What is European Year?

What is European Year?

Each year, the European Union (EU) handles important topics to create awareness, encourage discussions, and develop dialogue between countries since 1983 except 2016 and 2017 due to the economic crisis. In this context, the European Commission proposes a theme like cultural heritage, citizenship, creativity & innovation etc. for the European Year, and the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union decides which themes will be used each year.
The main aim of the European Year is raising awareness on these topics and changing attitudes about the subject. The European Year can also contribute to future policies of the EU directly or indirectly.

List of European Years

2018 - European year for cultural heritage
2017 - No European year
2016 - No European year
2015 - European Year for Development
2013-2014 - European year of citizens
2012 - European year for active ageing
2011 - European year of volunteering
2010 - European year for combating poverty & social exclusion
2009 - European year of creativity & innovation
2008 - European year of intercultural dialogue
2007 - European year of equal opportunities for all
2006 - European year of workers' mobility
2005 - European year of citizenship through education
2004 - European year of education through sport
2003 - European year of people with disabilities
2001 - European year of languages
1999 - European year of action to combat violence against women
1998 - European year of local & regional democracy
1997 - European year against racism & xenophobia
1996 - European year of lifelong learning
1995 - European year of road safety & young drivers
1994 - European year of nutrition & health
1993 - European year of the elderly & solidarity between generations
1992 - European year of safety, hygiene & health protection at work
1990 - European year of tourism
1989 - European year of information on cancer
1988 - European year of cinema & television
1987 - European year of the environment
1986 - European year of road safety
1985 - European year of music
1984 - European year for a people's Europe
1983 - European year of SMEs & the craft industry

Related link and sources: 

http://en.strasbourg-europe.eu/european-year,27569,en.html

https://europa.eu/european-union/about-eu/european-years_en#how-is-the-theme-of-a-european-year-chosen?

https://ec.europa.eu/avservices/photo/photoDetails.cfm?sitelang=en&mgid=846#2