The EU/European Union describes a economical and political union of 28 States. With an estimated population of around 510 million the European Union policies aim to allow the free movement of people, goods and services. Within the internal market it aims to maintain common policies on agriculture, trade and more.
Members
The EU and European citizenship were established in 1933. With the inner original 6 being Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany. Although no member state has ever left, in 2016 the UK announced its intention to leave and has begun negotiating their departure for 2019.
More foreign aid is provided by the EU than any other economic union. Due to its Global influence and reach the Union has been described as an emerging superpower.
European companies significantly increased their research and development (R&D) spending in 2024, particularly in strategic sectors such as energy, health, aerospace, and defence.
The European Commission’s new Apply AI Strategy has officially recognised the EIT AI Community’s AI Founders Club as a model initiative for building a stronger, more connected landscape for AI entrepreneurship across Europe.
The fourth meeting of the EU–Armenia Joint Research and Innovation (R&I) Committee under Horizon Europe took place in Yerevan, Armenia, on 23 October 2025, marking another step forward in strengthening scientific and technological collaboration between the European Union and the Republic of Armenia.
The Innovation Fair 2025 brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and policymakers from across Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean to showcase new ideas and strengthen international cooperation in research and innovation.
The European Union is taking action towards a more circular and sustainable economy with the Waste Framework Directive, which officially entered into place on 16 October.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month continues to gain attention across Europe, new initiatives are underway to strengthen early detection, empower women at risk, and improve the integration of cancer data.
A new chapter in global scientific cooperation has begun with the signing of an agreement between the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) and the European Research Council (ERC).
The latest Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and Citizens, as part of Horizon Europe, have received a lot of attention across the continent, with 241 proposals submitted before the October 22 deadline.
Every October, Europe joins together for the European Cyber Security Month (ECSM) campaign to raise awareness about online safety and the growing need for strong cybersecurity.
The European Innovation Council (EIC) has received a surge of interest in its final EIC Accelerator funding round for 2025, with 923 start-ups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) submitting full applications by the 1 October deadline.
The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has announced a series of ambitious new education and skills initiatives aimed at closing the skills gap across Europe and boosting the continent’s innovation capacity.
The European Union has launched a new strategy that will strengthen its leadership in the global clean energy transition while boosting industrial competitiveness and international partnerships.
Ministers from the world’s leading economies gathered in Tshwane for the 2025 G20 Research, Science and Innovation Ministerial Meeting, discussing a shared commitment to global cooperation in science, technology, and innovation (STI).
