what is the european union

The population/geographic landscape of the EU includes. In the Elections to the European Parliament in 2019, the green parties increased their power, possibly because of the rise of post materialist values. The European Council uses its leadership role to sort out disputes between member states and the institutions, and to resolve political crises and disagreements over controversial issues and policies. The most visible of these has been the Erasmus Programme, a university exchange programme which began in 1987. The independent European Research Council allocates EU funds to European or national research projects. In addition, both are official languages of several EU member states. [209], Most EU member states opposed the Nuclear Weapon Ban Treaty. The High Representative heads up the European External Action Service (EEAS), a unique EU department[197] that has been officially implemented and operational since 1 December 2010 on the occasion of the first anniversary of the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon. The European Union has seven principal decision-making bodies, its institutions: the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council of the European Union, the European Commission, the Court of Justice of the European Union, the European Central Bank and the European Court of Auditors. This unique union grew out of a continent that was divided after the second world war, to promote peace and trade with one another to become economically interdependent. On 26 February 2016 it was made public that Cyprus has asked to make Turkish an official EU language, in a "gesture" that could help solve the division of the country. "[324] Greece was the exception reported by the study, which analysed up to 2008, "to avoid confounding effects from the global financial crisis". However, in 2016, one member—the United Kingdom—voted to leave the EU. The French Defence budget is higher than that of Germany, Italy, or the UK (which left the EU in early 2020), see. [85], In 2010, 47.3 million people who lived in the EU were born outside their resident country. US politics. The ombudsman is elected by the European Parliament for the length of the Parliament's term, and the position is renewable. [306] The EU does fund a programme for Israeli, Jordanian, Irish, and British football coaches, as part of the Football 4 Peace project. The average annual net earnings in the European Union was around €24,000 (US$30,000)[240] in 2015. [202] The demand of Swiss People’s Party (SPP) was, however, turned down, as the voters rejected SPP’s demand for taking back immigration control. [281], In 2017, the EU emitted 9.1% of global greenhouse-gas emissions. It has been described by some as the Union's "supreme political authority". It elects the commission's president, must approve the College of Commissioners, and may vote to remove them collectively from office. Evaluation of a country's fulfilment of the criteria is the responsibility of the European Council. These legislative instruments are dealt with in more detail. After the recent enlargement, the new states that joined since 2004 added the problem of solving accessibility to the transport agenda. Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin (OJ L 180, 19 July 2000, pp. They are legal acts which only apply to specified individuals, companies or a particular member state. The United Kingdom became the first member state to leave the EU[20] on 31 January 2020. [78] A referendum in the UK on its membership of the European Union was held in 2016, with 51.9% of participants voting to leave. [265] Another high-profile case against Microsoft, resulted in the Commission fining Microsoft over €777 million following nine years of legal action. [118] The countries where the fewest people reported a religious belief were Estonia (16%) and the Czech Republic (19%). [170], Under the principle of supremacy, national courts are required to enforce the treaties that their member states have ratified, and thus the laws enacted under them, even if doing so requires them to ignore conflicting national law, and (within limits) even constitutional provisions. The commission has named one of its central buildings in Brussels after Charlemagne and the city of Aachen has since 1949 awarded the Charlemagne Prize to champions of European unification. [116] The other world religions of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism are also represented in the EU population. [117] Many countries have experienced falling church attendance and membership in recent years. [125][126] The relationships of the European microstates, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City include the use of the euro and other areas of co-operation.[127]. Regulations become law in all member states the moment they come into force, without the requirement for any implementing measures,[v] and automatically override conflicting domestic provisions. Some argue that the union cannot really be compared to any other political entity we know, and as such, constitutes a perfect example of a sui generis entity, a special, one-of-its-kind organization. [87] 2.4 million immigrants from non-EU countries entered the EU in 2017. [287] EU research and technological framework programmes deal in a number of areas, for example energy where the aim is to develop a diverse mix of renewable energy to help the environment and to reduce dependence on imported fuels. These countries, primarily developing countries, include some who seek to one day become either a member state of the European Union, or more closely integrated with the European Union. [216] The 'geographic' instruments provide aid through the Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI, €16.9 billion, 2007–2013), which must spend 95% of its budget on official development assistance (ODA), and from the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI), which contains some relevant programmes. The free movement of services and of establishment allows self-employed persons to move between member states to provide services on a temporary or