France and European Integration

During the last days of his first administration, Schuman's Government proposed plans that later resulted in the Council of Europe and the European Community single market

Schuman's government promoted post-war European cooperation, including initiatives that contributed to the Council of Europe and later supranational integration.

As French Foreign Minister, Schuman supported the creation of the Council of Europe, whose Statute was signed in London on 5 May 1949.

At the signing of it's Statutes at St James's Palace, London, 5 May 1949, the founding States agreed to defining the frontiers of Europe based on the principles of human rights and fundamental freedoms that Schuman enunciated.

He also announced a coming supranational union for Europe that saw light as the European Coal and Steel Community and other such Communities within a Union framework of common law and democracy.

Schuman continued advocating supranational European cooperation while serving as French Foreign Minister.

The Council of Europe and was created within the tight schedule Schuman had set.

The Council of Europe was established in 1949 as part of the wider post-war movement toward European cooperation.

At the signing of it's Statutes at St James's Palace, London, 5 May 1949, the founding States agreed to defining the frontiers of Europe based on the principles of human rights and fundamental freedoms that Schuman enunciated.

He also announced a coming supranational union for Europe that saw light as the European Coal and Steel Community and other such Communities within a Union framework of common law and democracy.

The Council of Europe and was created within the tight schedule Schuman had set.

Monnet helped design the proposal that became the Schuman Declaration and the foundation for the ECSC.

Schuman publicly proposed pooling French and German coal and steel production under a common High Authority.

Proposes a community to integrate the coal and steel industries of Europe, the two elements necessary to make weapons of war

Schuman proposed pooling French and German coal and steel production under a common High Authority, opening the way to the ECSC.

France opened negotiations with five partner states on the institutional arrangements for pooling coal and steel production.

Pleven proposed a European Defence Community intended to place participating forces within a common European structure.

Schuman represented France's commitment to the Treaty of Paris and the new supranational Coal and Steel Community.

France and five partner states signed the Treaty of Paris, establishing the European Coal and Steel Community.

On 18 April 1951 six founder members sign the Treaty of Paris (1951) that formed the basis of the European Coal and Steel Community. They declared this date and the corresponding democratic, supranational principles to be the 'real foundation of Europe'

On 18 April 1951 six founder members sign the Treaty of Paris (1951) that formed the basis of the European Coal and Steel Community. They declared this date and the corresponding democratic, supranational principles to be the 'real foundation of Europe'

Monnet helped shape the supranational institutions incorporated into the Treaty of Paris establishing the ECSC.

The EU grows out of the European Coal and Steel Community by the 6 founders, Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, France & Italy

The six founding states used the ECSC as the first supranational step toward the later European Economic Community.

The EU grows out of the European Coal and Steel Community by the 6 founders, Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, France & Italy

The Treaty of Paris created the ECSC, providing an institutional model for the later European Economic Community.

Within one year, on 18 April 1951, the six founding members signed the Treaty of Paris. It created the European Coal and Steel Community - Europe’s first supranational Community. This organization paved the way for the European Economic Community and subsequently the European Union, which is still run by the innovative type of European institutions conceived in 1950

France joined West Germany, Italy and the Benelux countries in signing the Treaty of Paris establishing the ECSC.

France, Italy, the Benelux countries (Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg) together with West Germany sign the Treaty of Paris creating the European Coal and Steel Community the following year

The European Coal and Steel Community is created, this takes over the role of the International Authority for the Ruhr and lifts some restrictions on German industrial productivity

The European Coal and Steel Community is created, this takes over the role of the International Authority for the Ruhr and lifts some restrictions on German industrial productivity

The Treaty of Paris entered into force, bringing the European Coal and Steel Community formally into existence.

Monnet oversaw the start of work by the ECSC High Authority as the first European supranational executive.

Monnet became the first President of the ECSC High Authority and led the new supranational executive.

The ECSC common market for coal opened while Monnet chaired the High Authority.

The ECSC common market for steel opened, extending practical economic integration under Monnet's High Authority.

The French National Assembly rejected the European Defence Community treaty that had developed from Pleven's 1950 proposal.

France joined the six ECSC states in relaunching European integration at the Messina conference.

Monnet founded the Action Committee for the United States of Europe to mobilise political support for deeper integration.

