On 10 February 1953, the first trainload of German coal crosses the French frontier without having to pay the traditional customs duties. This event marks the opening of the transitional period prior to the establishment of a common market in coal and steel and is welcomed in a statement made by Jean Monnet, President of the ECSC.

On 13 December 1996, on the margins of the Dublin European Council, Alexandre Lamfalussy, Belgian President of the European Monetary Institute (EMI), presents to the press the design of the future euro banknotes.

On 14 December 1996, at the end of the Dublin European Council, Klaus Hänsch, German President of the European Parliament, holds a press conference in which he calls for new institutional reforms which will allow the European Union to operate after its forthcoming enlargement.

On 14 December 1996, at the end of the Dublin European Council, Jacques Santer, President of the European Commission, holds a press conference in which he reveals the timetable for the forthcoming enlargement of the European Union and expresses his support for the necessary institutional reforms.

On 14 December 1996, at the end of the Dublin European Council, John Major, British Prime Minister, holds a press conference in which he gives his views on the launch, on 1 January 1999, of the third stage of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and explains the reservations of the British people regarding the single currency.

On 14 December 1996, at the end of the Dublin European Council, José María Aznar, Spanish Prime Minister, holds a press conference in which he expresses his satisfaction at the progress made by the Fifteen in matters such as the fight against terrorism and Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).

On 14 December 1996, at the end of the Dublin European Council, Helmut Kohl, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), holds a press conference in which he expresses his satisfaction at the results achieved by the Fifteen.

On 9 July 1961, Greece becomes the first European State to sign an Association Agreement with the European Economic Community (EEC).