Press Release: Publication of the General Report on the EU’s activities in 2008

The Commission published the General Report on the activities of the European Union in 2008. Last year was marked in particular by the global financial crisis, climate change and international conflict, all of which brought rapid and effective European reaction that pushed the Union to the forefront of the world political stage. The key institutional event of the year was the process of ratifying the Lisbon Treaty, which faltered in spring with the 'no' vote in the Irish referendum, but was revived at the European Council in December.