January2022 Calendar European Union

Why January Matters in the EU

January marks the start of the new fiscal year for many European institutions and the beginning of the legislative agenda in the European Parliament. It is also a month when several member states celebrate national holidays that influence business closures, travel patterns and public services.

EUwide Observances

• 1January New Years Day: Official public holiday across all EU countries.
• 6January Epiphany (observed in Austria, Germany, Italy, Spain, and others): A Christian feast day that may be a public holiday in those states.

National Holidays in January 2022

Other countries may have regional holidays that fall in January, such as the St.Brigids Day in parts of Ireland (12February, but celebrations often begin in late January).

Typical WorkWeek Structure

In the EU, the standard workweek runs Monday to Friday. Weekends (Saturday and Sunday) are generally nonworking days, although some retail and service sectors stay open.

For January2022:

• There are 31 days, 22 working days, and 9 nonworking days (including the two EUwide public holidays).
• Because 1January fell on a Saturday, many companies gave employees a bridge day on Monday3January to compensate for the weekend holiday.

Impact on Business & Travel

Financial markets: The European stock exchanges reopened on Monday3January after the New Years break.

Transport: Major airlines and rail operators schedule reduced services on 1January and 6January in countries where Epiphany is a holiday.

Tourism: Winter sports destinations in the Alps see a peak in visitors after the New Year, while coastal resorts in Spain and Portugal experience a lull.

Key Dates for EU Institutions

3January First plenary session of the European Parliament after the holidays.

12January Council of the European Union meeting on energy security (agenda includes winter gas supplies).

18January European Commission releases the 2022 Budget Outlook.

How to Use This Calendar

Whether you are planning a business trip, scheduling a conference call, or simply want to know when offices may be closed, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Check the national holiday list for the specific country you will interact with.
2. Allow extra time for logistics on 1January and 6January, as many public services run on reduced hours.
3. Use the EUwide dates (NewYears Day) as a safe reference for all member states.
4. If you are coordinating with multiple countries, consider the bridge day on 3January that many firms observe.

Further Reading

Official EU Calendar

European Commission Work Programme 2022

European Parliament Plenary Schedule