Treaty of Nice 

Group photo.<br />Signing of the Treaty of Nice 26 February 2001    
Group photo.
Signing of the Treaty of Nice 26 February 2001 

The Treaty of Nice amending the EU Treaty, the Treaties establishing the European Communities and certain related acts was signed in the presence of European Parliament President Nicole Fontaine.

The aim of the Treaty of Nice was to reform the institutional structure of the European Union to withstand the challenges linked to the subsequent accession of ten Central and Eastern European countries as well as Cyprus and Malta.

Major changes for the European Parliament

With the Treaty of Nice, Parliament's legislative and supervisory powers were increased. Within the Council, decisions in more areas became subject to qualified-majority voting

  • Signed in: Nice (France) 26 February 2001
  • Entry into force: 1 February 2003

Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union

The Charter of Fundamental Rights was signed by the Presidents of the European Parliament, the Commission and the Council at the Nice European Council.

The charter lists the fundamental rights and freedoms enjoyed by people living in the European Union.

  • Signed in: Nice (France) 7 December 2000 and slightly modified on 12 December 2007 in Strasbourg (France)
  • Entry into force: The Charter entered into force in 2009 at the same time as the Treaty of Lisbon