1. Events during the 9th Parliamentary term

    1.    
      6 July 2022
      :

      Parliament adopts key legislation for safer and more open digital spaces

              

      Description:

      The European Parliament adopts the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act, which aim to regulate big tech platforms and create safer digital space.

      The Digital Markets Act lays down clear rules for big platforms, which aim to stop them from imposing unfair conditions on businesses and consumers.

      The Digital Services Act seeks to protect users from harmful and illegal content and establish safer online marketplaces and transparent platforms.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 9th Parliamentary term
      • 705 Members
      • 27 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom (1973 - 2020)
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: Roberta Metsola ( EPP - MT , mandate: - )
    2.    
      9 May 2022
      :

      Conference on the Future of Europe concludes with promise for EU change

              

      Description:

      The presidents of the European Parliament, Council and Commission receive the final report of the Conference on the Future of Europe and pledge to act on it.

      At a ceremony in Strasbourg the presidents of the EU institutions are handed the document, which includes 49 proposals with more than 300 measures adopted by the Conference plenary,based on citizens’ ideas and recommendations.

      In the following weeks, Parliament’s plenary calls for a revision of the EU treaties so that the EU can act more quickly and decisively in a range of areas. MEPs urge the European Council to start the process of treaty change.

      Category:

      • European Union history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 9th Parliamentary term
      • 705 Members
      • 27 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom (1973 - 2020)
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: Roberta Metsola ( EPP - MT , mandate: - )
    3.      
      24 February 2022
      :

      Russia invades Ukraine

              

      Description:

      Russian troops invade Ukraine, following weeks of military build-up and futile diplomatic attempts by world leaders to prevent the return of war in Europe.

      The European Parliament denounces the attack as unprovoked and unjustified. MEPs call for support for Ukraine, including the provision of defensive weapons, and argue for tough sanctions against Russia.

      The invasion provokes a humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and a huge wave of refugees towards the EU.

      Category:

      • Europe and world

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 9th Parliamentary term
      • 705 Members
      • 27 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom (1973 - 2020)
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: Roberta Metsola ( EPP - MT , mandate: - )
    4.      
      24 June 2021
      :

      European climate law sets climate neutrality as legal obligation

              

      Description:

      MEPs adopt the European climate law, which binds the EU to lowering greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.

      The law sets a new, more ambitious target, for the reduction of emissions by 2030, a drop of at least 55% compared to 1990 levels rather than 40%. The Commission should propose an interim target for 2040 at a later stage.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 9th Parliamentary term
      • 705 Members
      • 27 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom (1973 - 2020)
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: David Maria Sassoli ( S&D - IT , mandate: - )
    5.    
      9 May 2021
      :

      Conference on the Future of Europe seeks people’s ideas for EU action

              

      Description:

      The Conference on the Future of Europe is officially launched with a ceremony at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

      Over the next months, Europeans have the opportunity to propose ideas for EU action through an online platform or by taking part in events.

      European citizens’ panels meet in Strasbourg, online and in cities across the EU to prepare recommendations. Representatives of the panels then present and debate the ideas with members of the EU institutions, national parliaments, regional authorities and civil society organisations. The EU institutions commit to following up on the Conference conclusions.

      Category:

      • European Union history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 9th Parliamentary term
      • 705 Members
      • 27 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom (1973 - 2020)
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: David Maria Sassoli ( S&D - IT , mandate: - )
    6.      
      28 April 2021
      :

      Parliament ratifies agreement on future EU-UK relations

              

      Description:

      The European Parliament consents to the agreement setting the rules for the future EU-UK relationship following the UK withdrawal from the EU.

      The Trade and Cooperation Agreement was concluded in December 2020 and applied provisionally as of 1 January 2021. Parliament’s consent is necessary for the agreement to enter into force.

      In an accompanying resolution, MEPs express regret about the UK withdrawal, calling it a “historic mistake”, but welcome the deal, as it minimises the risk of trade disruption and helps preserve peace on the island of Ireland.

      Category:

      • Europe and world

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 9th Parliamentary term
      • 705 Members
      • 27 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom (1973 - 2020)
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: David Maria Sassoli ( S&D - IT , mandate: - )
    7.      
      16 December 2020
      :

      Rule of law: member states in violation face suspension of EU funds

              

      Description:

      The European Parliament approves legislation establishing a mechanism that would allow the suspension of budget payments to an EU country violating the rule of law.

      MEPs argue that the act is necessary to protect the EU’s financial interests and its fundamental values. The Parliament is increasingly concerned that democracy and the rule of law are under attack in some member states.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 9th Parliamentary term
      • 705 Members
      • 27 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom (1973 - 2020)
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: David Maria Sassoli ( S&D - IT , mandate: - )
    8.      
      10 November 2020
      :

      The EU agrees massive financial plan to support recovery

              

      Description:

      Following months of negotiations, the European Parliament and the Council reach an agreement on the 2021-2027 EU budget, which, combined with a separate recovery plan known as Next Generation EU, provides €1.8 trillion in EU support for the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

      MEPs secure an increase of funds for key EU programmes, including the Horizon Europe research programme, the InvestEU investment plan, the Erasmus+ exchange programme and the new EU4Health programme, which aims to improve coordination in health care and the availability of medical products and equipment across the EU.

      MEPs and member states also agree on a binding calendar for the introduction of new sources of EU revenue to help repay the debt the EU incurs to finance the Next Generation EU recovery plan.

      Category:

      • European Union history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 9th Parliamentary term
      • 705 Members
      • 27 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom (1973 - 2020)
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: David Maria Sassoli ( S&D - IT , mandate: - )
    9.    
      11 March 2020
      :

      The Covid-19 pandemic breaks out

              

      Description:

      Following the alarming global spread of a coronavirus, first registered in Wuhan, China, the World Health Organisation declares a pandemic. The Covid-19 virus, as it becomes known, is airborne, making it highly contagious. It causes flu-like symptoms.

      The number of infections and deaths, especially among elderly people, rises quickly, leading countries around the world to introduce containment measures and travel restrictions. Economic activity drops sharply and working from home becomes the norm for many.

      The European Parliament switches to remote working, but continues to hold plenary sessions and committee meetings. MEPs adopt measures that offer short-term relief to affected sectors and workers and repeatedly call for an ambitious EU support package to pave the way for a sustainable recovery.

      Category:

      • Europe and world

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 9th Parliamentary term
      • 705 Members
      • 27 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom (1973 - 2020)
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: David Maria Sassoli ( S&D - IT , mandate: - )
    10.    
      31 January 2020
      :

      UK withdraws from the EU

              

      Description:

      After the European Parliament ratified the withdrawal agreement on 29 January, the UK leaves the EU about three and a half years after voters supported the move in a referendum.

      As of 1 February, the number of EU member states is 27 and the term of office of UK MEPs ends. The number of MEPs is 705 (previously 751), as some of the UK seats are allocated to existing member states to reflect demographic changes, while others are kept in reserve for when another country joins the EU.

      Category:

      • European Union history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 9th Parliamentary term
      • 705 Members
      • 27 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom (1973 - 2020)
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: David Maria Sassoli ( S&D - IT , mandate: - )
    11.    
      27 November 2019
      :

      Parliament elects the von der Leyen Commission

              

      Description:

      MEPs elect the European Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen. The plenary vote brings to an end the long process of careful examination by Parliament of the proposed team of commissioners to ensure that the EU’s executive body has the democratic legitimacy to act in the interests of all Europeans.

