European Years


Every year, the European Union chooses to address a subject in order to encourage debate and dialogue within and between member states raising the awareness of European citizens to a specific problem.

History

Beginning in 1983, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union have chosen an annual theme of action each year, based on a European Commission proposal. European Years are an awareness campaign to educate European citizens and attract the attention of national governments of Member States to a particular issue, in order to change attitudes and behaviours at both the national and European level.

Years

YearName
2018European Year of Cultural Heritage
2017
2016
2015European Year for Development
2014European Year of Citizens
2013European Year of Citizens
2012European Year for Active Ageing
2011European Year of Volunteering
2010European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion
2009European Year of Creativity and Innovation
2008European Year of Intercultural Dialogue
2007European Year of Equal Opportunities for All
2006European Year of Workers' Mobility
2005European Year of Citizenship through Education
2004European Year of Education through Sport
2003European Year of People with Disabilities
2002
2001European Year of Languages
2000
1999European Year of Action to Combat Violence Against Women
1998European Year of Local and Regional Democracy
1997European Year against Racism and Xenophobia
1996European Year of Lifelong Learning
1995European Year of Road Safety and Young Drivers
1994European Year of Nutrition and Health
1993European Year of the Elderly and of Solidarity between Generations
1992European Year of Safety, Hygiene and Health Protection at Work
1991
1990European Year of Tourism
1989European Year of Information on Cancer
1988European Year of Cinema and Television
1987European Year of the Environment
1986European Year of Road Safety
1985European Year of Music
1984European Year for a People's Europe
1983European Year of SMEs and the Craft Industry