Through the EU Internet Forum, the Commission is facilitating cooperation between key internet companies, law enforcement agencies and civil society to reduce access to illegal content online and provide effective alternative narratives to counter terrorist propaganda. More recently, the EU agreed upon the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union, an intergovernmental treaty that obliges participating countries to have firm rules to guarantee balanced public budgets and strengthens the governance of the euro area. The EU has dedicated over €10 billion to dealing with the refugee crisis, financing projects to address the most urgent humanitarian needs of refugees arriving on European shores. The EU’s relationships with the rest of the world are based on solidarity and cooperation. The European neighbourhood policy governs the EU’s relations with 16 of its closest eastern and southern partners. Higher average temperatures have many consequences, including stronger and more frequent extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and storms. What began as a purely economic union has evolved into an organisation spanning many different policy areas, from climate, environment and health to external relations and security, justice and migration. As a member of the EU, UK citizens benefit from freedom of movement across the continent. One result is the European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training and quality assurance network, which help people work and study abroad. stabilise neighbouring countries by addressing economic development, employability and youth, transport and energy connectivity, migration, mobility and security; promote the key EU interests of good governance, democracy, the rule of law and human rights; and. The EU has trade agreements in force with 72 partners around the world, such as the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, which has abolished customs duties on 98% of products, saving EU businesses up to €590 million annually. The General Court procedure is similar, except that most cases are heard by three judges and there are no advocates general. The EU has no standing army, but brings together forces contributed by its Member States under the EU flag. The EU offers consumers a set of practical rights to be used when something goes wrong. The EU strategy for education and training aims to meet the following objectives: Erasmus+, the EU programme for education, training, youth and sport, helps tackle youth unemployment by boosting young people’s personal development, skills and employability. Horizon 2020 has three main aims, which are to: The European Commission also aims to develop policies that encourage excellent research and boost innovation. The Commission has proposed to further scale up the Agency by establishing a standing corps of 10 000 operational staff. EU citizens can study, live, shop, work and retire in any EU country, and enjoy products from all over Europe. Since 1993, the EU has worked to increase economies and spread human rights advances worldwide. Economic and monetary union and the euro provide the common foundations for greater stability, growth and prosperity across Europe. The Commission is also in constant political dialogue with national parliaments, which send their opinions on any legislative or political initiative of the Commission or on any political subject on their own initiative. able to speak to each other. These values are an integral part of our European way of life: These goals and values form the basis of the EU and are laid out in the Lisbon Treaty and the EU Charter of fundamental rights. The EU has presented an Action Plan on sustainable finance, which is investment that takes into account environmental, social and governance considerations. The last amending treaty, the Lisbon Treaty, came into force on 1 December 2009. Every proposal for a new EU legal act is in accordance with a particular article of a treaty, which is called the legal basis of the proposal. The European Commission has developed sector-specific action plans and legislation to support more than a dozen key industrial sectors, including the chemicals, automotive, food, healthcare, biotechnology and aeronautics industries. The ordinary legislative procedure, also known as the co-decision procedure, is the most common procedure for adopting EU legislation. The EU's main economic engine is the single market. Licensed rail companies can now offer their services anywhere in the EU, which enhances competition and connectivity. Altogether, from 2014 to 2020, the EU will deploy some €82 billion in external funding through grants, tenders and support for national budgets, and, increasingly, by using EU funding as ‘seed money’ to encourage local public and private investment. If the two institutions cannot come to a common decision on the proposed legal act it is passed to a Conciliation Committee comprised of an equal number of representatives of the Parliament and the Council. The EU is active in many different areas, such as capacity building to increase the uptake of vaccinations, pooling knowledge on cancer, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and combating smoking through tobacco legislation. The European Commission has made jobs, growth and investment its top priority, backed up by the Investment Plan for Europe. A single country cannot tackle these issues on its own, so EU Member States work together to make sure that taxation is fair. National customs authorities carry out regular joint customs operations with OLAF (and other EU agencies) to stop smuggling and fraud in certain high-risk areas and on identified routes. And what about legislation or initiatives that are already in force? help workers to find jobs in their own or another EU country; coordinate and modernise social security schemes; create