European Union
From Galactopedia
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Union of the nation-states of the continent of Europe that emerged in the late 20th Century. It is one of the models on which the United Systems Alliance was based. Its functions were dissoluted into the United Nations of Earth in 2071.
[edit] History
1951- France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, and The Netherlands form the "European Coal and Steel Community", an early precursor to the European Union.
1957- The same six countries form the "European Economic Community."
1979- The European Parliament held its first direct elections by universal suffrage and 410 members were elected. They proceed to elect the first female President of the European Parliament, Simone Veil.
1993- The Maastricht Treaty creates the "European Union" including foreign affairs and home affairs offices.
1999- The Amsterdam Treaty entered into force and the EU Parliament approved Romano Prodi as Commission President. Prodi is un-officially termed the "Prime Minister of Europe."
2002- The "euro" a universal currency for Europe goes into effect.
2007- The Treaty of Lisbon further refines the powers of the EU.
2029- The American "Vision for Space Exploration" program merges with the European Union "Aurora Program" and definitive plans for a manned mission to Mars are created.
2043- On the 50th anniversary of its founding, the European Union becomes a single autonomous government.
2044- First manned mission to Mars includes four Europeans: Dr. Uli Grapow of Germany, Dr. Jennifer Eyres-Monsell of the United Kingdom, Dr. Kenneth Salman of Ireland, and Major Lech Zawadzka of Poland.
2051- First successful colonization attempt by the US/European Co-operative Mars Colony landers. Their settlement would be named "Farsoom City" in 2077. 11 of the 20 colonists are Europeans.
2052- Space operations and the Mars Colony fall under the purview of the International Planetary Committee.
2064- IPC taxation and control over military matters are finally approved by the European Union Parliament.
2071- The European Union becomes incorporated into the IPC, retaining its intra-union powers over transport, education, crime control, and other matters, but ceding the rest to the world body.
2122- The Royal Air Force, the last European air defense organization, is dissolved, with its functions taken over by the Terran Star Service.
