January 2020 – Common EU response to COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic triggers a major public health emergency and economic slowdown. The EU and its member countries work together to support healthcare systems, contain the spread of the virus, and secure vaccines for people in the EU and beyond. EU leaders agree the largest stimulus package ever financed from the EU budget with the focus on a green and digital recovery as the EU works towards climate neutrality by 2050.
31 January 2020 – United Kingdom leaves the EU
The UK leaves the EU after 47 years of membership, opening a new chapter in its relationship with the EU.
April 2021 – Launch of the Conference on the Future of Europe
The EU launches the year-long Conference on the Future of Europe in 2021. The unprecedented exercise in participatory democracy offers EU citizens a unique opportunity to have their say and help shape the EU’s future.
February 2022 – Russia invades Ukraine
The EU and its international partners firmly condemn Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression. The EU adopts a series of hard-hitting sanctions against Russia and provides financial, humanitarian, military and other assistance to Ukraine.