better working conditions through common minimum standards; support social inclusion and combat poverty; and. This helps to build consumer trust across the EU, which is also good for businesses trading across borders in the EU’s single market. To keep the European project on course, the 2016 State of the Union address by Jean-Claude Juncker, then President of the European Commission, presented a positive agenda for a Europe that protects, empowers and defends. Since then, 22 other members joined and a huge single market (also known as the 'internal' market) has been created and continues to develop towards its full potential. In general, decisions are made by consensus, but votes can also take place. A single currency is practical for citizens and good for business, and represents a major achievement of European integration. Every adult EU citizen has the right to stand as a candidate and to vote in elections to the European Parliament, whether in their country of residence or country of origin. In addition, the Horizon 2020 programme is investing €7.5 billion in health-related research and innovation, while the Connecting Europe Facility, the EU Structural Funds and the Investment Plan for Europe are investing in health infrastructure and the digitisation of healthcare. On 31 January 2020 the United Kingdom left the European Union. A name change from the European Economic Community to the European Union in 1993 reflected this. Any European country may apply for membership if it respects the democratic values of the EU and is committed to promoting them. This will be done by expanding and modernising existing programmes with a proven track record, and by creating new tailor-made programmes in areas where a fresh approach is needed to help the EU deliver on its ambitions. They have a major impact, providing EU institutions and Member States with specialised knowledge in diverse areas, such as cybersecurity, safety of food and medicines, environmental protection, fundamental rights and border security. The UK had free ports until 2012. The European Union, or EU, is a collaborative effort between 27 European countries to form a mutually beneficial economic and policy community. The EU budget helps to deliver on the things that matter to Europeans. A name change from the European Economic Community (EEC) to the European Union (EU) in 1993 reflected this. Most of the actual implementation and spending is done by national and local authorities but the Commission is responsible for supervising it. Countries can only become a member of the EU if they fulfil the conditions for accession. The EU remains focused on making its governing institutions more transparent and democratic. Every EU country must treat EU citizens in exactly the same way as its own citizens when it comes to matters of employment, social security and tax. The EU’s consumer policy ensures that people’s rights will be upheld if they encounter any problems when buying goods or services from other EU countries, including online. More action is needed to ensure that air, oceans and other water resources are kept clean, that land and ecosystems are used sustainably and that climate change is kept to manageable levels. The EU’s single market offers consumers access to greater choice, flexibility, quality and value for money. Success stories include EU peacekeeping missions in several of the world’s trouble spots, the training of police, soldiers and coastguards, support for state-building in post-conflict situations and fighting piracy off the Horn of Africa. The EU is tackling food waste while ensuring food safety by clarifying relevant EU rules to facilitate action by all players (public and private) and by promoting the sharing of innovation and best practices in this area. Committees to prepare legislation: the Parliament has 20 committees and two subcommittees, each handling a particular policy area. A minimum number of signatories is required in each of those seven Member States. The plan’s investments have supported the creation of 1.1 million jobs, a figure set to rise to 1.7 million by 2022. Thanks to the EU, the last 20 years have seen considerable progress in Europe’s transport sector, leading to safer skies, seas and roads; decent working conditions for transport workers; more and cheaper mobility options for travellers and businesses; and fast progress towards cleaner transport and digital mobility solutions. Give feedback about this website or report a problem, Institutions, bodies & agencies – contact & visit details, Public contracts in the EU – rules and guidelines, The European Union - What it is and what it does, The General Report on the Activities of the European Union, 50 ways forward - Europe's best successes, The European story - 60 years of shared progress, Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS), The European Data Protection Board (EDPB), promote peace, its values and the well-being of its citizens, offer freedom, security and justice without internal borders, sustainable development based on balanced economic growth and price stability, a highly competitive market economy with full employment and social progress, and environmental protection, combat social exclusion and discrimination, promote scientific and technological progress, enhance economic, social and territorial cohesion and solidarity among EU countries, respect its rich cultural and linguistic diversity. The EU’s youth strategy promotes young people’s transitions to adulthood, health and well-being, participation in society, involvement in voluntary and solidarity activities, and employment and entrepreneurship. The EU has some of the world’s highest environmental standards, which protect nature and people’s quality of life, green the economy and achieve careful and rational use of natural resources. save and preserve life, prevent and alleviate human