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.
European Union Related Content
Horizon Europe funding gap: €34 billion needed to support proposals
In accordance with a recent assessment from the European Commission, in order to fill a new Horizon Europe funding gap, the programme needs an additional €34 billion to support its 2021-2022 proposals
In all, 71% of the high-quality applications were unsuccessful in receiving financing from the Horizon Europe scheme. Although...
EU and South Korea to make a new Horizon Europe partnership
Embracing a new era of innovation, The European Commission and South Korea are engaged in talks to establish a Horizon Europe Partnership, a collaboration in the EU's €95.5 billion research and innovation program.
Calls for EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act to make amendments against foreign firms
The deployment of new AI tools, like ChatGPT, has increased awareness across the EU regarding regulation, potentially changing its Artificial Intelligence Act.
Unemployment in Europe drops to a record low of 6%
Unemployment in Europe following COVID-19 dropped to a record low of 6%, despite one-third of workers reporting having ‘strained’ jobs in 2022.
Supporting innovation, research and education in Europe
Open Access Government provides an update on the European Commission’s support for innovation, research and education.
We all need good mental health to flourish in life
Open Access Government unpacks good mental health from the perspective of the World Health Organization.
Accelerating the European circular bioeconomy in 2023
Ed de Jong, Vice President of Development at Avantium, argues the case for accelerating the European circular bioeconomy in 2023.
How can farmers deliver on EU Green Deal environmental commitments?
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.
Tackling skills shortages & inactivity head-on to deliver a resilient labour market
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.
2022 – a year unlike any other for EU energy policy
Kadri Simson, EU Commissioner for Energy, explains why 2022 was a year unlike any other for EU energy policy.
40% of EU’s clean technology to be manufactured by end of the decade
The European Commission has plans to make its clean technology fully European-made, to deliver sustainability agendas with renewable energy in the bloc.
Towards better oral health in Europe
Georgios Tsakos, Dympna Kavanagh, and Nigel Carter, argue that now is the time for public health action towards better oral health in Europe.
EU environmental impacts are ‘outsourced’ to non-member state neighbours
The burdens of EU environmental impacts are being exported to non-member Eastern European countries – yet the EU continues to profit.
EU building renovation for energy efficiency and the role of banks
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.
Brexit Day: Do people regret the decision to leave the EU?
Brexit Day was officially 31st January 2023; is the UK public still in support of the decision to leave the EU, or are some already regretting Brexit?
2023 will see more Horizon association agreements
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.
Towards sustainable control of plant diseases
The 15th of November 2022 was an unremarkable day that may have passed many people by, but this was the day that the world population reached 8 billion people. As many as 828M of those people will go to bed hungry tonight.
How the new ESPR legislation will impact intellectual asset protection
To encourage the use of data in improving sustainability, the EU is working on a new proposal – the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Requirements (ESPR).
Magnet manufacturing to help reduce Europe’s rare earth element reliance
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.
It is time to boost innovation in Africa and Europe
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.