      The team of commissioners includes more women than ever before and von der Leyen becomes the first woman to hold the post of Commission President. The priorities include the transition towards a climate-neutral economy, digitisation, security as well as the active involvement of Europeans in the debate on the future of Europe.

      Category:

      • European Union history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 9th Parliamentary term
      • 751 Members
      • 28 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • German
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: David Maria Sassoli ( S&D - IT , mandate: - )
    12.    
      23-26 May 2019
      :

      Higher turnout in European elections

              

      Description:

      The European elections in May 2019 see about 51% of EU voters go to the polls, the highest turnout in 20 years. The centre-right European People’s Party and centre-left Social Democrats lose seats but remain the two largest groups in Parliament, while other centrist and liberal parties make gains.

      Category:

      • European Union history
      • elections

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 9th Parliamentary term
      • 751 Members
      • 28 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • German
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: David Maria Sassoli ( S&D - IT , mandate: - )
  2. Events during the 8th Parliamentary term

    1.    
      March 2019
      :

      2 events "Copyright for digital age" and "Parliament votes to ban single-use plastic products"

              

      Description:

      : Copyright for digital age

      A directive that aims to protect the copyright of content creators such as musicians, performers and journalists and help them negotiate better remuneration deals for the use of their works online is adopted in Parliament. The rules mirror the arrangements on copyright that exist in the offline world and make internet platforms liable for all content uploaded on their websites.

      : Parliament votes to ban single-use plastic products

      MEPs approve an EU ban on disposable plastic items such as plates, cutlery, straws and cotton buds that end up as beach litter or an ever-growing mass of plastics floating in the world’s seas. The products covered by the law constitute about 70% of all marine litter items.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 8th Parliamentary term
      • 751 Members
      • 28 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • German
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: Antonio Tajani ( EPP - IT , mandate: - )
    2.    
      12 December 2018
      :

      Parliament endorses EU-Japan free trade agreement

              

      Description:

      MEPs give their consent to an economic partnership agreement between the EU and Japan that lifts almost all custom duties between the two sides and creates a trade zone covering a third of global GDP. The deal confirms once more the EU’s commitment to free trade that creates jobs and opportunities for businesses.

      Category:

      • Europe and world

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 8th Parliamentary term
      • 751 Members
      • 28 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • German
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: Antonio Tajani ( EPP - IT , mandate: - )
    3.    
      14 November 2018
      :

      Prices of intra-EU phone calls capped

              

      Description:

      New rules capping the prices of phone calls and messages to other EU countries come into effect. The rules follow up on the abolition of roaming charges in Europe and come about after the European Parliament introduces changes in Commission proposals on telecom legislation.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 8th Parliamentary term
      • 751 Members
      • 28 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • German
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: Antonio Tajani ( EPP - IT , mandate: - )
    4.    
      25 May 2018
      :

      New data protection rules give people more control over personal information

              

      Description:

      The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) takes effect, ensuring a high standard of protection of people’s personal data throughout the EU. The rules aim to protect all Europeans from privacy and data breaches in an increasingly data-driven world, while creating a clearer and more consistent framework for businesses.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 8th Parliamentary term
      • 751 Members
      • 28 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • German
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: Antonio Tajani ( EPP - IT , mandate: - )
    5.    
      6 February 2018
      :

      New EU rules end geo-blocking

              

      Description:

      Restrictions imposed by online shops based on nationality or place of connection become a thing of the past in the EU following the entry into force of an EU law banning the practice. Retailers are obliged to give people access to goods and services on the same terms all over the EU. This is one of many measures undertaken to build a digital single market across Europe.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 8th Parliamentary term
      • 751 Members
      • 28 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • German
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: Antonio Tajani ( EPP - IT , mandate: - )
    6.      
      15 June 2017
      :

      End of roaming fees: Travellers across Europe enjoy mobile services at home prices

              

      Description:

      The roaming fees charged by telecom operators on travellers disappear in the EU. This allows people on a short stay in another EU country to enjoy mobile phone calls and data services at the prices they pay at home.

      Eliminating roaming fees has been a major issue for the European Parliament.

      Category:

      • European Union history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 8th Parliamentary term
      • 751 Members
      • 28 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • German
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: Antonio Tajani ( EPP - IT , mandate: - )
    7.    
      6 May 2017
      :

      Parliament opens House of European History in Brussels

              

      Description:

      Parliament opens a new museum in Brussels, dedicated to the history of Europe. The House of European History aims to encourage reflection and debate on Europe’s past and present. In addition, it expands Parliament’s offering to visitors, which also comprises the modern and interactive visitors centre, known as Parlamentarium. Smaller versions of the Parlamentarium welcome guests in Strasbourg, Berlin and Ljubljana.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 8th Parliamentary term
      • 751 Members
      • 28 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • German
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: Antonio Tajani ( EPP - IT , mandate: - )
    8.    
      23 June 2016
      :

      Brexit referendum: UK citizens vote to leave EU

              

      Description:

      UK voters decide to support leaving the European Union in a closely-fought referendum called by UK Prime Minister David Cameron. The outcome of the referendum triggers the resignation of Cameron. His successor Theresa May pledges to take the UK out of the EU and initiates the process on 29 March 2017.

      Category:

      • Europe and world

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 8th Parliamentary term
      • 751 Members
      • 28 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • German
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: Martin Schulz ( S&D - DE , mandate: - , - )
    9.    
      22 March 2016
      :

      Terror strikes in Brussels

              

      Description:

      Suicide bombers set off explosions at Brussels Airport and at a metro station in Brussels, killing a total of 32 people.

      Islamic State claims responsibility for the attack. In the months that follow, the group claims credit for more terror attacks in Nice, Berlin, Istanbul and Barcelona. Terrorists also kill people in Manchester, London, Saint Petersburg, Stockholm and other European cities.

      In response, EU countries agree to strengthen border security, improve cooperation among intelligence services and work to prevent radicalisation.

      Category:

      • Europe and world

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 8th Parliamentary term
      • 751 Members
      • 28 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • German
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: Martin Schulz ( S&D - DE , mandate: - , - )
    10.    
      December 2015
      :

      Global Climate Change Agreement concluded in Paris

              

      Description:

      A global agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions worldwide and thus avert a dangerous increase in the average world temperature is concluded in Paris after years of negotiations.

      The European Parliament takes part in the process, as it has an important role to play in adopting subsequent EU legislation.

      In 2017 US President Donald Trump announces the US, the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases after China, will pull out of the agreement, making it more difficult to mitigate climate change.

      Category:

      • European Union history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 8th Parliamentary term
      • 751 Members
      • 28 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • German
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: Martin Schulz ( S&D - DE , mandate: - , - )
    11.    
      13 November 2015
      :

      Terror attacks in Paris

              

      Description:

      Terrorists stage a series of coordinated attacks at different locations in Paris, opening fire and setting off explosions by detonating suicide vests.

      A total of 130 people die in the attacks, 89 of them at a music concert in the Bataclan theatre, others at restaurants and cafes.

      Islamic State claims responsibility for the attacks carried out by French and Belgian citizens.

