Nice European Council
Represents Irish diplomacy as leaders negotiate institutional reforms for enlargement.
Role range: 2000-2004
Historical biography archive · Updated 2026-11-03
Brian Cowen Biography and Timeline
Follow Brian Cowen through 13 dated historical records for Ireland.
Brian Cowen, historical timeline
A chronological timeline drawn from matching World History Database records.
13Distinct records
1 of 1Page
2000–2009Years on this page
2000
2001
Treaty of Nice
Represents Ireland at the signing of the Treaty of Nice.
Role range: 2000-2004
2002
Nice Treaty Neutrality Declaration
Supports European assurances that the Nice Treaty does not undermine Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality.
Role range: 2000-2004
2004
Sixth Irish EU Presidency
Directs Irish diplomatic work during the first half of the 2004 Presidency.
Role range: 2000-2004
2008
Taoiseach of Ireland
Succeeds Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach.
Role range: 2008-2011
Lisbon Treaty Referendum
Acknowledges the rejection of the Lisbon Treaty, with 53.4 percent of voters opposing ratification.
Role range: 2008-2011
First Lisbon Treaty Referendum
Cowen responds to the first Lisbon referendum defeat and opens discussions with European partners.
Role range: 2008-2011
Bank Guarantee
Announces a state guarantee covering major liabilities of Irish domestic banks during the financial crisis.
Role range: 2008-2011
European Council Lisbon Guarantees
Seeks assurances addressing Irish concerns over taxation, neutrality, ethical issues and retention of a national Commissioner.
Role range: 2008-2011
2009
Legal Guarantees for Lisbon
Secures European Council guarantees intended to clarify Ireland's position before a second Lisbon referendum.
Role range: 2008-2011
Second Lisbon Treaty Referendum
Cowen welcomes a 67.1 percent yes vote, clearing the constitutional obstacle to Irish Lisbon ratification.
Role range: 2008-2011
Second Lisbon Treaty Referendum
Cowen welcomes the second Lisbon vote, which clears the constitutional route for Irish ratification.
Role range: 2008-2011
Treaty of Lisbon Enters into Force
Lisbon's institutional reforms become binding across the Union while Cowen serves as Taoiseach.
Role range: 2008-2011
Records, sources and methodology
These dates and descriptions come from the historical_events database. Exact duplicate records have been collapsed. Names are grouped by the country, Name 2 and Name 1 fields; records with missing Name 2 cannot be reliably assigned to an individual biography. Check the underlying sources before formal citation.