2001 in the European Union explained

Events from the year 2001 in the European Union.

The year was designated the European Year of Languages by the Council of Europe and the European Parliament.^[1]

Incumbents

• Commission President — Romano Prodi
• Council Presidency — Sweden (January–June), Belgium (July–December)
• Parliament President — Nicole Fontaine
• High Representative — Javier Solana

Events

• 1 January -
  • Sweden takes over the Presidency of the European Union.
  • Greece becomes the 12th member of the Eurozone.^[2]
• 5 March - The electorate of Switzerland vote by a wide margin against joining negotiations to enter the European Union.^[3]
• 7 June - In a referendum, the electorate of Ireland votes against the Treaty of Nice.^[4]
• 1 July - Belgium takes over the Presidency of the European Union.
• 3 July - The European Commission blocks the proposed merger between American companies General Electric and Honeywell, the first time European regulators have prevented such a move.^[5]
• 20 September - In the wake of the September 11 attacks, anti-terrorism measures such as EU-wide search and arrest warrants and the establishment of an anti-terrorism department within Europol are announced.^[6]
• 14 December - Euro coins first go on sale in banks in preparation for its public release into the Eurozone the following month.^[7]

Notes and References

1. Web site: European Year of Languages 2001. Europa.eu. European Union. 6 December 2005. 10 December 2013.
2. News: Greece joins eurozone. BBC News. BBC. 1 January 2001. 23 November 2013.
3. News: Swiss Voters Solidly Reject Talks On Joining the European Union. The New York Times. Elizabeth. Olsen. 5 March 2001. 10 December 2013.
4. News: Irish Vote Stalls Plan to Expand Europe's Union. The New York Times. Sarah. Lyall. 9 June 2001. 23 November 2013.
5. News: EU kills GE-Honeywell. CNN. 3 July 2001. 10 December 2013.
6. News: EU gears up to fight terrorism. BBC News. BBC. 20 September 2001. 10 December 2013.
7. News: Euro coins go on sale. CNN. 14 December 2001. 23 November 2013.