suffering and safeguard the integrity and dignity of populations affected by natural disasters and man-made crises; provide rapid response to emergencies both inside and outside the EU; reduce disaster risks, for example by employing strategies aimed at mitigating the consequences of climate change; improve disaster preparedness, for instance by developing early warning systems; ensure a smooth transition when an emergency operation comes to an end, by linking up with development aid strategies; strengthen the overall resilience of populations, for example by investing in measures to help them prepare for future disasters; and. Such events not only pose a direct threat to people but can also jeopardise food production and create water shortages, which can in turn trigger famine, regional conflicts and mass migration. The European Anti-Fraud Office ensures taxpayers’ money is put to the best possible use by investigating cases of fraud, corruption and illegal activities involving EU funds. The EU remains focused on making its governing institutions more transparent and democratic. The European Social Fund is investing €86.4 billion to help millions of Europeans acquire new skills and find better jobs. The EU’s aim is to take on the causes of poverty. safeguarding EU citizens from environment-related pressures and risks to health and well-being. This conciliation procedure has become rare. It performs its tasks independently from the other EU institutions and governments. In addition, the common fisheries policy contains a set of rules for managing European fishing fleets and for conserving fish stocks. People and businesses will be able to trade online, innovate and interact legally, safely, securely and affordably, making their lives easier. The prospect of membership is a powerful stimulus for democratic and economic reforms in countries that want to become EU members. The Commission is also working to ensure the different EU information systems for security, border and migration management will be ‘interoperable’, i.e. The EU’s food-safety policy aims to guarantee that safe and nutritious food is produced or imported into the EU, from healthy plants and animals, while enabling the food industry, Europe’s largest manufacturing and employment sector, to operate under the best possible conditions. Reducing food waste has enormous potential to save resources and money and reduce the environmental impact of food. Almost all enforcement of EU legislation occurs within the Member States. While national governments are responsible for setting tax rates and collecting taxes, the EU ensures that people or businesses from another Member State are not discriminated against and that taxes do not hinder the EU’s single market. It is achieving breakthroughs, discoveries and world firsts both in the lab and by taking great ideas from the lab to the market. Horizon 2020 is the biggest ever EU research and innovation programme, investing €77 billion of funding over 7 years (2014-2020), in addition to the other public and private investment that this money attracts. These include the following in particular. Electing the President of the Commission, based on a proposal from the Member States, and then approving the full Commission. The EU has set ambitious measures and goals to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The European neighbourhood policy offers a framework for more effective and stronger partnerships based on common interests and action on both sides. The EU values are common to the EU countries in a society in which inclusion, tolerance, justice, solidarity and non-discrimination prevail. The Member States and the EU institution or institutions concerned then implement adopted EU laws. boost excellent science, including through the, promote industrial leadership in areas such as nanotechnologies, biotechnology and information and communications technology, and through support for companies and entrepreneurs; and. It will improve the business environment by reforming telecoms and media policy, reviewing the rules on how online platforms behave and ensuring that the online world is safe and secure. The Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control monitors how the budget is spent, and each year the Parliament decides whether to approve the Commission’s handling of the budget for the previous financial year. The aim is to help European companies to become smarter, more innovative and more sustainable. Protecting the environment and promoting sustainable growth go hand in hand. There are eight Vice-Presidents (including three Executive Vice-Presidents and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy) who occupy these roles in addition to the usual Commissioner’s portfolio. Further information on the European Structural and Investment Funds can be found at http://europa.eu/!RG44xN. To safeguard people from environment-related pressures and risks to health and well-being, EU policy aims to guarantee safe drinking and bathing water, improve air quality, reduce noise and reduce or eliminate the effects of harmful chemicals. If the Council’s common position is different from the Parliament’s vote the legislation passes onto a second reading in order to resolve the differences. establish an economic and monetary union whose currency is the euro. The European Food Safety Authority provides scientific advice on food-related issues to help protect people, animals, plants and the environment. The EU aims to make industry and business more competitive and to promote jobs and growth through a business-friendly environment. To do away with the wasteful practice of fishing fleets dumping unwanted fish, a landing obligation is gradually being implemented. The European Commission has delivered most of the legislative proposals it announced in its 2015 digital single market strategy. invite the