      French authorities declare a state of emergency, granting extended powers to security forces, which would continue over the next two years.

      Category:

      • European Union history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 8th Parliamentary term
      • 751 Members
      • 28 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • German
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: Martin Schulz ( S&D - DE , mandate: - , - )
    12.      
      September 2015
      :

      Migration crisis: Europe struggles to cope with influx of migrants and refugees

              

      Description:

      The number of people crossing the Mediterranean to seek asylum in Europe steadily climbs throughout 2014 and 2015 to reach a peak in the second half of 2015.

      More than 2.5 million people apply for asylum in the EU in 2015 and 2016 - many of them fleeing war and violence in countries such as Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq.

      Others are economic migrants looking for a way out of poverty. Greece and Italy receive most of the migrants and struggle to cope with the influx, while disputes arise among EU countries on how to deal with the crisis.

      Reforming the asylum system and strengthening border security emerge as key elements of the EU response.

      Category:

      • Europe and world

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 8th Parliamentary term
      • 751 Members
      • 28 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • German
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: Martin Schulz ( S&D - DE , mandate: - , - )
    13.    
      8 July 2015
      :

      Greek Prime Minister Tsipras discusses debt crisis in European Parliament

              

      Description:

      At the height of the debt crisis engulfing Greece, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras comes to the European Parliament to debate the way out.

      Just days earlier, Greeks voted in a referendum to reject creditors’ conditions for a new bailout.

      Speaking in plenary, Tspiras says Greece had been turned into an “austerity laboratory” but “the experiment was not a success: poverty has soared, and so has public debt".

      Many MEPs still urge him to engage with creditors and come to an agreement. Several days later, a deal is reached and Greece avoids default.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 8th Parliamentary term
      • 751 Members
      • 28 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • German
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: Martin Schulz ( S&D - DE , mandate: - , - )
    14.    
      25 November 2014
      :

      Pope Francis calls for Europe of human values in speech to MEPs

              

      Description:

      In a speech in front of MEPs, Pope Francis calls for “building a Europe which revolves not around the economy, but around the sacredness of the human person, around inalienable values”.

      He praises the EU’s commitment to promoting human rights and urges acceptance and assistance to refugees.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 8th Parliamentary term
      • 751 Members
      • 28 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • German
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: Martin Schulz ( S&D - DE , mandate: - , - )
    15.    
      22 October 2014
      :

      Parliament approves Juncker commission

              

      Description:

      MEPs approve the new European commission after holding hearings to scrutinise the candidate commissioners, leading to Slovenian Alenka Bratušek being replaced and some portfolios being reshuffled. Earlier, the Parliament supported Jean-Claude Juncker as Commission President. The former Luxembourg prime minister had been put forward by EPP prior to the European elections.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history
      • treaty

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 8th Parliamentary term
      • 751 Members
      • 28 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • German
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: Martin Schulz ( S&D - DE , mandate: - , - )
    16.    
      16 September 2014
      :

      European Parliament ratifies association agreement with Ukraine

              

      Description:

      An agreement establishing political association and economic integration between the EU and Ukraine gets simultaneous approval from the European Parliament and the Ukrainian parliament in Kiev.

      Conclusion of the agreement was a key demand of demonstrators in Ukraine who ousted the previous government in the country in February 2014.

      Category:

      • European Union history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 8th Parliamentary term
      • 751 Members
      • 28 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • German
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: Martin Schulz ( S&D - DE , mandate: - , - )
    17.    
      22-25 May 2014
      :

      2014 European elections

              

      Description:

      The eighth European elections take place in 28 EU countries. The European People’s Party (EPP) retains the largest political group in Parliament, but new parties gain influence. Turnout remains largely at 2009 level.

      Category:

      • European Union history
      • elections

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 8th Parliamentary term
      • 751 Members
      • 28 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • German
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: Martin Schulz ( S&D - DE , mandate: - , - )
  3. Events during the 7th Parliamentary term

    1.    
      17-21 November 2013
      :

      Parliament marks 25 years of human rights award

              

      Description:

      Parliament celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought with a conference in Strasbourg bringing together 22 former laureates. Over the years, the prize named after Soviet scientist and dissident Andrei Sakharov has established itself as one of the most prestigious awards for human rights defenders.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 7th Parliamentary term
      • 766 Members
      • 28 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • German
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: Martin Schulz ( S&D - DE , mandate: - , - )
    2.    
      28 October 2013
      :

      The European Parliament reaches 1,000,000 fans on Facebook

              

      Description:

      The Parliament's Facebook page reaches one million fans highlighting the role of social media in enabling dialogue between politicians and the public

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 7th Parliamentary term
      • 766 Members
      • 28 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • German
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: Martin Schulz ( S&D - DE , mandate: - , - )
    3.    
      1 July 2013
      :

      Croatia joins the European Union

              

      Description:

      Croatia becomes the 28th member of the EU and newly-elected Croatian MEPs take their seats in the European Parliament

      Category:

      • European Union history
      • enlargement

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 7th Parliamentary term
      • 766 Members
      • 28 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
          • Croatia
      • 24 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • German
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
          • Croatian
      • President: Martin Schulz ( S&D - DE , mandate: - , - )
    4.    
      10 December 2012
      :

      The European Union gets Nobel Peace Prize

              

      Description:

      The EU is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo for the contribution of Europeans to peace and reconciliation

      Category:

      • European Union history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 7th Parliamentary term
      • 736 Members
      • 27 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
      • 23 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
      • President: Martin Schulz ( S&D - DE , mandate: - , - )
    5.      
      4 July 2012
      :

      Parliament rejects ACTA

              

      Description:

      EP sides with critics of the controversial Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) who argue that some of its texts on Internet piracy may jeopardise citizens' liberties and rejects ACTA

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 7th Parliamentary term
      • 736 Members
      • 27 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
      • 23 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
      • President: Martin Schulz ( S&D - DE , mandate: - , - )
    6.    
      1 April 2012
      :

      European Citizens' Initiative enters into force

              

      Description:

      European Citizens' Initiative enters into force - an instrument introduced with the Lisbon Treaty that allows people to directly influence the EU's political agenda.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 7th Parliamentary term
      • 736 Members
      • 27 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
      • 23 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
      • President: Martin Schulz ( S&D - DE , mandate: - , - )
    7.    
      24 January 2012
      :

      Bill Gates pleads for long-term commitment to aid

              

      Description:

      US businessman and philanthropist Bill Gates comes to the EP to present the work of his foundation in fighting poverty and disease and to call on the EU to keep its leading role in development aid

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 7th Parliamentary term
      • 736 Members
      • 27 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
      • 23 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
      • President: Martin Schulz ( S&D - DE , mandate: - , - )
    8.    
      14 October 2011
      :

      European Parliament opens visitor center

              

      Description:

      The Parlamentarium, the European Parliament's new visitor centre in Brussels, opens its doors to the public and quickly becomes a popular tourist attraction

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 7th Parliamentary term
      • 736 Members
      • 27 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
      • 23 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
      • President: Jerzy Buzek ( EPP - PL , mandate: - )
    9.      
      March 2011
      :

      Unrest in Syria ignites civil war

              

      Description:

      Protests against Syria’s government escalate as crackdown attempts by security forces push protesters to take up arms.

