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.
In 2024, the European Commission reported that wind power became the European Union's second-largest source of electricity, overtaking natural gas and coming in just behind nuclear.
European Trade Union Institute’s General Secretary, Esther Lynch, with Research Director, Bart Vanhercke, provide a detailed look at the ongoing quest for Social Europe.
Open Access Government highlights the European Commission’s policy priorities for food, including the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve plant health protection.
Former Global Director & SciTech Sustainability Council Advisor from Frost & Sullivan, Dr. Cecilia E. Van Cauwenberghe, discusses Sweden’s dedication to marine conservation and the EU’s Blue Deal in the context of advancing sustainable water management.
There are about 36 million individuals in the EU living with a rare disease. Sandra Gallina, Director General at DG Sante, explains how the European Commission is addressing the needs of this community.
Émilie Prouzet, Rapporteur for the EESC opinion on the Long-term competitiveness strategy, states the case to relaunch the European internal market and improve the EU’s long-term competitiveness.
Open Access Government places the spotlight on research, innovation and education policy in Europe, with a particular focus on the European Education Area.
The UK government has announced significant changes to its trade border procedures, in an aim to strengthen its defences against the threat of pests and diseases from imported goods .
Open Access Government charts some of the EU energy policy priorities, focussing on energy efficiency, hydrogen, and solar power, plus a glimpse of its climate neutrality in 2050 ambition.
Open Access Government charts the priorities of the European Commission’s Directorate‑General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology about carrying out and developing the policies that enable a thriving European digital age.
The EU policy on the Green Deal, climate neutrality, oceans and fisheries, plus the circular economy are examined in this in-depth environment analysis.
Open Access Government provides an overview of Horizon 2020, the European Union’s research and innovation programme (2014-2020), its successor, Horizon Europe (2021-27), plus the European Research Area policy.
On 25 January 2024, the Sustainable Solutions Development Network (SDNS), alongside the EESC, presented the Europe Sustainable Development Report 2023/24 (ESDR) and announced that when concerning the sustainability transition we can leave no one behind.
European Economic and Social Committee President Oliver Röpke talks us through the next steps of the EU Enlargement plans to create a truly geopolitical EU.