Pineau represented France as negotiations moved from the Spaak Report toward treaties for a common market and atomic-energy community.

Pineau took part in ministerial talks that advanced negotiations for the European Economic Community and Euratom.

Faure played a leading French role in negotiations that produced the Treaties of Rome.

Faure signed the Euratom treaty for France alongside the treaty establishing the European Economic Community.

Pineau signed the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community on behalf of France.

Faure supported French parliamentary approval of the Treaties of Rome creating the EEC and Euratom.

The Treaties of Rome, 1957, created the Economic community and the nuclear non-proliferation Community, Euratom. Together with interGovernmental machinery of later treaties, these eventually evolved into the European Union

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

France accepted arrangements giving the European Communities an independent system of budgetary own resources.

Pompidou supported the new framework for regular foreign-policy consultation among Community governments.

Pompidou supported completion of negotiations for Britain, Ireland, Denmark and Norway to join the Communities.

Pompidou supported the treaties enabling Britain, Ireland, Denmark and Norway to seek membership of the European Communities.

French voters approved enlargement of the European Communities in a referendum called by Pompidou.

Pompidou hosted Community leaders as they set broader ambitions for economic, monetary and political cooperation.

France welcomed Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom into the European Communities, increasing membership from six to nine.

Giscard hosted the Paris summit that created the European Council as a regular forum for national leaders.

Giscard supported the decision to move toward direct elections to the European Parliament.

At the Paris summit, Giscard supported creation of a Community fund to reduce regional economic disparities.

Giscard represented France at the first meeting of the newly created European Council in Dublin.

Giscard worked with Helmut Schmidt to advance plans for the European Monetary System.

European leaders agreed the framework for the European Monetary System, strongly promoted by Giscard.

France entered the European Monetary System, designed to stabilise exchange rates among participating Community currencies.

Members chose Veil to lead the newly directly elected Parliament, giving a French politician a prominent role in the Community's democratic institutions.

Simone Veil was elected the first President of the directly elected European Parliament and the first woman to hold the office.

French voters participated in the first direct elections to the European Parliament, and Simone Veil headed a successful pro-European list.

The European Parliament held its first direct elections by universal suffrage. 410 members were elected, who then elected the first female President of the European Parliament, Simone Veil

The European Parliament held its first direct elections by universal suffrage. 410 members were elected, who then elected the first female President of the European Parliament, Simone Veil

Mitterrand represented France at a European Council soon after becoming President and reaffirmed France's role in Community affairs.

Mitterrand kept France inside the European Monetary System despite domestic economic pressures.

Mitterrand and Helmut Kohl marked the Elysee Treaty's twentieth anniversary while strengthening cooperation on European integration.

Mitterrand backed the Stuttgart declaration calling for stronger political cooperation and progress toward European Union.

Mitterrand addressed the European Parliament and urged renewed political momentum for European integration.

Mitterrand chaired the Fontainebleau European Council, which settled major budget disputes and relaunched institutional reform.

The Fontainebleau summit backed measures intended to make the European Community more visible and meaningful to its citizens.

European leaders selected Delors to succeed Gaston Thorn as President of the European Commission.

The first Delors Commission took office with completion of the internal market among its central objectives.

Delors made completion of the internal market a defining priority of his new Commission.

Delors welcomed the accession treaties for Spain and Portugal as a major expansion of democratic Europe.

Mitterrand supported France's participation in the Schengen Agreement to reduce controls at participating states' internal borders.

Dumas backs France's participation in the founding five-state agreement for gradually reducing checks at common borders. French policy couples freer movement with stronger police coordination.

Leads France when Belgium, France, West Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands sign the Schengen Agreement on gradual abolition of internal border checks.

The Commission presented its White Paper setting out measures needed to complete the internal market by 1992.

In France, Joxe starts adapting border and policing arrangements to the commitments created at Schengen. Paris also emphasises effective controls at the Schengen area's external frontier.

Lalumiere helps review legal consequences of the agreement's programme for progressively freer cross-border movement. France supports mobility alongside common visa and security arrangements.

Mitterrand supported launching treaty negotiations intended to deepen Community integration and complete the internal market.

Jacques Delors began his presidency of the European Commission, launching a decade of major initiatives for deeper European integration.

