European Economic Community, 1958–1969

Heads the Federal German government when the Treaty of Rome enters into force and the EEC begins operating.

Heads the Italian government when the Treaty of Rome enters into force and the EEC begins operating.

Schuman became the first President of the European Parliamentary Assembly created for the new European Communities.

Heads the government as Stresa hosts the six-country agricultural conference shaping the future Common Agricultural Policy.

Becomes the first President of the Commission of the European Economic Community.

De Gaulle promoted cooperation between sovereign European states while resisting further transfer of national powers to supranational institutions.

Participates in the Bonn summit where the Six seek proposals for closer political cooperation.

Receives Harold Macmillan's letter requesting negotiations on British accession while serving as President-in-Office of the EEC Council.

As Council President-in-Office, informs Britain that the EEC Council agrees to begin accession negotiations.

Christian Fouchet developed proposals for a political union of European states as France sought a more intergovernmental model of cooperation.

Christian Fouchet drafted proposals for a European political union reflecting French preference for cooperation between sovereign states.

The idea is to form a new 'Union of States', an interGovernmental alternative to the European Communities

Written by Christian Fouchet, France's ambassador to Denmark

Heads the Italian government as the EEC begins implementing the Common Agricultural Policy.

Serves as president as Italy enters the first operational phase of the Common Agricultural Policy.

De Gaulle strongly supported the Common Agricultural Policy as a central economic interest for France within the EEC.

Couve de Murville represented French interests as the EEC developed common agricultural market arrangements.

De Gaulle backed the Fouchet Plan, which proposed a political union based on cooperation between European governments.

Draws up the Fouchet Plan for a union of European based around the EU

De Gaulle fears a loss of French influence in the European Communities, which was becoming more and more supranational so the Plan is an attempt to keep the balance of power in France's favour

De Gaulle supported the Fouchet proposals as an alternative to further supranational expansion of the European Communities.

Draws up the Fouchet Plan for a union of Europe based around the EU

The Fouchet negotiations failed when other Community members rejected France's preferred intergovernmental model.

The success of the European Communities and the lack of enthusiasm of other states stops the Fouchet Plan

Draws up the Fouchet Plan for a union of European based around the EU

De Gaulle publicly opposed Britain's first application to join the European Economic Community.

The Elysee Treaty strengthened Franco-German consultation, reinforcing a partnership central to later Community development.

Couve de Murville defended the French government's reservations about British entry into the Community.

De Gaulle pressed for stable Community financing of the Common Agricultural Policy, a major French priority.

France joined the agreement to create a single Commission and Council for the three European Communities.

Heads the West German government when the Six sign the Merger Treaty creating a single Council and Commission.

Represents Italian foreign policy as the Merger Treaty is signed in Brussels.

Heads the Italian government when the Six sign the Merger Treaty for the European Communities.

France began boycotting Council meetings during the Empty Chair crisis over agricultural finance and institutional voting.

Couve de Murville defended France's withdrawal from Council meetings during the Empty Chair dispute.

Appointed President (1965-1968) of the European Court of Human Rights

Appointed President (1965-1968) of the European Court of Human Rights

The Luxembourg Compromise ended the Empty Chair crisis and protected unanimity when a member claimed vital national interests.

Leads West Germany as the Luxembourg Compromise ends the institutional crisis caused by France's empty-chair policy.

France resumed participation in Community Council business after the Luxembourg Compromise.

The Labour Government announces its intention to make a second application to join the EEC

Pompidou says Britain will have to devalue before being considered for EEC membership

The Merger Treaty took effect, creating a single Commission and Council for the three European Communities.

Heads the Italian government when the Merger Treaty creates a single Commission and Council for the Communities.

Serves as foreign minister when the Communities begin operating with unified executive institutions.

De Gaulle again opposed British membership, delaying enlargement of the European Communities.

France joined the other EEC members in completing the customs union and abolishing internal customs duties.

Heads the German government when the EEC customs union is completed ahead of the original Treaty of Rome timetable.

Heads the Italian government when customs duties between EEC members are abolished completely.

Serves as foreign minister when the EEC customs union reaches completion.

Pompidou backed completion, deepening and enlargement of the Communities at the Hague summit.

Represents Germany as leaders open the Hague summit on completion, deepening and enlargement of the European Communities.

Represents Italy as Community leaders open the Hague summit on completion, deepening and enlargement.

Supports the Hague agreement to open enlargement negotiations with applicant countries including Britain, Denmark and Ireland.

Supports the Hague agreement to begin enlargement negotiations and strengthen European cooperation.