<P> The geological history of Europe traces back to the formation of the Baltic Shield ( Fennoscandia ) and the Sarmatian craton , both around 2.25 billion years ago , followed by the Volgo -- Uralia shield , the three together leading to the East European craton ( ≈ Baltica ) which became a part of the supercontinent Columbia . Around 1.1 billion years ago , Baltica and Arctica ( as part of the Laurentia block ) became joined to Rodinia , later resplitting around 550 million years ago to reform as Baltica . Around 440 million years ago Euramerica was formed from Baltica and Laurentia ; a further joining with Gondwana then leading to the formation of Pangea . Around 190 million years ago , Gondwana and Laurasia split apart due to the widening of the Atlantic Ocean . Finally , and very soon afterwards , Laurasia itself split up again , into Laurentia ( North America ) and the Eurasian continent . The land connection between the two persisted for a considerable time , via Greenland , leading to interchange of animal species . From around 50 million years ago , rising and falling sea levels have determined the actual shape of Europe , and its connections with continents such as Asia . Europe 's present shape dates to the late Tertiary period about five million years ago . </P>
when did europe arrive at the location it is in today
the late Tertiary period about five million years ago