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.
Twelve Ukrainian cities have started their journey towards a climate-neutral development with the launch of the SUN4Ukraine initiative, part of the EU's Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission.
EU Green Deal environmental commitments require farmers across the EU to make significant changes in how they work – from reducing their carbon footprints to adopting more sustainable practices.
Mariya Mincheva from the European Economic and Social Committee, states the case for tackling skills shortages and inactivity head-on to deliver a resilient labour market.
The European Commission has plans to make its clean technology fully European-made, to deliver sustainability agendas with renewable energy in the bloc.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine and rising fuel prices have forced EU countries to reevaluate their energy policies, bringing energy efficiency and building renovation into sharp focus.
Canada is likely to become the next country joining the EU’s flagship €95.5 billion research programme, with potential negations opening for Japan and South Korea’s Horizon association.
To encourage the use of data in improving sustainability, the EU is working on a new proposal – the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Requirements (ESPR).
A new approach to high-performance magnet manufacturing may help Europe on its transition towards net-zero carbon so that it is less dependent on rare earth elements.
A new sustainable business and digital hub for innovation stakeholders from across Africa and Europe known as the EiA Centre has begun operation in Cape Town.
Jackie Mellese, Communication Manager at Mental Health Europe, with Mental Health Ireland (MHI), explain how the ‘Short Guide to Personal Recovery in Mental Health’ is perceived.
Mariya Gabriel, the European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, looks at education and training to improve education inclusivity across Europe.
