2005 in the European Union

Events from the year 2005 in the European Union.

Incumbents

1 February – European Constitution: The lower chamber of the Slovenian Parliament, the National Assembly ratifies a European Union constitution proposal, with 79 votes to 4. Thus, Slovenia becomes the third European Union state to ratify it.
16 February: The Kyoto protocol enters into force.
20 February – European Constitution: Spain approves a European Constitution proposal [2005 Spanish Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe|European Constitution referendum|by referendum].

6 April – European Constitution: The upper house of the Italian Parliament ratifies the European Constitution proposal with 217 votes to 16, after its lower house approved the proposal in January.
19 April – European Constitution: The Hellenic Parliament ratifies the European Constitution proposal with 268 votes in favour, 17 against and 15 abstentions. Greece becomes the sixth member state of the European Union to approve the constitution proposal.

26 May – European Constitution: France rejects a European Constitution proposal by referendum.

1 June – European Constitution: The Netherlands rejects a European Constitution proposal by referendum. The referendum was consultative, and was not legally binding.

30 September: Jyllands-Posten publishes a series of cartoons which were found insulting by Muslim groups triggering protests and attacks against Europe such as the storming of a Commission office.