permanent basis. It is at the centre of the European System of Central Banks, which comprehends all EU national central banks and is controlled by its General Council, consisting of the President of the ECB, who is appointed by the European Council, the Vice-President of the ECB, and the governors of the national central banks of all 27 EU member states. EPC was renamed as the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) by the Maastricht Treaty. A political union, often called the EU, to which the member states of the EEC are evolving. The UK became a Council member 24 years before it joined the EU. The European Union creates an allied front against outside aggression.The past 50 years in Europe have been some of the most peaceful out of the last 1,000 years of history. [282] The EU has a target of zero GHG emission by 2050. [163] The European Commission estimated in 2009 that the financial effect of irregularities was €1,863 million. [329], Economic and political union of European states, International organisations in which the union has membership, International cooperation and development partnerships, European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC or Euratom), Police and Judicial Co-operation in Criminal Matters, The 24 languages are equally official and accepted as working languages. [283], Basic education is an area where the EU's role is limited to supporting national governments. The EU has often been described as a sui generis political entity (without precedent or comparison).[17][18]. .eu is representative of the whole of the EU; member states also have their own TLDs. There is a strong dependence on Russian energy that the EU has been attempting to reduce. [247] The ECB is the central bank for the eurozone, and thus controls monetary policy in that area with an agenda to maintain price stability. EU member states own the estimated second largest after the United States (US$105 trillion) net wealth in the world, equal to around 20% (~€60 trillion) of the US$360 trillion (~€300 trillion)[232] global wealth. The perceived benefits of becoming a member of the EU act as an incentive for both political and economic reform in states wishing to fulfil the EU's accession criteria, and are considered an important factor contributing to the reform of European formerly Communist countries. The free movement of persons means that EU citizens can move freely between member states to live, work, study or retire in another country. The budget included a covid recovery fund of €750 billion. These were intervention stores of products bought up by the Community to maintain minimum price levels. [285][286] Through its support of the Bologna Process, the EU is supporting comparable standards and compatible degrees across Europe. The Dollar As Leading Reserve Currency", "There Are Only Two Real Threats To The US Dollar's Status As The International Reserve Currency", "Global 500 2010: Countries – Australia", "Euro area unemployment rate at 10.3%, EU28 at 8.9%", "Regional GDP per capita ranged from 31% to 626% of the EU average in 2017", "Living and working in the Single Market", "Almunia says 'undesirable' to act on Sweden's euro refusal", "Europe seals deal on financial supervision", "Energy consumption and production: EU27 energy dependence rate at 54% in 2006: Energy consumption stable", "Kazakhstan's Gas: Export Markets and Export Routes", "Ukraine-Russia gas dispute – call for stronger EU energy policy", "The trans-European transport network: new guidelines and financial rules", "EUR 650 million for the Polish Road Network", "Jacques Barrot Home Page, Commission vice president for transport", "Agriculture: Meeting the needs of farmers and consumers", "Sugar: Commission proposes more market-, consumer- and trade-friendly regime", "The Commission prohibits GE's acquisition of Honeywell", "Microsoft caves in to European Commission", "Eurostat - Tables, Graphs and Maps Interface (TGM) table", "Así es el seguro europeo contra el paro que propone el futuro comisario de Empleo de la UE - elEconomista.es", "Proposed EU directive on minimum wage brews controversy from all sides", "Union of Equality: The Commission presents its first-ever strategy on LGBTIQ equality in the EU", "Chapter 2: The European Union Structural and Cohesion Funds", "Populists, greens and the new map of European politics", "EU summit deadlock over top jobs and climate discord", "The Erasmus programme celebrates its 20th anniversary", "About the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency", "2019 Human Development Index Ranking | Human Development Reports", "In Europe, life expectancy is lower in the east", "Life expectancy: Are you in one of the top 5 regions? The European Union (EU) is an economic and political union of 27 countries. [212] EU military operations are supported by a number of bodies, including the European Defence Agency, European Union Satellite Centre and the European Union Military Staff. [293][294][295], The EU has some of the highest levels of life expectancy in the world, with Spain, Italy, Sweden, France, Malta, Ireland, Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Greece all among the world's top 20 countries with the highest life expectancy. [303], Sport is mainly the responsibility of the member states or other international organisations, rather than of the EU. There are similar programmes for school pupils and teachers, for trainees in vocational education and training, and for adult learners in the Lifelong Learning Programme 2007–2013. The predecessor of the EU was created in the aftermath of the Second World War. Those who reside in EU countries are also granted EU passports, which allow for easy travel between nations. [86] In 2017, approximately 825,000 people acquired citizenship of a member state of the European Union. Projects under TEN include the Channel Tunnel, LGV Est, the Fréjus Rail Tunnel, the Öresund Bridge, the Brenner Base Tunnel and the Strait of Messina Bridge. [200]:762 This influence on the internal affairs of other countries is generally referred to as "soft power", as opposed to military "hard power". [299] Actions