At the end of the Nice European Council of 7–9 December 2000, the Fifteen symbolically proclaim the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and, in particular, take a stance on the European security and defence policy (ESDP), the European Social Agenda, the Statute for a European Company, maritime and food safety, sport within Europe and the reform of the Community’s legal and institutional system.

From 7 to 9 December 2000, the Heads of State or Government of the Fifteen, temporarily accompanied by the representatives of the 12 applicant countries, Turkey and Switzerland, adopt in Nice the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and approve a large number of amendments to be made to the Treaty on European Union.