on these raw materials.

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Check our timeline and take a trip back in time and discover more important moments in #EUarchives - inventions, major events in sport and society and more, many of which made the EU what it is today.

It's part of our learning corner which also includes teaching materials for teachers and students, games and videos as well as information on study exchanges and scholarships.