European Commission to make a proposal to address it; pass it on to the Council of the European Union to deal with. For example, phone calls in Europe are much cheaper, and airfares have fallen significantly and new routes have opened up. The European Defence Fund launched in 2017 coordinates, supplements and amplifies national investments in defence so as to increase outputs and develop defence technology and equipment to meet current and future security needs. The Parliament also shares with the Council equal responsibility for adopting the EU budget (proposed by the European Commission). The European Union is based on the rule of law. These values are common to the Member States in a society which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail’. Our verdict. The European Union is working towards establishing a security union, making Europe more secure by fighting terrorism and serious crime and by strengthening Europe's external borders. The Charter of Fundamental Rights brings together all the personal, civic, political, economic and social rights enjoyed by people within the EU. The EU aims to develop this huge resource to other areas like energy, knowledge and capital markets to ensure that Europeans can draw the maximum benefit from it. National parliaments monitor the correct application of this principle in EU decision-making and can give ‘reasoned opinions’ when they consider that the principle is not being respected. The potential economic, social and environmental consequences of proposed measures are analysed and reported in impact assessments that accompany legislative proposals. It also promotes good practice in this field among the EU institutions and bodies. It translates the EU’s wish to build on common interests with partner countries and a commitment to work jointly in priority areas. Petitions are examined by Parliament’s Committee on Petitions, which makes a decision on their admissibility and is responsible for dealing with them. These include the promotion of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights, as well as enhancing economic development, the investment climate and social cohesion. When a case of suspected corruption or fraud of EU funds is assessed and proved to be substantiated by the European Anti-Fraud Office, an investigation is launched. Three years on, we still need to be told: what does the EU do for us? Institutional corruption, however, is not the only threat. The European Commission is not liable for any consequence stemming from the reuse of this publication. Each year the Council concludes (i.e. The transport single market is crucial for the whole EU economy. The common agricultural policy also supports environmentally and climate-friendly farming practices across the EU, and encourages healthy lifestyles. The EU provides relief assistance to the people affected by crises. In order to reach these goals and address the diverse development needs of all EU regions, €259.7 billion, a quarter of the total EU budget, is available for regional policy in 2014-2020. The Your Europe portal provides information on living, working, travelling, studying and doing business in another EU country. What has the EU ever done for us? This has led to a major decrease in irregular arrivals to the islands. For example, environment ministers meet in the Environment Council. Sport also provides significant economic benefits and is an important tool in the EU’s external relations. Humanitarian assistance to refugees and internally displaced people in Greece, Life-saving humanitarian projects in the worst affected communities in. Water, air pollution and chemicals are among people’s top environmental concerns. The EU is committed to helping victims of man-made and natural disasters worldwide and supports over 120 million people each year. Since May 2018, citizens and businesses benefit from strong new EU, The Commission aims to provide citizens with the, The Commission has proposed new tools to help defend people and businesses. The EU has stopped the UK from having free ports. The €77 billion research and innovation programme Horizon 2020 is helping the EU to boost growth and jobs and tackle some of our biggest challenges. In a direct vote on 23-26 May, citizens in the EU member states elected MEPs to form the new Parliament. The political guidelines presented by President von der Leyen in July 2019 set six headline ambitions for Europe. The Council will come to a political agreement on the legislation – this may happen before or after the Parliament votes. Cigarette smuggling, evasion of import duties on shoes and clothes, receiving subsidies for growing oranges on farms that do not exist – there are many examples of fraud, large and small, that can cost European taxpayers money. The second reading is a faster process than the first reading, as only differences between the Parliament’s and the Council’s positions can be discussed, and various elements are time limited. This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence. To announce new legislative initiatives or planned evaluations of existing legislation, the European Commission publishes inception impact assessments or roadmaps. The EU supports research and innovation and the effective deployment of new green transport technologies, for example through new rules promoting clean vehicle technologies. The reuse policy of European Commission documents is regulated by Decision 2011/833/EU (OJ L 330, 14.12.2011, p. 39). The EU offers its citizens an area of freedom, security and justice without internal borders. The European Council takes the form of (usually quarterly) summit meetings between EU leaders, chaired by the President of the European Council. In 2016 and 2017 the Commission fined the members of a truck producers’ cartel of six leading companies that produce more than 90% of medium-sized and heavy trucks sold in Europe: Scania, Daimler, DAF, Iveco, MAN and Volvo/Renault. The predecessor of the EU was created in the aftermath of the Second World War. In addition to the basic objectives of ensuring secure energy supplies across the EU at reasonable prices for everyone, there is a growing need to facilitate the shift from a fossil-based economy towards a carbon-neutral system – the so-called clean energy transition. officially signs) a number of agreements between the European Union and non-EU countries, and also with international organisations. Human rights are protected by the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. The EU also provides help to resolve disputes with traders quickly and efficiently. 