On 9 and 10 December 1974, in Paris, the Heads of State or Government of the Nine decide to establish a European passport union, the first step towards the introduction of a standard passport for European Community nationals.

On 3 July 1975, the European Commission presents its report on the establishment of a working party instructed to review the possibility of the establishment of a Passport Union at Community level.

At the press conference which concludes the Fontainebleau Summit held from 25 to 26 June 1984, François Mitterrand, President of the French Republic, holds aloft the first European passport. From 1985, the European passport is to be introduced in Italy, France, Denmark, Ireland and Luxembourg.