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European Union
The history of the European Union - 2020
The history of the European Union - 2020
January 2020
1
Croatia takes over the six-month rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first time.
Rijeka (Croatia) and Galway (Ireland) share the title of ‘European Capital of Culture’ for one year. Both cities will host events to promote their local culture.
A new global limit on the sulphur content of marine fuels enters into force, reducing air pollution and protecting health and the environment.
New rules setting CO2emission performance standards for new passenger cars and vans for the post-2020 period start to apply. From 2025 on, manufacturers will have to meet the new targets set for the fleet-wide average emissions of new cars and vans registered in a given calendar year, with stricter targets applying from 2030.
New rules establishing the fundamental principles for an integrated and efficient electricity market, agreed under the Clean energy for all Europeans package, enter into force.
5
As part of the EU’s long-term goal of moving close to zero fatalities and serious injuries by 2050, new rules introducing a major shift in standard vehicle safety enter into force. As of July 2022, all new vehicle models introduced on the European market will need to be equipped with advanced safety features.
7
Consumers will benefit from stronger protection measures thanks to new EU rules that enter
into force as part of the New Deal for Consumers.
10
Lisbon officially takes over as the European Green Capital for 2020.
14
The European Commission asks the Court of Justice to impose interim measures on Poland, ordering it to suspend the functioning of the Disciplinary Chamber of the Supreme Court. The request is made in the context of an ongoing infringement procedure regarding the new disciplinary regime for Polish judges.
17
Thanks to updated EU rules, national authorities have stronger powers to detect irregularities and take speedy action against rogue traders.
29
The European Parliament approves the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement by 621 votes in favour, 49 against and 13 abstentions.
The Commission endorses a toolbox of measures agreed by EU Member States to address security risks related to the rollout of 5G, the fifth-generation of mobile networks.
30
The Council, on behalf of the EU, adopts the decision on the conclusion of the agreement on the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union. This follows the European Parliament's vote of consent on 29 January and the signature of the Withdrawal Agreement by the EU and the United Kingdom on 24 January.
The European Commission fines several companies belonging to Comcast Corporation, including NBCUniversal LLC, (“NBCUniversal”) €14.3 million for restricting traders from selling licensed merchandise within the European Economic Area to territories and customers beyond those allocated to them.
The EU announces that it is providing €10 million for research on the new Coronavirus outbreak. The disease was identified in China at the end of 2019, with the first cases in Europe reported towards the end of January 2020. The Commission is also working closely with the World Health Organization and other international actors to ensure an efficient and coordinated response to the outbreak.
31
The United Kingdom leaves the European Union after 47 years of EU membership, marking a new chapter in the Union’s history. The entry into force of the Withdrawal Agreement marks the start of a transition period until at least 31 December 2020, during which the UK remains a member of the Single Market and the Customs Union. EU law will continue to apply in the United Kingdom until the end of the transition period, however, as a non-EU country, the UK will no longer participate in the EU's decision-making processes.
February
2
Travellers benefit as new EU rules on short-stay visas start to apply worldwide, making the application procedure simpler and more user-friendly.
4
The European Commission kicks off its flagship cancer initiative – Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan – at a special conference, with the launch of a public consultation to help identify areas and scope for future action.
12
The European Parliament approves the EU-Vietnam trade and investment agreements. The trade agreement, the most comprehensive between the EU and a developing country, will enter into force once the ratification procedure is concluded by Vietnam. National parliaments of EU Member States will need to ratify the investment protection agreement before it can enter into force.
17
The EU and international donors pledge €1.15 billion at the “Together for Albania” conference, organised by the European Union, to support reconstruction efforts following a devastating earthquake in November 2019.
18
The Council adopts simplified VAT rules for small businesses. The new rules will apply as of 1 January 2025.
19
The Commission presents its ideas and actions to ensure the digital transformation works for people and businesses in the EU, while helping to achieve its target of a climate-neutral Europe by 2050. A European strategy for data and policy options for a European approach to Artificial Intelligence are the first steps towards achieving this goal.
20-21
In response to the unfolding tragedy in Idlib, Syria, the European Council issues a declaration, calling on all actors to cease hostilities immediately.