      The violence marks the start of a prolonged civil war that would see various armed groups fight for control over parts of the country and interventions from regional and global powers.

      More than five million Syrians are forced to flee the country over the following years, most of them heading for Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, while hundreds of thousands seek refuge in Europe.

      Category:

      • Europe and world

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 7th Parliamentary term
      • 736 Members
      • 27 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
      • 23 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
      • President: Jerzy Buzek ( EPP - PL , mandate: - )
    10.      
      17 December 2010
      :

      Arab Spring: Hope for democracy

              

      Description:

      Protests erupt in Tunisia bringing down the government and marking the beginning of the Arab Spring raising hope for a democratic future for the Arab world

      Category:

      • Europe and world

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 7th Parliamentary term
      • 736 Members
      • 27 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
      • 23 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
      • President: Jerzy Buzek ( EPP - PL , mandate: - )
    11.    
      29 April 2010
      :

      Parliament opens US office

              

      Description:

      The European Parliament opens a liaison office in Washington, DC. It is the first office outside the EU and reflects the importance of EU-US relations and the will to strengthen dialogue with the US Congress

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 7th Parliamentary term
      • 736 Members
      • 27 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
      • 23 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
      • President: Jerzy Buzek ( EPP - PL , mandate: - )
    12.    
      11 February 2010
      :

      EP rejects EU-US agreement over privacy

              

      Description:

      Parliament exercises its newly gained power to approve or strike down international agreements and rejects an agreement on the transfer of data on EU banking transactions, carried out through the SWIFT payment network, to the US, citing privacy concerns. The EU-US deal is subsequently revised and gets the approval of the Parliament

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 7th Parliamentary term
      • 736 Members
      • 27 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
      • 23 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
      • President: Jerzy Buzek ( EPP - PL , mandate: - )
    13.    
      January 2010
      :

      Commissioner nominee replaced after EP hearing

              

      Description:

      The Bulgarian government replaces their candidate in the second Barroso commission, as MEPs raise concerns in a parliamentary hearing over an alleged conflict of interests for the initial nominee Rumiana Jeleva.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 7th Parliamentary term
      • 736 Members
      • 27 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
      • 23 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
      • President: Jerzy Buzek ( EPP - PL , mandate: - )
    14.    
      1 December 2009
      :

      Lisbon Treaty comes in force

              

      Description:

      The Treaty of Lisbon completes the institutional reform of the EU and makes the Charter of Fundamental rights legally binding. The Parliament is put on an equal decision-making footing with EU governments in all but a few legal areas.

      Category:

      • European Union history
      • treaty

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 7th Parliamentary term
      • 736 Members
      • 27 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
      • 23 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
      • President: Jerzy Buzek ( EPP - PL , mandate: - )
    15.    
      4-7 June 2009
      :

      2009 European elections

              

      Description:

      In the seventh European elections voters from 27 countries elect 736 MEPs. The centre-right EPP retains its majority, taking about 36% of the seats, followed by the Socialists and Democrats with 25% and Liberals with 11%.

      Category:

      • European Union history
      • elections

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 7th Parliamentary term
      • 736 Members
      • 27 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
      • 23 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
      • President: Jerzy Buzek ( EPP - PL , mandate: - )
  4. Events during the 6th Parliamentary term

    1.    
      9 April 2009
      :

      Parliament on Facebook

              

      Description:

      EP launches its Facebook page. Over time, Facebook chats become a popular channel for direct communication between MEPs and people

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 6th Parliamentary term
      • 732 Members
      • 27 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
      • 23 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
      • President: Hans-Gert Pöttering ( EPP-ED - DE , mandate: - )
    2.    
      5 March 2009
      :

      Hillary Clinton visits European Parliament

              

      Description:

      US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visits the European Parliament and takes part in a lively debate with young people from across Europe

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 6th Parliamentary term
      • 732 Members
      • 27 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
      • 23 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
      • President: Hans-Gert Pöttering ( EPP-ED - DE , mandate: - )
    3.    
      19 January 2008
      :

      European Parliament launches web streaming of committee meetings

              

      Description:

      In order to enhance the transparency of its work and improve public awareness of the law-making process, the European Parliament launches web streaming of committee meetings. Soon all committee meetings are available online both live and on demand after the end of the sitting

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 6th Parliamentary term
      • 732 Members
      • 27 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
      • 23 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
      • President: Hans-Gert Pöttering ( EPP-ED - DE , mandate: - )
    4.    
      1 Janurary 2007
      :

      European Union grows to 27 member states

              

      Description:

      Bulgaria and Romania join the EU

      Category:

      • European Union history
      • enlargement

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 6th Parliamentary term
      • 732 Members
      • 27 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
          • Bulgaria
          • Romania
      • 23 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
          • Irish
          • Bulgarian
          • Romanian
      • President: Josep Borrell Fontelles ( PES - ES , mandate: - )
    5.    
      15 November 2006
      :

      Parliament adopts services directive

              

      Description:

      Parliament approves the services directive, which aims to develop the EU's single market in services. MEPs play an essential role in brokering a deal on this controversial subject

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 6th Parliamentary term
      • 732 Members
      • 25 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
      • 20 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
      • President: Josep Borrell Fontelles ( PES - ES , mandate: - )
    6.      
      3 April 2006
      :

      European Parliament live streaming of plenary sessions

              

      Description:

      The European Parliament provides live streaming of the plenary session for the first time. Over the next few years the Parliament ensures the live streaming of all plenary and committee meetings.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 6th Parliamentary term
      • 732 Members
      • 25 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
      • 20 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
      • President: Josep Borrell Fontelles ( PES - ES , mandate: - )
    7.      
      7 July 2005
      :

      Suicide attacks in London

              

      Description:

      Coordinated suicide attacks on the London public transport system take the lives of 52, about 700 suffer injuries

      Category:

      • Europe and world

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 6th Parliamentary term
      • 732 Members
      • 25 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
      • 20 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
      • President: Josep Borrell Fontelles ( PES - ES , mandate: - )
    8.    
      29 May - 1 June 2005
      :

      Constitution of Europe fails to get public support

              

      Description:

      The Constitution of Europe, drafted by the Convention and signed by EU heads of state, is rejected in referenda in France and the Netherlands

      Category:

      • European Union history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 6th Parliamentary term
      • 732 Members
      • 25 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
      • 20 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
      • President: Josep Borrell Fontelles ( PES - ES , mandate: - )
    9.    
      October 2004
      :

      Parliament forces changes in commission line-up

              

      Description:

      During commissioner hearings in the run-up to the vote on the appointment of the new Commission, MEPs raise questions on the suitability of several candidates nominated by member states, notably Italian candidate Rocco Buttiglione. Mr Barroso, already appointed as Commission president, is forced to withdraw the proposal and come up with a revised line up

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 6th Parliamentary term
      • 732 Members
      • 25 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
      • 20 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
      • President: Josep Borrell Fontelles ( PES - ES , mandate: - )
    10.    
      10-13 June 2004
      :

      2004 European elections

              

      Description:

      Elections for the European parliament take place in 25 member states. The centre-right EPP-ED win 37% of the 736 seats

      Category:

      • European Union history
      • elections

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 6th Parliamentary term
      • 732 Members
      • 25 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
      • 20 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
      • President: Josep Borrell Fontelles ( PES - ES , mandate: - )
  5. Events during the 5th Parliamentary term

