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.
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. 5 March - The electorate of Switzerland vote by a wide margin against joining negotiations to enter the European Union. 7 June - In a referendum, the electorate of Ireland votes against the Treaty of Nice. 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. 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. 14 December - Euro coins first go on sale in banks in preparation for its public release into the Eurozone the following month.
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