The Delors Commission oversaw a large degree of expansion. The membership of Spain and Portugal came first in 1985; then the fall of the Berlin Wall enabled the Reunification of Germany; and in 1995 came the accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden. The Delors Commission also prepared the opening to the eastern countries who later joined in 2004

Delors welcomed Spain and Portugal as Community members, expanding the European Communities to twelve states.

Mitterrand supported the Single European Act as the treaty basis for completing the internal market.

The Delors Commission was also responsible for the creation of the Committee of the Regions, having enshrined the idea of cohesion between EU states and regions in the SEA in 1986 leading Delors to propose the body in 1992

The Delors Commission accelerated completion of the single market and strengthened plans for economic and monetary union.

The Delors Commission gave a new momentum to the process of European integration. They 'completed' the internal market and laid the foundations for the single European currency. European Economic and Monetary Union was based on the three stage plan drawn up by a committee headed by Delors (the Delors Report)

The Delors Commission gave a new momentum to the process of European integration. They 'completed' the internal market and laid the foundations for the single European currency. European Economic and Monetary Union was based on the three stage plan drawn up by a committee headed by Delors (the Delors Report)

Under Delors, the European Communities adopted the European flag for institutional use in 1986.

Commission President Jacques Delors presided over the adoption of the European flag by the Communities

The first major revision of the treaties since the Merger Treaty, leaders signed the Single European Act in February 1986. The text dealt with institutional reform, including extension of community powers 'g in particular in regarding foreign policy. It was a major component in completing the single market

The Single European Act expanded Community powers and provided the legal framework for completing the internal market.

The first major revision of the treaties since the Merger Treaty, leaders signed the Single European Act in February 1986. The text dealt with institutional reform, including extension of community powers 'g in particular in regarding foreign policy. It was a major component in completing the single market

Delors pressed governments to implement the legislative programme required for a border-free internal market.

The Erasmus programme began during the Delors Commission, supporting student mobility across participating European countries.

The Single European Act entered into force, strengthening Community powers and the legal basis for the internal market.

Delors secured a multi-year budget and reform package that gave the Community greater financial stability.

European leaders asked Delors to chair a committee examining practical steps toward economic and monetary union.

Mitterrand backed the decision to study a staged path toward European Economic and Monetary Union.

Delors addressed the British Trades Union Congress and argued for a European social dimension alongside market integration.

Delors addressed the British Trade Union Congress. His speech about a social Europe was pivotal in turning British Labour pro-European and the British Conservatives against it

The Delors Committee recommended a three-stage route to Economic and Monetary Union.

Mitterrand supported starting the first stage of Economic and Monetary Union in July 1990.

Mitterrand hosted European leaders as they agreed to convene negotiations on Economic and Monetary Union.

The Delors Report proposed a three-stage process for achieving European Economic and Monetary Union.

Publication of the Delors Report into further EU monetary & economic union

Dumas endorses the 1990 Convention defining common rules on borders, visas and cooperation between authorities. The French approach stresses both free movement and compensating security measures.

In France, Joxe backs stronger external-frontier controls and security cooperation to offset removal of internal checks. French policy couples freer movement with stronger police coordination.

During the Schengen process, Rocard leads France when the implementing Convention establishes detailed rules for a border-free Schengen area. French officials link border removal with operational law-enforcement cooperation.

Mitterrand supported parallel negotiations on political union alongside plans for economic and monetary union.

The first stage of Economic and Monetary Union began under the programme developed by the Delors Committee.

The former East Germany entered the European Community framework through German reunification during Delors's Commission presidency.

During the Schengen process, Dumas welcomes Italy into the Schengen arrangements as the original group begins to expand. France supports mobility alongside common visa and security arrangements.

Rocard helps lead France as Italy signs its agreement to accede to the Schengen Convention. Paris also emphasises effective controls at the Schengen area's external frontier.

Mitterrand joined European leaders opening formal negotiations on political union and Economic and Monetary Union.

Cresson represents France as Spain and Portugal sign Schengen accession agreements. French officials link border removal with operational law-enforcement cooperation.

In France, Dumas endorses Spanish and Portuguese accession to the Convention at the Bonn signing. The French approach stresses both free movement and compensating security measures.

