Here are some key events that took place in Europe in 1986:
Chernobyl Disaster: On April 26, 1986, a nuclear reactor at Chernobyl in the Soviet Union (now Ukraine) exploded, releasing large amounts of radioactive material across Europe. This is considered one of the worst nuclear disasters in history. Source
European Community Expansion: Portugal and Spain joined the European Economic Community, marking a significant step in European integration. Source
Reykjavik Summit: A meeting between U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev took place in Reykjavik, Iceland, which played a crucial role in the progress towards ending the Cold War. Source
The Big Bang in the UK: The deregulation of the financial markets in the United Kingdom, known as the "Big Bang," led to major changes in the London Stock Exchange and transformed financial services in the UK. Source
These events had significant impacts both within Europe and globally, shaping political, economic, and environmental landscapes.