European Union in 2008

Classification and Designation

The year 2008 was classified as the **European Year of Intercultural Dialogue**.

Leadership

* **President of the Commission**: José Manuel Barroso, People's Party
* **Presidency of the Council**: Slovenia (January - June) and France (July - December)
* **President of Parliament**: Hans-Gert Pöttering, People's Party
* **High Representative**: Javier Solana, Socialists

Events

### January 2008

* Cyprus and Malta joined the Eurozone on 1 January.
* Akrotiri and Dhekelia adopted the euro on 1 January.

### Economic Developments

* The euro area's monthly foreign trade deficit was EUR 11 billion in January due to a surge in raw materials.
* In February, the euro area's monthly external trade received €0.8 billion.

### Humanitarian Aid

* On 4 March, the European Commission allocated €160 million to the World Food Programme through its Echo programme, which aimed to cover the food financing needs of 17 mainly African countries.

Notes

The allocation of €160 million by the European Commission was intended to reduce the need for funding for the programme, which had committed to covering the food financing needs of 18.7 million people.