taken in the cultural area by the EU include the Culture 2000 seven-year programme,[299] the European Cultural Month event,[300] and orchestras such as the European Union Youth Orchestra. [165][166], EU member states retain all powers not explicitly handed to the European Union. Heritage and shared histories in the European Union", "Ein britischer Patriot für Europa: Winston Churchills Europa-Rede, Universität Zürich, 19. [153], In the ordinary legislative procedure, the European Commission proposes legislation, which requires the joint approval of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union to pass. EU-Armenia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, EU and Kyrgyz Republic Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, monetary policy for the Member States whose currency is the, the conservation of marine biological resources under the, social policy, for the aspects defined in this Treaty, economic, social and territorial cohesion, common safety concerns in public health matters, for the aspects defined in this Treaty, development cooperation, humanitarian aid, the coordination of economic, employment and social policies, the protection and improvement of human health, 2020: Spanish health workers on the front line against, This page was last edited on 23 January 2021, at 04:20. [222], The European Union is the largest exporter in the world[226] and as of 2008 the largest importer of goods and services. Known from the myth in which Zeus seduces her in the guise of a white bull, Europa has also been referred to in relation to the present Union. (Irish version pictured), A European vehicle registration plate, consisting of a blue strip on the left side with the EU flag symbol, along with the country code of the member state in which the vehicle is registered. [77], From the beginning of the 2010s, the cohesion of the European Union has been tested by several issues, including a debt crisis in some of the Eurozone countries, increasing migration from Africa and Asia, and the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the EU. Professor of Political Science, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri. [258] The Polish road network was upgraded such as the A4 autostrada. Examples of such alliances include the Visegrad Group, Benelux, the Baltic Assembly, the New Hanseatic League, the Weimar Triangle, the Lublin Triangle, EU Med Group and the Craiova Group. The EEC was headed by Walter Hallstein (Hallstein Commission) and Euratom was headed by Louis Armand (Armand Commission) and then Étienne Hirsch. The European Commission working sectors are: Aeronautics, automotive, biotechnology, chemicals, construction, cosmetics, defense, electronics, firearms, food and drink, gambling, healthcare, maritime, mechanics, medical, postal, raw materials, space, textile, tourism, toys and Social economy (Societas cooperativa Europaea). [192] The EU also operates the Schengen Information System[16] which provides a common database for police and immigration authorities. The Court of Justice primarily deals with cases taken by member states, the institutions, and cases referred to it by the courts of member states. "Treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons ─ the 'Ban Treaty, "Overview of the missions and operations of the European Union", "The Russo-Georgian War and Beyond: towards a European Great Power Concert, Danish. The distribution of competences in various policy areas between Member States and the Union is divided in the following three categories: The EU is based on a series of treaties. [227][228] Internal trade between the member states is aided by the removal of barriers to trade such as tariffs and border controls. [83] For comparison, the EU-28 birth rate had stood at 10.6 in 2000, 12.8 in 1985 and 16.3 in 1970. Centre for European Policy Studies. ), Frankfurt Rhine-Main (Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, Mainz et al. The Council focused primarily on values—human rights and democracy—rather than on economic or trade issues, and was always envisaged as a forum where sovereign governments could choose to work together, with no supra-national authority. For more information see, See Article 288 (ex Article 249 TEC) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, on, According to the principle of Direct Effect first invoked in the Court of Justice's decision in. To become a member, a country must meet the Copenhagen criteria, defined at the 1993 meeting of the European Council in Copenhagen. [149] The other 26 Commissioners are subsequently appointed by the Council of the European Union in agreement with the nominated President. [100][101], Even though language policy is the responsibility of member states, EU institutions promote multilingualism among its citizens. The European Union creates stability because all of the nations belonging to the agreement (or NATO) work together for their mutual good. It operates an internal (or single) market which allows free movement of … Federalism and European union: The building of Europe, 1950–2000. The interpretation and the application of EU law and the treaties are ensured by the Court of Justice of the European Union. The European Council gives political direction to the EU. The EU has long sought to mitigate the effects of free markets by protecting workers rights and preventing social and environmental dumping. The non-EU member states of Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland participate in the single market but not in the customs union. The European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Consumers seeks to align national laws on the protection of people's health, on the consumers' rights, on the safety of food and other products. In other policy areas the EU can only co-ordinate, support and supplement member state action but cannot enact legislation with the aim of harmonising national laws.[167]. (It does not have a formal constitution: its status is defined by the Treaty of European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union). 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