6. Europe Becomes One
The decades long process of European integration took a major step in 2009 with the affirmation of the Treaty of Lisbon. After contentious yet ultimately successful ratifications in Ireland and the Czech Republic earlier in the year, the treaty entered into force on Dec. 1. Aimed at bolstering a more effective European Union, the Treaty of Lisbon created a new EU president and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - posts filled by former Belgium Prime Minister Herman van Rompuy and Britain's Cathy Ashton, respectively. (AP Photo)
