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.
Ioannis Vardakastanis, Member of the European Economic and Social Committee, argues that the EU and Member States must do more to tackle energy poverty and protect vulnerable consumers.
The UK government has decided to extend the financial support provided to Horizon Europe applicants, continuing funding to researchers, businesses and innovators.
Research, knowledge & education in Norway are placed into the spotlight by Open Access Government, areas that are led politically by Ola Borten Moe, Minister of Research and Higher Education.
Nikolina Angelkova, former Tourism Minister for Bulgaria, speaks with Open Access Government about Bulgaria and Southeastern Europe's uncapped tourism potential.
Experts warn that the EU agriculture sector is stuck in "permanent pesticide-dependence," and that major flaws exist in the current attempts to reduce the use of pesticides across the EU.
European cities are moving towards becoming fully circular – not only recycling all their waste but also changing their production modes to fit circular waste models.
Mateusz Szymański, Member of the European Economic and Social Committee, sheds light on sustainable and inclusive urban mobility, including a call for the better use of inland waterway transport.
The Nature Restoration Law aims to restore damaged ecosystems and bring nature back across Europe, as well as reduce the use and risk of chemical pesticides by 50% by 2030.
Carsten Østergård Pedersen, Rune Kaagaard Sørensen and Asbjørn Ebbesen discuss the necessity of district heating to speed up the phasing out of Russian fossil fuels.
Philippe Mengal, Executive Director at CBE JU ‐ Circular Bio‐based Europe Joint Undertaking, charts the priorities for a strategic research & innovation agenda for competitive bio-based industries in Europe.
One of JPND’s key objectives is to fortify its work in brain health partnerships in Europe to better combat the challenges of neurodegenerative disease (ND).
