Key dates
1968
The Brussels Convention
Its goal was to increase economic efficiency and promote the single market, by harmonising the rules on jurisdiction and preventing parallel litigation. It is part of the 'Brussels Regime'.
1980
The Rome Convention
This Convention
applies to contractual obligations in situations involving a choice of laws, even where the designated law is that of a non-contracting State.
1997
The Amsterdam Treaty
This Treaty brought judicial cooperation in civil matters into the Community framework. It made it possible both to use the Community method and to adopt instruments in the form of Community legislation (regulations, directives and decisions).
1999
Tampere EU Summit
The five-year agenda agreed at the Tampere EU Summit set out the basis for the EU's goal of constructing an 'Area of Freedom, Security and Justice' across the EU. This implies the liberty for individuals and businesses to fully exercise their rights.
4-5 Nov. 2004
The Hague Programme
This was a five-year programme for closer cooperation in EU justice and home affairs (JHA) from 2005 to 2010. One of the programme's main focus was on strengthening fundamental rights and citizenship.
2009
Stockholm Programme
This five-year programme was proposed under the Swedish EU Presidency, with guidelines for EU JHA from 2010 to 2015. It replaces the former Hague programme, and focuses on the interests and needs of citizens.
1 Dec. 2009
The Lisbon Treaty
The Treaty of Lisbon has considerable influence over existing rules governing freedom, security and justice at EU level, and will facilitate more comprehensive, legitimate, efficient, transparent and democratic EU action in this field.