European Years

A European Year – every year since 1983
The very first European Year, in 1983, was dedicated to small business ('SMEs') and craft industry. Every year since, the EU has chosen a specific subject to encourage debate and dialogue within and between European countries.

Why European Years?
The aim is to raise awareness of certain topics, encourage debate and change attitudes. During many European years, extra funding is provided for local, national and cross-border projects that address the Year's special topic.

The European Year can also send a strong commitment and political signal from the EU institutions and member governments that the subject will be taken into consideration in future policy-making. In some cases, the European Commission may propose new legislation on the theme.

2014: This year, which will see the election of a new European Parliament and the inauguration of a new European Commission, has not been assigned a specific theme. Instead, various projects linked with the 2013 European Year of Citizens will continue into 2014. These will include a particular focus on European Parliament elections and democratic participation.

2015: European Year of Development

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