1  It eliminates all border controls between members. The EU sees development cooperation not as ‘charity’ but as an investment in a viable, shared future. The EU’s youth policies also offer young people the chance to fill any gaps in their education and skills, enabling them to better adapt to challenges and contribute to positive change in society. These cover the right to be free from discrimination on the basis of sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, the right to the protection of your personal data, and the right to get access to justice. The European Union Global Strategy (EUGS) is the updated doctrine of the EU to improve the effectiveness of the CSDP, including the defence and security of the members states, the protection of civilians, cooperation between the member states' armed forces, management of immigration, crises etc. The EU’s health policy focuses on tackling serious EU-wide health threats, preventing diseases and ensuring an equal chance of good health and quality healthcare for all. On receipt of the proposal the process proceeds as follows. National parliaments receive draft legislative acts at the same time as the European Parliament and the Council. When making decisions in a number of policy areas, the Parliament, the Council and the Commission consult the European Economic and Social Committee (of which Luca Jahier is the President). The digital single market will also help drive the economy by ensuring the free flow of non-personal data, investing in digital skills and providing better access to online public services. The European Data Protection Supervisor is charged with protecting the personal information and privacy of EU citizens and residents, stored by the EU institutions in electronic, written or visual form. The EU physical activity guidelines (2008) and the Council recommendation on promoting health-enhancing physical activity across sectors (2013) show how national policies can encourage activity. However, some barriers remain to a fully functioning single market. New policies and actions can be grouped under three main themes: open innovation, open science and open to the world. This designation shall not be construed as recognition of a state of Palestine and is without prejudice to the individual positions of the Member States on this issue. In the Council government ministers from each Member State meet to discuss, amend and adopt laws and to coordinate policies. Everything the EU does is founded on treaties, which are voluntarily and democratically agreed by its member countries. Plant health rules protect crops, fruit, vegetables and forests from harmful pests and disease from being transported across the EU or imported from abroad. To achieve this, the European Commission presented the European Green Deal, the most ambitious package of measures that should enable European citizens and businesses to benefit from sustainable green transition. See Part 4 of this section, Taking action: the EU’s budget for more information. Usually the European Commission proposes new legal acts that are then adopted by the Parliament and the Council. Through this initiative, the EU helps Member States to give people a second chance to build their skills. State aid may be allowed if it helps or promotes disadvantaged regions, small and medium-sized businesses, research and development, environmental protection, training, employment or culture. However, EU law means free ports exist in a more limited form than elsewhere in the world. The feedback period for Commission proposals is 8 weeks, after which the contributions are passed to the Parliament and the Council to be considered in their negotiations. On some occasions, the Council may do this alone. tackle our biggest societal challenges, including health, transport, energy, climate action and protecting freedom and security. More than one million small and medium-sized companies are set to benefit from improved access to finance and the plan has helped to boost EU gross domestic product by 0.9%. Work in the European Parliament’s eighth term ended on 18 April 2019. The Bologna process and the European Higher Education Area make it easier for people to move between education systems within Europe by promoting mutual recognition of periods of study, comparable qualifications and uniform quality standards. The European Commission proposes legislation on EU customs affairs and makes sure it is being implemented. Citizens can also submit complaints and enquiries concerning the application of EU law. Citizens can share their views on Commission initiatives at key stages of the policymaking and law-making process. The Member States and the EU institution or institutions concerned then implement them. Plenary sessions approve, amend or reject legislation: this is when all the MEPs gather in the chamber to give a final vote on the proposed legislation and the proposed amendments. The EU also makes life easier for Europeans who study, work or get married in other EU countries by building bridges between the different national legal systems across the EU. 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