The European Commission fines Spanish hotel group Meliá €6.7 million for discriminating between customers by preventing tour operators from freely offering hotel accommodation everywhere in Europe.
25
The Council authorises the opening of the future partnership negotiations with the United Kingdom and formally nominates the Commission as EU negotiator. It also adopts negotiating directives, which define the scope and terms of the future partnership that the European Union envisages with the UK.
26
The European Commission continues to work on all fronts to support Member States and strengthen international efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19.
March
1
The European Union-Kazakhstan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, now ratified by all EU Member States and the European Parliament, enters into force.
2
The Commission launches a “coronavirus response team” to coordinate work on tackling the COVID-19 outbreak.
4
The Commission proposes the first ever European Climate Law to enshrine in legislation the EU’s political commitment to be climate neutral by 2050.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg joins President von der Leyen before the adoption of a proposal for first European Climate Law by the College of Commissioners.
5
The European Commission sets out the key actions in its strategy for equality between women and men in Europe for the next 5 years.
9
President von der Leyen presents the main achievements of the Commission’s first 100 days in office and the main challenges facing the Commission on the 100th day of its mandate.
10
The Commission presents a new industrial strategy for a globally competitive, green and digital Europe.
11
The European Commission adopts a new Circular Economy Action Plan, one of the main building blocks of the European Green Deal. The plan is driven by the ambition to make sustainable products that last and to enable citizens to take full part in the circular economy and benefit from the positive change it brings about.
13
The Commission sets out the European coordinated response to counter the economic impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
16
The leaders of the G7 advanced economies agree to a coordinated international response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They commit to “doing whatever is necessary to ensure a strong global response through closer cooperation and enhanced coordination of our efforts.”
The Commission presents guidelines for border measures to protect citizens’ health and keep goods and essential services available.
19
The European Commission takes action to get more medical equipment to EU countries to fight the coronavirus (COVID-19). The Commission and EU consumer authorities also launch joint actions against the spread of fake products online which allegedly can prevent or cure the new virus.
To support Europeans and companies through the COVID-19 outbreak, the European Commission adopts a temporary framework to allow Member States to make full use of the flexibility provided by State aid rules.
23
EU finance ministers agree to activate the clause to relax EU budget rules, allowing Member States to undertake measures to deal with the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
25
The European Commission issues guidelines to protect critical European assets and technology during the ongoing public health crisis.
26
The European Parliament holds an extraordinary meeting to adopt special measures to tackle the effects of the COVID19 pandemic in EU Member States. MEPs participate and vote remotely for the first time in the Parliament’s history to respect strict health precautions. Addressing the meeting, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pays tribute to the men and women leading the fight against the disease everywhere in Europe.
At a meeting of the European Council by video conference, EU leaders discuss the EU response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the earthquake in Croatia, the situation at the EU's external borders and EU enlargement. They endorse the Council’s decision to open accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia.
30
The EU adopts measures to help air carriers cope with the drastic drop in air traffic caused by the Coronavirus crisis.
The European Commission presents practical guidance to ensure the free movement of critical workers and on the implementation of the temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU. The EU also continues working on all fronts to assist European citizens across the world, who are affected by travel restrictions due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The Council gives the final green light to a free trade agreement between the EU and Vietnam. The agreement will enter into force once it is also ratified by the Vietnamese National Assembly.
31
The Commission launches an online public consultation on the increase of the EU's 2030 climate target and on the actions and policies necessary to achieve deeper greenhouse gas emission cuts. Revising the current 2030 target upwards will put the EU on a more gradual pathway to climate-neutrality by 2050.
April
2
In response to the coronavirus crisis, the Commission proposes a new initiative called SURE (Support to mitigate Unemployment Risks in an Emergency), to quickly support workers and mitigate unemployment risks.
8
The Commission allocates more than €15 billion to support partner countries' efforts in tackling the coronavirus pandemic.
14
The Council adopts an amended EU budget for 2020, making an additional €3.1 billion available to tackle the COVID-19 crisis.
15
The Presidents of the European Commission and the European Council present a European roadmap for a coordinated exit from coronavirus containment measures.
