2004 in the European Union

Events from the year 2004 in the European Union.

Incumbents

• Commission President
• Romano Prodi (to 22 November)
• José Manuel Barroso (since 22 November)
• Council Presidency
• Ireland (January–June)
• The Netherlands (July–December)
• Parliament President
• Pat Cox (to 30 July)
• Josep Borrell (since 30 July)
• High Representative
• Javier Solana

Events

• 1 May: 2004 Enlargement (Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia).
• 10–13 June: 2004 European Parliament election expanding the Commission.
• 22 July: The European Parliament approves José Manuel Barroso as President.
• 29 October: Delegates of the 25 member states sign the European Constitution in Rome.
• 1 November: Original date for Barroso to enter office delayed due to parliamentary opposition to some of his Commissioners. A new college is later submitted.
• 18 November: The European Parliament approves the Barroso Commission.
• 22 November: Barroso Commission took office.
• 16 December: The European Council decides to start accession negotiations for Turkey to become a full member of the European Union.

References