    1.    
      1 May 2004
      :

      European Union expands to the East

              

      Description:

      Ten countries, mostly from Eastern Europe, join the EU in the largest enlargement so far: Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia

      Category:

      • European Union history
      • enlargement

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 5th Parliamentary term
      • 626 Members
      • 25 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
          • Cyprus
          • Czechia
          • Estonia
          • Hungary
          • Latvia
          • Lithuania
          • Malta
          • Poland
          • Slovakia
          • Slovenia
      • 20 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
          • Estonian
          • Hungarian
          • Latvian
          • Lithuanian
          • Maltese
          • Polish
          • Slovak
          • Slovenian
      • President: Pat Cox ( ELDR - IE , mandate: - )
    2.      
      11 March 2004
      :

      Madrid train bombings

              

      Description:

      Coordinated bombings on four commuter trains kill 191 and wound 1,800 in Madrid, Spain

      Category:

      • Europe and world

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 5th Parliamentary term
      • 626 Members
      • 15 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
      • 11 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
      • President: Pat Cox ( ELDR - IE , mandate: - )
    3.    
      1 February 2003
      :

      Treaty of Nice

              

      Description:

      The Treaty of Nice reforms EU institutions to allow for the EU enlargement to Eastern Europe. It further extends the application of codecision

      Category:

      • European Union history
      • treaty

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 5th Parliamentary term
      • 626 Members
      • 15 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
      • 11 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
      • President: Pat Cox ( ELDR - IE , mandate: - )
    4.    
      28 February 2002
      :

      Convention considers the future of Europe

              

      Description:

      The Convention on the future of Europe meets for the first time in the EP in Brussels. MEPs play an active role in the work of the Convention that produces a draft Constitution for Europe in July 2003

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 5th Parliamentary term
      • 626 Members
      • 15 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
      • 11 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
      • President: Pat Cox ( ELDR - IE , mandate: - )
    5.      
      1 January 2002
      :

      Euro is launched

              

      Description:

      Euro notes and coins come into circulation - a crucial stage in the construction of an economic and monetary union in Europe

      Category:

      • European Union history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 5th Parliamentary term
      • 626 Members
      • 15 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
      • 11 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
      • President: Nicole Fontaine ( EPP-ED - FR , mandate: - )
    6.      
      11 September 2001
      :

      Terrorists hit the US

              

      Description:

      Planes hijacked by radical Islamists attack US targets and kill thousands of people in an unprecedented act of terrorism

      Category:

      • Europe and world

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 5th Parliamentary term
      • 626 Members
      • 15 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
      • 11 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
      • President: Nicole Fontaine ( EPP-ED - FR , mandate: - )
    7.    
      May 2001
      :

      Transparency: Public access to EU documents

              

      Description:

      Parliament and Council sign into law a regulation setting rules for public access to documents of EU institutions

      Category:

      • European Union history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 5th Parliamentary term
      • 626 Members
      • 15 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
      • 11 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
      • President: Nicole Fontaine ( EPP-ED - FR , mandate: - )
    8.    
      7 December 2000
      :

      Charter of Fundamental Rights

              

      Description:

      The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU is solemnly proclaimed after having been drafted by a European convention with the active involvement of MEPs

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 5th Parliamentary term
      • 626 Members
      • 15 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
      • 11 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
      • President: Nicole Fontaine ( EPP-ED - FR , mandate: - )
    9.    
      10-13 June 1999
      :

      1999 European elections

              

      Description:

      Voters from 15 EU countries go to the polls to elect 626 MEPs. The centre-right EPP-ED becomes the largest political group for the first time

      Category:

      • European Union history
      • elections

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 5th Parliamentary term
      • 626 Members
      • 15 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
      • 11 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
      • President: Nicole Fontaine ( EPP-ED - FR , mandate: - )
  6. Events during the 4th Parliamentary term

    1.    
      1 May 1999
      :

      Amsterdam treaty brings more codecision

              

      Description:

      The Amsterdam treaty simplifies and broadens the application of the codecision lawmaking procedure. Parliament gets the right to approve the Commission president

      Category:

      • European Union history
      • treaty

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 4th Parliamentary term
      • 567 Members
      • 15 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
      • 11 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
      • President: José Maria Gil-Robles ( EPP-ED - ES , mandate: - )
    2.    
      15 March 1999
      :

      Santer Commission resigns

              

      Description:

      The Commission headed by Jacques Santer resigns following a damning report about the abuse of power by Commissioners requested by the EP, and ahead of a potential plenary vote of no-confidence

      Category:

      • European Union history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 4th Parliamentary term
      • 567 Members
      • 15 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
      • 11 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
      • President: José Maria Gil-Robles ( EPP-ED - ES , mandate: - )
    3.    
      4 November 1996
      :

      European Parliament launches website

              

      Description:

      Parliament launches its first website. It is available in all 11 EU languages and is arguably the most multilingual website in the world at the time.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 4th Parliamentary term
      • 567 Members
      • 15 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
      • 11 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
      • President: Klaus Hänsch ( PES - DE , mandate: - )
    4.      
      September 1996
      :

      European Parliament looks into handling of mad cow crisis

              

      Description:

      EP sets up a committee of inquiry to investigate the delay in the European response to the "mad cow" crisis. The investigation opens the door to more effective supervision over the work of the Commission and leads to a more ambitious EU public health policy.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 4th Parliamentary term
      • 567 Members
      • 15 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
      • 11 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
      • President: Klaus Hänsch ( PES - DE , mandate: - )
    5.    
      January 1995
      :

      2 events "Austria, Finland, Sweden join EU" and "Poignant speech of President Mitterrand in European Parliament"

              

      Description:

      : Austria, Finland, Sweden join EU

      Austria, Finland and Sweden join the EU bringing the number of member states to 15.

      : Poignant speech of President Mitterrand in European Parliament

      French president François Mitterrand denounces nationalism and expresses his faith in the European project in a poignant speech before the European Parliament just months before his death.

      Category:

      • European Union history
      • enlargement

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 4th Parliamentary term
      • 567 Members
      • 15 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
          • Austria
          • Finland
          • Sweden
      • 11 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
          • Finnish
          • Swedish
      • President: Klaus Hänsch ( PES - DE , mandate: - )
    6.    
      9-12 June 1994
      :

      1994 European elections

              

      Description:

      European elections are held for the fourth time. A total of 567 members of the European Parliament from 12 countries are elected with the Socialists forming the largest group (35%) ahead of the centre-right EPP (28%).

      Category:

      • European Union history
      • elections

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 4th Parliamentary term
      • 567 Members
      • 15 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
      • 11 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
      • President: Klaus Hänsch ( PES - DE , mandate: - )
  7. Events during the 3rd Parliamentary term

    1.    
      1 November 1993
      :

      Maastricht Treaty establishes European Union

              

      Description:

      The Maastricht Treaty paves the way for the creation of the European Union and the euro. It introduces the codecision procedure giving Parliament an equal say with the Council in some areas of legislation and gives Parliament the power to approve the Commission as a whole.

