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.
The European Union has taken a leading role in advancing sustainable and inclusive science, technology, and innovation (STI) at the G20 Research, Science and Innovation Ministerial Meeting, held on 23 September 2025 in Tshwane, South Africa.
The UK government has announced significant changes to its trade border procedures, in an aim to strengthen its defences against the threat of pests and diseases from imported goods .
Open Access Government charts some of the EU energy policy priorities, focussing on energy efficiency, hydrogen, and solar power, plus a glimpse of its climate neutrality in 2050 ambition.
Open Access Government charts the priorities of the European Commission’s Directorate‑General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology about carrying out and developing the policies that enable a thriving European digital age.
The EU policy on the Green Deal, climate neutrality, oceans and fisheries, plus the circular economy are examined in this in-depth environment analysis.
Open Access Government provides an overview of Horizon 2020, the European Union’s research and innovation programme (2014-2020), its successor, Horizon Europe (2021-27), plus the European Research Area policy.
On 25 January 2024, the Sustainable Solutions Development Network (SDNS), alongside the EESC, presented the Europe Sustainable Development Report 2023/24 (ESDR) and announced that when concerning the sustainability transition we can leave no one behind.
European Economic and Social Committee President Oliver Röpke talks us through the next steps of the EU Enlargement plans to create a truly geopolitical EU.
Canada's upcoming association with Horizon Europe, the EU's €95 billion research and innovation program, makes a significant milestone in global collaboration.
With voting rights at risk for certain demographics, it is more important than ever that we reinforce trust in the British democratic system and give a voice to all residents who call Britain home, argues Alina Vaduva, Royal Docks School of Business and Law.
José Antonio Moreno Díaz, EESC member and Co-rapporteur for the EESC opinion on Multiannual strategic policy for European integrated border management, says the EU needs shared border management that guarantees human rights.
The EDCTP partnership, a cornerstone of the EU's health research initiative that funds clinical trials in Africa, needs more certainty about its future as it marks its 20th anniversary.
Dr Freddie Sloth-Lisbjerg, President of the Council of European Dentists, examines the prevalence and impact of oral health inequalities and service disparities in Europe, exploring barriers to dental care access, the significance of workforce planning, policy recommendations and the transformative potential of digital healthcare in dentistry.
Stefano Del Prato and Bart Torbeyns from the European Diabetes Forum (EUDF) outline the major challenges in preventing and managing diabetes, and the actions policymakers and health systems can take to address them.
