Silvio Berlusconi Biography

Appointed Prime Minister of Italy

Represents Italy as leaders discuss enlargement and preparation for the next institutional reform conference.

Informed he is being investigated for bribes made by his media firm Gruppo Fininvest

Resigns rather than lose a no confidence vote

Resigns rather than lose a no confidence vote

Represents Italy as leaders develop a pre-accession strategy for Central and Eastern Europe.

Heads the Italian government when euro banknotes and coins replace the lira in everyday cash use.

Supports completion of accession negotiations with ten countries scheduled to join in 2004.

The Nice Treaty becomes legally effective during Berlusconi's government, completing institutional reforms designed for enlargement.

Berlusconi represents Italy when the accession treaty for the ten-state enlargement is concluded.

Begins Italy's rotating Council Presidency with treaty reform and enlargement among its priorities.

Hosts the opening of the intergovernmental conference negotiating a constitutional treaty for Europe.

Heads the Italian government when ten new member states join the European Union.

Hosts the Rome ceremony at which the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe is signed.

Heads the government as Italy completes parliamentary ratification of the European Constitutional Treaty.

Heads the government when Italy enacts the law ratifying the Treaty of Lisbon.

Lisbon reforms take effect under Berlusconi, changing EU institutions, voting procedures and external representation.