      Category:

      • European Union history
      • treaty

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 3rd Parliamentary term
      • 518 Members
      • 15 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
      • 11 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
      • President: Egon A. Klepsch ( EPP - DE , mandate: - )
    2.    
      12 May 1992
      :

      Queen Elizabeth II addresses the European Parliament

              

      Description:

      Queen Elizabeth II praises the contribution of the European Parliament to European democracy in a speech to MEPs in Strasbourg. The British monarch highlights the role of European integration in bringing reconciliation and reinforcing political and economic change throughout Europe.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 3rd Parliamentary term
      • 518 Members
      • 15 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
      • 11 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
      • President: Egon A. Klepsch ( EPP - DE , mandate: - )
    3.      
      June 1991
      :

      Break-up of Yugoslavia

              

      Description:

      Slovenia and Croatia declare independence from Yugoslavia. Tensions between the nations that have been part of the collapsing federation lead to violent wars for much of the following decade despite peace-making efforts by Western powers.

      Category:

      • Europe and world

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 3rd Parliamentary term
      • 518 Members
      • 15 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
      • 11 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
      • President: Enrique Barón Crespo ( PES - ES , mandate: - )
    4.    
      March - April 1991
      :

      Parliament welcomes dissidents Havel, Wałęsa

              

      Description:

      The European Parliament receives prominent anti-Communist dissidents and presidents of their countries Vaclav Havel (Czechoslovakia) and Lech Wałęsa (Poland) in a show of support for the European integration of Central and Eastern European countries.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 3rd Parliamentary term
      • 518 Members
      • 15 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
      • 11 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
      • President: Enrique Barón Crespo ( PES - ES , mandate: - )
    5.    
      3 October 1990
      :

      Reunification of Germany

              

      Description:

      East Germany is reunified with the Federal Republic of Germany. Parliament welcomes 18 non-voting observers to represent the new German provinces until elections in 1994.

      Category:

      • Europe and world

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 3rd Parliamentary term
      • 518 Members
      • 15 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
          • Germany
      • 11 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
      • President: Enrique Barón Crespo ( PES - ES , mandate: - )
    6.    
      13 June 1990
      :

      Nelson Mandela at the European Parliament

              

      Description:

      Former political prisoner and future president Nelson Mandela delivers a moving speech to the European Parliament about his efforts to transform South Africa into a united, democratic and non-racial country.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 3rd Parliamentary term
      • 518 Members
      • 12 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
      • 9 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
      • President: Enrique Barón Crespo ( PES - ES , mandate: - )
    7.      
      9 November 1989
      :

      Fall of Berlin Wall

              

      Description:

      After weeks of civil unrest, the East German authorities open the crossing of the Berlin Wall in an act that symbolises the end of communist rule in Eastern Europe.

      Category:

      • Europe and world

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 3rd Parliamentary term
      • 518 Members
      • 12 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
      • 9 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
      • President: Enrique Barón Crespo ( PES - ES , mandate: - )
    8.    
      15-18 June 1989
      :

      Third European elections

              

      Description:

      In the third elections for the European Parliament a total of 518 MEPs from 12 countries are elected. The Socialists get more seats than anyone else (about 35%).

      Category:

      • European Union history
      • elections

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 3rd Parliamentary term
      • 518 Members
      • 12 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
      • 9 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
      • President: Enrique Barón Crespo ( PES - ES , mandate: - )
  8. Events during the 2nd Parliamentary term

    1.      
      December 1988
      :

      Parliament launches Sakharov Prize

              

      Description:

      The Parliament establishes the annual Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to honour people and groups from all over the world fighting for human rights.

      South African anti-apartheid activist and future president Nelson Mandela and late Soviet dissident Anatoly Marchenko are the first laureates.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 2nd Parliamentary term
      • 434 Members
      • 12 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
      • 9 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
      • President: Lord Plumb ( ED - UK , mandate: - )
    2.    
      11 October 1988
      :

      Pope John Paul II visits European Parliament

              

      Description:

      Pope John Paul II makes a speech to MEPs in Strasbourg, voicing support for growing European integration.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 2nd Parliamentary term
      • 434 Members
      • 12 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
      • 9 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
      • President: Lord Plumb ( ED - UK , mandate: - )
    3.    
      15 June 1988
      :

      Dalai Lama calls for Tibet autonomy in EP speech

              

      Description:

      The Dalai Lama visits the European Parliament and calls for the genuine autonomy of Tibet within the Chinese state.

      His speech becomes known as the Strasbourg Proposal and marks an important stage in the conflict between China and Tibet.

      The Dalai Lama is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 2nd Parliamentary term
      • 434 Members
      • 12 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
      • 9 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
      • President: Lord Plumb ( ED - UK , mandate: - )
    4.    
      1 July 1987
      :

      Single European Act enters in force

              

      Description:

      The Single European Act formulates the objective of creating a single market by removing barriers and harmonising standards.

      It introduces the cooperation and assent procedures that for the first time give the EP a real say on legislation, and makes the name "European Parliament" official.

      Category:

      • European Union history
      • treaty

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 2nd Parliamentary term
      • 434 Members
      • 12 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
      • 9 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
      • President: Lord Plumb ( ED - UK , mandate: - )
    5.    
      29 June 1987
      :

      European Parliament President addresses summit for the first time

              

      Description:

      Lord Plumb becomes the first president of the European Parliament to attend a meeting of the leaders of member states. EP presidents have since been able to express the views of the House at the start of summits.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 2nd Parliamentary term
      • 434 Members
      • 12 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
      • 9 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
      • President: Lord Plumb ( ED - UK , mandate: - )
    6.    
      1 January 1986
      :

      Iberian enlargement

              

      Description:

      Spain and Portugal join in the "Iberian enlargement".

      Category:

      • European Union history
      • enlargement

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 2nd Parliamentary term
      • 434 Members
      • 12 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
          • Spain
          • Portugal
      • 9 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
          • Greek
          • Spanish
          • Portuguese
      • President: Pierre Pflimlin ( EPP - FR , mandate: - )
    7.    
      8 May 1985
      :

      US President Reagan speaks to the European Parliament

              

      Description:

      US President Ronald Reagan provokes mixed reactions from MEPs with his address in Strasbourg that highlights the need to compete with and restrain the Soviet Union.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 2nd Parliamentary term
      • 434 Members
      • 10 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
      • 7 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • German
          • Greek
      • President: Pierre Pflimlin ( EPP - FR , mandate: - )
    8.    
      14-17 June 1984
      :

      Second European elections

              

      Description:

      European elections take place for the second time. Voters elect 434 members of the European Parliament from 10 countries. Socialists get about 30% of the seats and widen the gap with the centre-right EPP (25%).

      Category:

      • European Union history
      • elections

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 2nd Parliamentary term
      • 434 Members
      • 10 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
      • 7 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • German
          • Greek
      • President: Pierre Pflimlin ( EPP - FR , mandate: - )
  9. Events during the 1rt Parliamentary term

    1.    
      14 February 1984
      :

      European Parliament drafts treaty on European Union

              

      Description:

      The European Parliament adopts a draft treaty on European Union, authored by Italian MEP Altiero Spinelli. The federalist vision in the report inspires future talks on revisions to the founding treaties.