Carries France's negotiating position into the Luxembourg summit on political and monetary integration.

Supports France's economic negotiating line as the proposed monetary union takes shape.

Helps define France's approach to political cooperation during the Luxembourg European Council.

Delors promoted the staged programme for economic and monetary union agreed by European leaders.

Promotes the staged programme leading toward economic and monetary union.

Mitterrand promoted political union alongside plans for a common European currency.

Promotes political union alongside the planned common European currency.

Delors supported the Maastricht settlement on deeper political and economic integration.

Supports agreement on deeper political and economic integration.

Mitterrand worked with Helmut Kohl to secure agreement at the Maastricht European Council.

Works with Helmut Kohl to secure agreement on the treaty.

Leads France's participation as the final European Council negotiations begin at Maastricht.

Delors supported agreement on treaty provisions establishing the route toward a single European currency.

Mitterrand helped secure agreement on a treaty combining political union with economic and monetary integration.

Advances France's economic position as the Maastricht monetary settlement is finalised.

Contributes to the political-union compromise accepted by France on the summit's final day.

Supports the timetable and convergence provisions for monetary union.

Confirms French participation in the new European Union framework.

Signs the Treaty on European Union for France as Minister of Economy and Finance.

Signs the Treaty on European Union for France as Foreign Minister.

French voters narrowly approved the Maastricht Treaty in a referendum backed by Mitterrand.

Serves as president when France notifies the Italian depositary that its Maastricht ratification is complete.

Beregovoy helps represent France when Greece signs its Schengen accession instruments. French policy couples freer movement with stronger police coordination.

During the Schengen process, Dumas approves the Greek accession instruments signed in Madrid. Paris also emphasises effective controls at the Schengen area's external frontier.

Carries France's position into Edinburgh while leaders work to preserve the Maastricht settlement.

Helps France assess the legal and political arrangements intended to preserve the Maastricht Treaty.

The Delors Commission completed most legislation required for the single market to begin in 1993.

The Delors Commission supported stronger regional cohesion and the treaty framework that led to creation of the Committee of the Regions.

The European single market began with free movement goals covering goods, services, people and capital.

Mitterrand saw the Maastricht settlement enter into force, formally creating the European Union.

Serves as Foreign Minister when Maastricht enters into force and the European Union formally replaces the earlier Community framework.

Serves as president when the Maastricht Treaty enters into force and formally establishes the European Union.

The Delors Commission proposed a European strategy linking competitiveness, employment and economic modernisation.

The European Economic Area extended much of the single market to participating EFTA countries.

Mitterrand supported the accession agreements preparing Austria, Finland and Sweden to join the European Union.

Balladur oversees preparations for the planned operational removal of internal Schengen border controls. France supports mobility alongside common visa and security arrangements.

In France, Pasqua coordinates legal, policing and information-system preparations before full Schengen implementation. French officials link border removal with operational law-enforcement cooperation.

Austria, Finland and Sweden joined the European Union as the Delors Commission approached the end of its mandate.

Mitterrand delivered a final major European Parliament speech warning against nationalism and defending European reconciliation.

Delors addressed the European Parliament near the end of his ten-year Commission presidency.

France joined six other states in implementing passport-free travel under the Schengen arrangements.

Balladur helps lead France when routine internal-border checks disappear among the first operational Schengen states. The French approach stresses both free movement and compensating security measures.

During the Schengen process, Pasqua oversees domestic security arrangements as the Schengen border-free regime becomes operational. French policy couples freer movement with stronger police coordination.

Juppe endorses Austria's formal move into the Schengen agreements. Paris also emphasises effective controls at the Schengen area's external frontier.

Chirac hosted European leaders at Cannes as they addressed enlargement, Mediterranean policy and preparations for monetary union.

Chirac joined European leaders in adopting the name euro for the future single currency.

Chirac and Helmut Kohl reaffirmed Franco-German commitment to the planned single European currency.

Kohl & Chirac meet to confirm their committment to a single currency in the EU

Kohl & Chirac meet to confirm their committment to a single currency in the EU

Forced to resign following accusations of corruption

Chirac participated in launching negotiations that produced the Amsterdam Treaty.

de Charette helps back the Nordic accessions that extend Schengen cooperation across northern Europe. French officials link border removal with operational law-enforcement cooperation.