17
The European Union continues working on all fronts to assist European citizens across the world who are affected by travel issues due to the COVID-19 outbreak. In an unprecedented repatriation effort, the EU has managed to bring home over half a million of its citizens who were affected by coronavirus travel restrictions across the world.
19
New rules making it faster, simpler and easier for companies, especially SMEs, to sell their products across Europe start applying across the EU.
20
The European Commission launches the European COVID-19 Data Platform to enable the rapid collection and sharing of available research data.
22
The Council adopts further urgent measures to enable member states to respond quickly and effectively to the economic and social consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak.
23
In their fourth video meeting, EU leaders discuss progress on the various aspects of the response to the COVID-19 outbreak. They endorse a €540 billion package of safety nets for workers, businesses and member states, agreed by EU finance ministers. They also agree to work towards establishing a recovery fund and task the Commission with urgently making a proposal. Leaders welcomed the Joint Roadmap for Recovery, which defines four key areas for action.
28
The Commission proposes a package of measures to help ensure that banks can continue to lend money to households and businesses across the EU. The aim is to support the economy and help mitigate the impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic.
The EU and Mexico conclude negotiations for a new trade agreement.
May
4
The European Union joins forces with global partners to kick-start a pledging effort, the Coronavirus Global Response, raising €7.4 billion for the development and deployment of diagnostics, treatments and vaccines against coronavirus. The event, which marks the beginning of a worldwide pledging marathon, is a response to a joint call to action by the World Health Organization (WHO) and global health organisations.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen hosts the Coronavirus Global Response pledging event.
6
The EU-Western Balkans Zagreb summit takes place via video conference. EU leaders adopt the Zagreb Declaration, with which the Western Balkans partners have aligned themselves.
8
As part of the global EU response to the coronavirus pandemic, the European Commission sets up an EU Humanitarian Air Bridge to transport humanitarian workers and emergency supplies to some of most vulnerable communities worldwide.
9
Europe Day takes place under exceptional circumstances in all Member States as the EU remains active on all fronts to fight the coronavirus crisis. This year’s Europe Day marks important milestones for the EU: the 70th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundations for today’s European Union, and the 25th anniversary of Austria, Finland and Sweden joining the EU. The European institutions mark the day by celebrating European solidarity and unity with an online campaign.
13
The Commission presents a set of guidelines and recommendations to help Member States gradually lift travel restrictions and allow tourism businesses to reopen safely after lockdown.
With the aim of preventing water shortages in the EU, the European Parliament approves new rules to increase water reuse in agriculture.
19
The Council adopts SURE, a temporary scheme designed to protect jobs and workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic which can provide up to €100 billion of loans to Member States.
20
The European Commission presents a new Biodiversity strategy and a Farm to Fork strategy. In line with the European Green Deal, they propose ambitious EU actions and commitments to halt biodiversity loss in Europe and worldwide and transform the EU’s food systems.
The Council adopts a decision to provide up to €3 billion in loans to ten enlargement and neighbourhood partners to help them deal with the economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.
27
The European Commission puts forward its proposal for a major recovery plan for Europe to help repair the economic and social damage brought by the coronavirus pandemic and prepare a better future for the next generation. The plan includes a proposal for a new €750 billion recovery instrument called Next Generation EU, embedded within a reinforced long-term EU budget for 2021-2027, bringing the total financial capacity to help kick-start the economy to €1.85 trillion.
28
A new campaign marks the next phase of the European Commission’s global pledging marathon. Together with the international advocacy organisation Global Citizen, the Commission will step up the mobilisation of funding to enable the world to overcome the current coronavirus pandemic, and avoid another.
June
5
Europol, the EU’s law enforcement agency, launches the European Financial and Economic Crime Centre which will support member states in the fight against organised crime.
10
The EU strengthens action to tackle disinformation as a wave of false and misleading information around the coronavirus pandemic hits Europe. Building on the work of the newly established European Digital Media Observatory, the EU will provide more support to fact-checkers and researchers.
17
The European Commission presents a European strategy to accelerate the development, manufacture and deployment of vaccines against COVID-19.
18
The European Parliament adopts criteria for sustainable investments. The legislation will contribute to the European Green Deal by boosting private sector investment in green and sustainable projects.
