The Netherlands and the EU: Founding Member Since 1957

The Netherlands is a founding member of the European Union, joining on 25 March 1957 by signing the Treaty of Rome alongside Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, and Luxembourg—establishing the European Economic Community (EEC), the EU's predecessor.

Key Milestones

• 1952: European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) — precursor
• 1957: Treaty of Rome — EEC and Euratom
• 1993: Maastricht Treaty — European Union established
• 1999: Euro adoption (accounting); 2002: physical euro notes/coins
• 1995: Schengen Agreement implementation — border-free travel

Current Role

• 31 MEPs in European Parliament
• Permanent representation in Council of the EU
• Hosts key agencies: Europol (The Hague), Eurojust (The Hague), European Medicines Agency (Amsterdam, post-Brexit relocation)
• Net budget contributor (~€5.5B annually)
• Strong supporter of single market, trade liberalization, rule of law

Opt-outs

None. The Netherlands participates fully in euro, Schengen, justice/home affairs, and defense cooperation (PESCO).