      Category:

      • European Union history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 1st Parliamentary term
      • 410 Members
      • 10 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
      • 7 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • German
          • Greek
      • President: Piet Dankert ( S - NL , mandate: - )
    2.    
      16 December 1981
      :

      President-in-Office Margaret Thatcher in the European Parliament

              

      Description:

      Margaret Thatcher becomes the first of the presidents in office of the European Council to appear in front of the European Parliament to give an account of the discussions among member state leaders.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 1st Parliamentary term
      • 410 Members
      • 10 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
      • 7 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • German
          • Greek
      • President: Simone Veil ( L - FR , mandate: - )
    3.    
      10 February 1981
      :

      Anwar Sadat speaks to MEPs about peace

              

      Description:

      Egyptian President Anwar Sadat speaks in front of the European Parliament about the Middle East peace process and the positive role that Europe could play in bringing about the mutual recognition of Israel and the Palestinians.

      In October 1981, Mr Sadat is assassinated at a military parade in Cairo.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 1st Parliamentary term
      • 410 Members
      • 10 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
      • 7 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • German
          • Greek
      • President: Simone Veil ( L - FR , mandate: - )
    4.    
      1 January 1981
      :

      Greece joins

              

      Description:

      Greece becomes the 10th member state of the European communities.

      Category:

      • European Union history
      • enlargement

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 1st Parliamentary term
      • 410 Members
      • 10 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
          • Greece
      • 7 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • German
          • Greek
      • President: Simone Veil ( L - FR , mandate: - )
    5.    
      13 December 1979
      :

      Parliament rejects budget

              

      Description:

      The newly-elected Parliament uses its recently acquired rights to reject the 1980 Community budget.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 1st Parliamentary term
      • 410 Members
      • 9 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
      • 6 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
      • President: Simone Veil ( L - FR , mandate: - )
    6.    
      17 July 1979
      :

      Simone Veil: First president of elected Parliament

              

      Description:

      Simone Veil, former French health minister and survivor of the Auschwitz concentration camp, becomes the first president of the elected Parliament, and the first woman to hold the post. Find out more about all the EP presidents in our special section at the end of the page.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 1st Parliamentary term
      • 410 Members
      • 9 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
      • 6 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
      • President: Simone Veil ( L - FR , mandate: - )
    7.    
      7-10 June 1979
      :

      First direct European elections

              

      Description:

      The first direct elections for the European Parliament are held, the first international elections in history.

      A total of 410 members are elected across 9 countries.

      Socialists come out slightly ahead of the centre-right EPP but none of the groups has an absolute majority in what will become a permanent feature of European elections.

      Category:

      • European Union history
      • elections

      Meanwhile in the Parliament

      • 1st Parliamentary term
      • 410 Members
      • 9 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
      • 6 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
      • President: Simone Veil ( L - FR , mandate: - )
  10. Events before the first Parliamentary term

    1.      
      6 December 1978
      :

      Democracy in Spain

               

      Description:

      A referendum in Spain overwhelmingly supports a new constitution setting the country on the path towards democracy.

      Category:

      • Europe and world

      Meanwhile in the appointed Parliament

      • 9 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
      • 6 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
      • President: Emilio Colombo ( CD - IT , mandate: - )
    2.    
      1 June 1977
      :

      More budgetary powers

               

      Description:

      A second budgetary treaty signed in 1975 amends the budgetary procedure and extends the powers of the Parliament.

      It now gets the right to reject the Community budget and to grant discharge, ie approval, to the Commission for its management of the budget.

      Category:

      • European Union history
      • treaty

      Meanwhile in the appointed Parliament

      • 9 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
      • 6 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
      • President: Emilio Colombo ( CD - IT , mandate: - )
    3.    
      10 July 1975
      :

      Parliament calls for Charter of Rights

               

      Description:

      The Parliament calls in a resolution for the establishment of a Charter of the rights of the peoples of the European Community. This gives the impetus for the future Charter of fundamental rights of the EU.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the appointed Parliament

      • 9 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
      • 6 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
      • President: Georges Spénale ( SOC - FR , mandate: - )
    4.    
      14 January 1975
      :

      Parliament report on direct European elections

               

      Description:

      The European Parliament adopts a report on the organisation of direct European elections.

      The document, which becomes known as the Patijn Report after Dutch MEP Schelto Patijn, who drafted it, serves as the basis for the subsequent agreement among Member States to stage the first European elections in 1979.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the appointed Parliament

      • 9 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
      • 6 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
      • President: Cornelis Berkhouwer ( LIB - NL , mandate: - )
    5.      
      24 July 1974
      :

      Fall of dictatorship in Greece

               

      Description:

      The military rule in Athens collapses and Greece returns to free elections and parliamentary democracy. The new government announces joining the European Communities as one of its priorities.

      Category:

      • European Union history

      Meanwhile in the appointed Parliament

      • 9 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
      • 6 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
      • President: Cornelis Berkhouwer ( LIB - NL , mandate: - )
    6.      
      25 April 1974
      :

      End of dictatorship in Portugal

               

      Description:

      The Carnation revolution brings down the authoritarian regime in Portugal and paves the way to democratic changes and accession to the European Communities.

      Category:

      • European Union history

      Meanwhile in the appointed Parliament

      • 9 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
      • 6 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
      • President: Cornelis Berkhouwer ( LIB - NL , mandate: - )
    7.    
      1 January 1973
      :

      First enlargement

               

      Description:

      Denmark, Ireland and the UK become the first countries to join the European communities; more will follow in the years to come.

      Category:

      • European Union history
      • enlargement

      Meanwhile in the appointed Parliament

      • 9 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
          • Denmark
          • Ireland
          • United Kingdom
      • 6 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
          • Danish
          • English
      • President: Walter Behrendt ( SOC - DE , mandate: - )
    8.    
      1 January 1971
      :

      Treaty of Luxembourg

               

      Description:

      The Treaty of Luxembourg introduces a system of own resources that replaces national budgetary contributions. The European Parliament gets some say on the allocation of funds in the Community budget.

      Category:

      • European Union history
      • treaty

      Meanwhile in the appointed Parliament

      • 6 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
      • 4 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
      • President: Mario Scelba ( CD - IT , mandate: - )
    9.      
      August 1968
      :

      Prague Spring

               

      Description:

      Attempts at political reform in Czechoslovakia, introduced in early 1968, are crushed after a military intervention from most Warsaw pact countries.

      Category:

      • Europe and world

      Meanwhile in the appointed Parliament

      • 6 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
      • 4 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
      • President: Alain Poher ( CD - FR , mandate: - )
    10.    
      March 1962
      :

      European Parliament: a new name

               

      Description:

      The parliamentary assembly starts calling itself the European Parliament, a name officially sanctioned only in 1987.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the appointed Parliament

      • 6 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
      • 4 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
      • President: Gaetano Martino ( LIB - IT , mandate: - )
    11.      
      August 1961
      :

      The Berlin Wall: Europe divided

               

      Description:

      The Berlin Wall is built. Over the years it becomes a symbol of the separation of the Soviet-dominated bloc to the east from the rest of the continent.

      Category:

      • Europe and world

      Meanwhile in the Parliamentary Assembly

      • 6 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
      • 4 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
      • President: Hans Furler ( CD - DE , mandate: - , - )
    12.    
      19 March 1958
      :

      European Parliament is born

               

      Description:

      The first meeting of the common assembly of the three European communities is held in Strasbourg, France. Members are not organised in national delegations but along political lines. Robert Schuman becomes the first president of the institution known as the European Parliamentary Assembly.