19
At the June meeting of the European Council, which takes place by video conference, EU leaders focus on the Commission’s proposal for a new recovery fund to respond to the COVID-19 crisis and for the new long-term EU budget.
22
The EU-China Summit takes place by video conference focusing on EU-China relations, including regional and international issues, and the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery.
24
The European Commission presents the first-ever EU strategy on victims' rights , with the aim of ensuring that all victims of crime can fully rely on their rights, no matter where in the EU the crime took place.
The Council adopts exceptional rules to maximise the capacity of banks to lend money and support households and businesses through the COVID-19 crisis.
27
The European Commission’s fundraising marathonto help develop and ensure equitable access to coronavirus vaccines, tests and treatments culminates ina global pledging summit and concert, raising €6.15 billion in additional funding. 40 governments take part in the summit and commit to ensuring universal access to coronavirus medicines. The new pledges bring the total funding raised under the Coronavirus Global Response, the worldwide pledging marathon launched by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in May, to almost €16 billion.
29
The European Commission launches the Just Transition Platform. The Platform will ensure that the €40 billion proposed under the Just Transition Fund is channelled to the right projects and that no region is left behind.
30
At the fourth Brussels Conference on “Supporting the future of Syria and the Region”, the international community pledges a total of €6.9 billion for Syria and the main countries hosting Syrian refugees for 2020 and beyond.
The Council agrees to start lifting travel restrictions for residents of some non-EU countries.
July
1
Germany takes over the six-month rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU under the slogan ‘Together for Europe’s Recovery’.
The Commission presents a series of measures to support youth employment. It also presents the European Skills Agenda, which aims to ensure that the right to training and lifelong learning becomes a reality all across Europe.
3
The European Commission authorises the first medicine, Remdesivir, to treat COVID-19 in the EU.
8
The Commission sets out plans for the EU’s future energy system and clean hydrogen, and launches the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance.
15
The European Commission proposes an ambitious set of initiatives to ensure that EU tax policy supports Europe's economic recovery and long-term growth.
The European Court of Justice annuls the 2016 Commission decision that Ireland granted illegal State aid to Apple through selective tax breaks.
The 15th summit between India and the EU is held via video conference. Leaders adopt a joint statement, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen the EU-India strategic partnership.
17- 21
Meeting face to face in Brussels for the first time in five months, EU leaders agree a recovery package and budget for 2021-2027.
24
The Commission sets out a new EU Security Union Strategy for the period 2020 to 2025. It also presents three immediate initiatives to implement the strategy: an EU strategy for a more effective fight against child abuse; a new EU Agenda and Action Plan on Drugs and an EU Action Plan on firearms trafficking.
27
The Council appoints the European prosecutors of the European Public Prosecutor's Office, which is expected to start operating at the end of 2020.
28
A ceremony takes place marking the start of the assembly phase of ITER, the first and largest project in the world to generate fusion energy, in Cadarache, France. The project is a major scientific collaboration between the EU, China, India, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the United States.
30
The European Union imposes the first ever sanctions over cyber-attacks against the EU or its Member States.
August
1
The EU-Vietnam trade agreement, enters into force. It is the most comprehensive trade deal the EU has concluded with a developing country, and will ultimately scrap duties on 99% of all goods traded between the two sides.
9
The European Commission pledges €30 million to help address the immediate needs of those affected by the deadly explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, on 4 August. This is in addition to an earlier pledge of €33 million and ongoing EU emergency operations to support the local authorities on the ground.
12
Cambodia loses duty-free access to the EU market over human rights concerns.
19
EU leaders hold an emergency video summit to discuss the situation in Belarus following the disputed results of the presidential elections on 9 August, condemning the ‘disproportionate and unacceptable’ violence against peaceful protesters. They agree to impose sanctions on ‘a substantial number’ of individuals responsible for violence, repression and election fraud. Leaders expressed support for proposals within the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe for dialogue in Belarus.
21
The United States and the European Union reach an agreement to reduce tariffs on certain products, the first US-EU negotiated reductions in duties in more than two decades.
27
The Commission signs the first contract for the purchase of a potential vaccine against COVID-19 with a pharmaceutical company. The contract with AstraZeneca is an important step in the implementation of the European Vaccines Strategy.