In France, Juppe leads France as Denmark, Finland and Sweden sign agreements joining Schengen. France supports mobility alongside common visa and security arrangements.

Chirac joined European leaders in reaching political agreement on the Amsterdam Treaty.

Jospin represented France's government as the Amsterdam Treaty was signed to reform the European Union.

In France, Chevenement works to preserve practical border, police and justice cooperation during the transition into EU law. Paris also emphasises effective controls at the Schengen area's external frontier.

During the Schengen process, Jospin endorses Amsterdam's Schengen Protocol, which brings the acquis inside the European Union treaty system. The French approach stresses both free movement and compensating security measures.

Vedrine accepts moving Schengen rules from intergovernmental cooperation into the Union's legal order. French policy couples freer movement with stronger police coordination.

Chirac supported opening the enlargement process with Central and Eastern European applicant states.

Jospin supported France's participation among the initial states approved to launch the single currency.

France adopted the euro for accounting and electronic transactions when the single currency was launched.

Jospin helps lead France when the Amsterdam Treaty takes effect and the Schengen acquis becomes part of EU law. France supports mobility alongside common visa and security arrangements.

During the Schengen process, Vedrine handles French diplomacy as the Schengen system is absorbed into the Union's legal structure. French officials link border removal with operational law-enforcement cooperation.

Chevenement supports the post-Amsterdam legal settlement assigning treaty bases to individual Schengen measures. The French approach stresses both free movement and compensating security measures.

Chirac backed the European strategy for employment, economic reform and a more competitive knowledge-based economy.

Chirac hosted European leaders as they endorsed the draft Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Chirac chaired the Nice European Council, which reached agreement on institutional reforms for future enlargement.

Jospin represented the French government during negotiations that produced the Nice institutional settlement.

Chirac joined European leaders in signing the Treaty of Nice, designed to prepare the institutions for enlargement.

European leaders selected former French President Giscard dEstang to chair the Convention on the Future of Europe.

Euro banknotes and coins entered circulation in France and eleven other participating countries.

Giscard dEstang opened the Convention on the Future of Europe as its chairman.

Former French President Valery Giscard dEstang chaired the Convention on the Future of Europe, established after the Laeken Declaration.

Giscard dEstang presented the Convention's draft constitutional treaty to European leaders.

Chirac welcomed ten new member states as the European Union completed its largest enlargement.

The Constitution, having been agreed by heads of Government from the 25 Member States, is signed at a ceremony in Rome

The Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe was signed in Rome by the governments of the European Union member states.

Chirac joined European leaders in signing the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe.

The Constitution, having been agreed by heads of Government from the 25 Member States, is signed at a ceremony in Rome

The European Convention is established, presided over by former French President Valery Giscard dEstaing, and was given the task of consulting as widely as possible across Europe with the aim of producing a first draft of the Constitution

The European Convention is established, presided over by former French President Valery Giscard dEstaing, and was given the task of consulting as widely as possible across Europe with the aim of producing a first draft of the Constitution

French voters rejected the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe in the referendum held on 29 May 2005.

Negotiations to modify EU institutions began in 2001, resulting first in the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe, which would have repealed the existing European treaties and replaced them with a "constitution". Although ratified by a majority of member states, this was abandoned after being rejected by 54.67% of French voters on 29 May 2005

Referendums held in France and The Netherlands reject the European Constitution. While the majority of the Member States already had ratified the European Constitution (mostly through Parliamentary ratification, although Spain and Luxembourg held referendums), due to the requirement of unanimity to amend the treaties of the EU, it became clear that it could not enter into force

Referendums held in France and The Netherlands reject the European Constitution. While the majority of the Member States already had ratified the European Constitution (mostly through Parliamentary ratification, although Spain and Luxembourg held referendums), due to the requirement of unanimity to amend the treaties of the EU, it became clear that it could not enter into force

Sarkozy signed the Treaty of Lisbon for France as the European Union sought institutional reform after the failed constitutional treaty.

France began its six-month Presidency of the Council of the European Union under Sarkozy.

Sarkozy hosted euro-area leaders in Paris to coordinate measures responding to the financial crisis.

Sarkozy welcomed the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty and its institutional reforms.