      Category:

      • European Parliament history

      Meanwhile in the Parliamentary Assembly

      • 6 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
      • 4 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
      • President: Robert Schuman ( CD - FR , mandate: - )
    13.      
      25 March 1957
      :

      Treaty of Rome

               

      Description:

      The Treaty of Rome establishes a European Economic Community with the aim of building a customs union among member states, and a European Atomic Energy Community to promote cooperation in the nuclear field.

      Category:

      • European Union history
      • treaty

      Meanwhile in the Common Assembly

      • 6 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
      • 4 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
      • President: Hans Furler ( CD - DE , mandate: - , - )
    14.      
      4 November 1956
      :

      Soviet troops quash Hungarian uprising

               

      Description:

      An uprising in Hungary in late October against the country's Communist government prompts an invasion of Soviet forces that suppresses all opposition to Communist rule.

      Category:

      • Europe and world

      Meanwhile in the Common Assembly

      • 6 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
      • 4 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
      • President: Hans Furler ( CD - DE , mandate: - , - )
    15.    
      23 July 1952
      :

      Treaty of Paris comes into force

               

      Description:

      The Treaty of Paris establishes the European Coal and Steel Community, which aims to build a common market for coal and steel to avoid future conflicts over these valuable resources.

      The ECSC is a precursor of later European organisations.

      The founding members of the Community are Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and West Germany.

      A Common assembly of "representatives of the people" is established under the treaty.

      Category:

      • European Union history
      • treaty

      Meanwhile in the Common Assembly

      • 6 Member states
          • Belgium
          • Luxembourg
          • Netherlands
          • France
          • Federal Republic of Germany
          • Italy
      • 4 Official languages
          • French
          • Dutch
          • German
          • Italian
      • President: Paul-Henri Spaak ( SOC - BE , mandate: - )
    16.    
      9 May 1950
      :

      Schuman Declaration

               

      Description:

      French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposes a plan to transform Europe through a step-by-step process with the aim to make future war in Europe impossible and lead to the unification of the continent.

      Category:

      • European Union history

List of Presidents

  1. Presidents of the European Parliament

    1. 2022 , Roberta Metsola :
      • Political group: EPP
      • Country: Malta
      • Parliamentary term: 9th Parliamentary term
    2. 2019 - 2022 , David Maria Sassoli :
      • Political group: S&D
      • Country: Italy
      • Parliamentary term: 9th Parliamentary term
    3. 2017 - 2019 , Antonio Tajani :
      • Political group: EPP
      • Country: Italy
      • Parliamentary term: 8th Parliamentary term
    4. 2012 - 2017 , Martin Schulz :
      • Political group: S&D
      • Country: Germany
      • Parliamentary term: 7th and 8th Parliamentary terms
    5. 2009 - 2012 , Jerzy Buzek :
      • Political group: EPP
      • Country: Poland
      • Parliamentary term: 7th Parliamentary term
    6. 2007 - 2009 , Hans-Gert Pöttering :
      • Political group: EPP-ED
      • Country: Germany
      • Parliamentary term: 6th Parliamentary term
    7. 2004 - 2007 , Josep Borrell Fontelles :
      • Political group: PES
      • Country: Spain
      • Parliamentary term: 6th Parliamentary term
    8. 2002 - 2004 , Pat Cox :
      • Political group: ELDR
      • Country: Ireland
      • Parliamentary term: 5th Parliamentary term
    9. 1999 - 2002 , Nicole Fontaine :
      • Political group: EPP-ED
      • Country: France
      • Parliamentary term: 5th Parliamentary term
    10. 1997 - 1999 , José Maria Gil-Robles :
      • Political group: EPP-ED
      • Country: Spain
      • Parliamentary term: 4th Parliamentary term
    11. 1994 - 1997 , Klaus Hänsch :
      • Political group: PES
      • Country: Germany
      • Parliamentary term: 4th Parliamentary term
    12. 1992 - 1994 , Egon A. Klepsch :
      • Political group: EPP
      • Country: Germany
      • Parliamentary term: 3rd Parliamentary term
    13. 1989 - 1992 , Enrique Barón Crespo :
      • Political group: PES
      • Country: Spain
      • Parliamentary term: 3rd Parliamentary term
    14. 1987 - 1989 , Lord Plumb :
      • Political group: ED
      • Country: United Kingdom
      • Parliamentary term: 2nd Parliamentary term
    15. 1984 - 1987 , Pierre Pflimlin :
      • Political group: EPP
      • Country: France
      • Parliamentary term: 2nd Parliamentary term
    16. 1982 - 1984 , Piet Dankert :
      • Political group: S
      • Country: Netherlands
      • Parliamentary term: 1st Parliamentary term
    17. 1979 - 1982 , Simone Veil :
      • Political group: L
      • Country: France
      • Parliamentary term: 1st Parliamentary term
  2. Presidents of the appointed Parliament

    1. 1977 - 1979 , Emilio Colombo :
      • Political group: CD
      • Country: Italy
    2. 1975 - 1977 , Georges Spénale :
      • Political group: SOC
      • Country: France
    3. 1973 - 1975 , Cornelis Berkhouwer :
      • Political group: LIB
      • Country: Netherlands
    4. 1971 - 1973 , Walter Behrendt :
      • Political group: SOC
      • Country: Germany
    5. 1969 - 1971 , Mario Scelba :
      • Political group: CD
      • Country: Italy
    6. 1966 - 1969 , Alain Poher :
      • Political group: CD
      • Country: France
    7. 1965 - 1966 , Victor Leemans :
      • Political group: CD
      • Country: Belgium
    8. 1964 - 1965 , Jean Duvieusart :
      • Political group: CD
      • Country: Belgium
  3. Presidents of the Parliamentary Assembly

    1. 1962 - 1964 , Gaetano Martino :
      • Political group: LIB
      • Country: Italy
    2. 1960 - 1962 , Hans Furler :
      • Political group: CD
      • Country: Germany
  4. Presidents of the Common Assembly

    1. 1958 - 1960 , Robert Schuman :
      • Political group: CD
      • Country: France
    2. 1956 - 1958 , Hans Furler :
      • Political group: CD
      • Country: Germany
    3. 1954 - 1956 , Giuseppe Pella :
      • Political group: CD
      • Country: Italy
    4. 1954 , Alcide de Gasperi :
      • Political group: CD
      • Country: Italy
    5. 1952 - 1954 , Paul-Henri Spaak :
      • Political group: SOC
      • Country: Belgium

List of treaties

  1. Lisbon Treaty :

    OLP, Much more powers, Last say on budget, consent on IA, MEPs 751

  2. Nice Treaty :

    (Codecision extended) MEPs 732

  3. Amsterdam Treaty :

    Codecision broadened, EP approves EC President

  4. Maastricht Treaty :

    Legislative powers - Codecision procedure, cooperation procedure extended

    Supervisory - EP approves whole Commission, appoints Ombudsman"

  5. Single European Act :

    Cooperation, assent

  6. Treaty of Brussels :

    More budget powers

  7. Treaty of Luxembourg :

    Budget powers

  8. Treaty of Rome :

    Consultative parliamentary assembly

  9. Treaty of Paris :

    Consultative common assembly