September
1
New rules on cleaner and safer cars start to apply across Europe.
3
New EU rules that will improve the communication between companies and their shareholders start to apply.
14
The EU and China hold a leaders’ meeting via videoconference. The discussions cover trade and investment, climate change and biodiversity, the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, international affairs and other issues.
16
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen delivers her first State of the Union address at the European Parliament in Brussels. She outlines her vision for how the EU can emerge stronger from the coronavirus pandemic and the priorities for the year ahead. She announces plans to reduce EU greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels as well as her goal to make this Europe's "Digital Decade", measures to step up action against racism and a new approach to migration.
President von der Leyen delivers the State of the Union address to Members of the European Parliament in Brussels.
19
Updated rules for audiovisual media across the EU, which cover video-sharing platforms for the first time, start to apply.
22
The Commission launches an EU-wide Victims' Rights Platform.
23
New rules that will provide people with disabilities with better access to public sector websites start to apply across the EU.
27
Voters in a referendum in Switzerland overwhelmingly (61.7%) reject a proposal to end an agreement with the EU on the free movement of people. In a statement, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen says the result shows that the citizens of Switzerland value their ties with the EU.
30
The European Commission publishes the first EU-wide report on the rule of law.
The EU joins world leaders in committing to reverse nature loss by 2030 at the UN Biodiversity Summit.
October
1
EU Member States agree to invest almost €1 billion in key European energy infrastructure projects under the Connecting Europe Facility.
1-2
At a special meeting of the European Council in Brussels, EU leaders discuss foreign affairs and the EU economy.
2
Belarus: the EU imposes sanctions against 40 individuals identified as responsible for repression and intimidation in the wake of the 2020 presidential election in Belarus, and for misconduct of the electoral process.
6
The Commission presents a comprehensive Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans to boost economic development and recovery of the region.
12
The Council appoints Mairead McGuinness as Ireland’s new EU Commissioner following the resignation of Phil Hogan in August. The appointment brings the number of female Commissioners to a record 13.
13
Member States agree on EU-wide coordination on measures restricting free movement related to the coronavirus pandemic. The agreement will provide more clarity and predictability for citizens with a common map and colour code based on common criteria.
14
The European Commission presents a series of new policies on energy policy to help build a climate neutral Europe. They include Renovation Wave, which aims to double the renovation rate of buildings in Europe by 2030 and an EU strategy to reduce emissions of methane, the second biggest contributor to climate change after carbon dioxide. The Commission also announces a new Chemicals Strategy, the first step towards a zero pollution ambition for a toxic-free environment.
15
The EU imposes sanctions against six individuals and one entity involved in the assassination attempt on Alexei Navalny, who was poisoned with a toxic nerve agent of the “Novichok” group on 20 August 2020 in Russia.
15-16
EU leaders meet in Brussels to discuss COVID-19, EU-UK relations, climate change and foreign affairs, in particular relations with Africa.
19
An EU-wide system to link national contact tracing and warning apps, which can help break the chain of coronavirus infections, goes live.
22
The European Parliament awards the 2020 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to the democratic opposition in Belarus.
The EU sends Czechia a first batch of 30 ventilators from rescEU - the common European reserve of medical equipment set up earlier in the year to help countries affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
27
As part of the EU’s efforts to preserve jobs and livelihoods affected by the coronavirus pandemic, the European Commission distributes €17 billion to Italy, Spain and Poland under the SURE programme. SURE can provide up to €100 billion in financial support to all Member States.
EU Commissioner for Budget and Administration Johannes Hahn, first left joins Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister of Luxembourg, centre, Robert Scharfe, CEO of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, second right, and deputy CEO Julie Becker, second left, for the “Ring the Bell ceremony”. The event marks the listing of the EU’s first social bond issued under the EU SURE programme on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.
29
EU leaders discuss strengthening the collective effort to fight the COVID-19 pandemic as a second wave of infections hits Europe. They focus on testing and tracing policies and vaccines. Leaders also condemn the terrorist attacks in France and discuss relations with Turkey.
30
The Council approves new measures to step up the job support available to young people across the EU.
31
New harmonised procedures to make Europe’s railways more efficient, safe, and competitive become applicable across the EU.