European Union

This archive collects solutions-journalism stories and milestones connected to the European Union — from policy advances and clean-energy progress to social initiatives and scientific achievements. It tracks meaningful developments across member states and E.U.-wide institutions.

Euro lighted sign, for article on EU enlargement 1995

Austria, Finland, and Sweden join the European Union

By Peter Schulte / January 1, 1995 / Archive of Human Genius

EU enlargement in 1995 brought Austria, Finland, and Sweden into the union on January 1st, growing membership from 12 to 15 countries. Each nation put the question to its people first, with Austrians backing it most enthusiastically at 66% and Swedes narrowly approving at 52%. A quiet turning point for three longtime neutrals after the Cold War.