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