The date of the departure of the first contingent of Spanish workers to Belgium, 25 March 1957, coincides with the date of the signing, in Rome, of the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community (EEC) by Belgium, the Federal Republic of Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

In 1960, the Franco Government decides to establish diplomatic relations with the European Economic Community (EEC). On 9 December 1960, in Brussels, the Count of Casa Miranda (left), Spanish Ambassador to Belgium, presents his credentials to Walter Hallstein, President of the Commission of the EEC, as Head of the Mission of Spain to the Community.

Spain’s application for association with the European Economic Community (EEC), dated 9 February 1962, submitted by Fernando María Castiella, Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, to Maurice Couve de Murville, President-in-Office of the Council of the EEC.

In a letter dated 7 March 1962, Maurice Couve de Murville, President-in-Office of the Council of the European Economic Community (EEC), acknowledges receipt of the letter sent by Fernando María Castiella, Spanish Foreign Minister, dated 9 February 1962, in which Spain requests association with the EEC.

On 10 February 1962, the Italian daily newspaper Corriere della Sera comments on Spain's application for association with the European Economic Community (EEC).

‘Metamorphosis in Spain.’ In May 1963, cartoonist Behrendt looks back at 27 years of Spanish history under the Franco regime.

In a letter sent on 14 February 1964 to Paul-Henri Spaak, President-in-Office of the Council of the European Economic Community (EEC), the Count of Casa Miranda, Head of the Spanish Diplomatic Mission to the European Communities, renews the Spanish Government’s application for association with the EEC.

In a letter sent on 2 June 1964 to Fernando María Castiella, Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Paul-Henri Spaak, President-in-Office of the Council of the European Economic Community (EEC), responds favourably to the Spanish Government’s request to begin exploratory talks in order to consider the links to be established between Spain and the EEC.

‘Come, come!’ On 29 October 1968, Federal Chancellor Kurt Kiesinger meets General Franco during his official visit to the Spanish capital. The day after this visit, 30 October, the German cartoonist Wilhelm Hartung paints an ironic picture of this controversial meeting and accuses the Chancellor of working for the establishment of closer relations between Francoist Spain and the European Economic Community. Following their discussions, the representatives of the Federal Republic of Germany and Spain are of the view that a ‘minimum of collaboration’ is needed between the countries of Western Europe to guarantee their defence in response to the threat represented by the communist bloc.