Updated Mar 20, 2022
What is The European Union (EU) ?
European Union
The European Union (EU) is a trade and monetary union made up of 27 countries. It eliminates all member-to-member border regulations. The unrestricted flow of products and people is enabled by the open border. There may be police checks that are not similar to border inspections, based on police information and expertise.
Any product created in one EU country can be sold without taxes or duties to any other EU member. Most professions, such as law, medicine, tourism, banking, and insurance, are allowed to operate in all member countries.
The European Union has a long history that dates back to the end of World War II. After a series of treaties, the EU today includes 27 member countries that are mostly working together to keep the peace. The EU has been heard all across the world, whether it is a member country or not. But how much do we know about the international body?
Let us gain a better grasp of the European Union's functions, goals, and ideals with this outline.
Objectives, Values, and Benefits of the European Union
Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands were the founding members of the European Union. At the turn of the century, the organization spread from Western Europe to Central and Eastern Europe. Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden have all been added to the list.
What began as a union purely concerned with economic stability has subsequently expanded to include policy development and implementation in areas such as climate change, environmental and public health, justice, security, and migration. And, eventually, the Schengen Area was formed.
What are the objectives of the European Union?
The mission's scope shifted from solely economic to a more holistic mission as it grew over time.
- Encourage folks to live in peace and happiness.
- Provide internal borders-freedom, security, and justice
- Contribute to Europe's long-term development while promoting equality and social justice.
- Create an economic union with the Euro as the common currency.
- Contribute to the planet's long-term development, peace, and security
The EU fights social exclusion and prejudice while honoring the great cultural and linguistic diversity of its citizens. Promoting scientific and technological growth inside the organization is also a goal, as it has a direct impact on the region's long-term sustainability.
What are the values of the European Union?
Inclusion, tolerance, justice, solidarity, and non-discrimination are important cornerstones for all 27 member nations.
Human Dignity and Human Rights
Human dignity is sacred. The right to be free from discrimination based on sex, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation is protected under the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. There's also the right to personal data protection and the right to seek justice.
Freedom
Citizens can freely migrate and reside in any EU country thanks to freedom of movement. Freedoms such as freedom of opinion, religion, expression, and information are protected by the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
Democracy
The EU is based on the representative democracy concept, which means that all EU citizens have equal political rights. This includes the right to vote in European Parliament elections, run for office as a candidate, and vote in their home nation or place of origin.
Equality
In all aspects of European policy, the principle of equality between men and women is important. In 1957, the Treaty of Rome included the concept of equal pay. Although inequality persists, the EU has made great progress.
The rule of law
The EU's founding, as well as everything it does, is based on voluntary and democratic treaties. Law and justice are upheld by a distinct judiciary. The European Court of Justice retains final jurisdiction, which all member states must respect.
What does the European Union mean to the rest of the world?
The European Union will continue to expand in leaps and bounds in the coming years. Its policies had an impact on European countries and served as a model for other countries and regions looking to further integrate their economic, social, and political systems.
The EU is the world's largest commercial group and the world's top exporter of manufactured goods and services. It is the largest import market for over 100 countries throughout the world. The organization is likewise dedicated to assisting victims of both man-made and natural calamities. They are the largest humanitarian aid donor.
When it comes to diplomacy, the EU is also a major player. On a global scale, it fosters security and prosperity, stability, fundamental freedoms, and democracy.
What are the advantages of the European Union?
The European Union provides numerous benefits to its inhabitants. The EU provides benefits that improve people's daily lives, from peace and security to global power. As previously said, European residents are free to travel and work within the European Union, thereby increasing their bonds. European institutions provide a forum for citizens to express themselves and debate policies that impact them.
Security and Peace
In 2012, the EU received the Nobel Peace Prize. It is the world's most successful peace initiative. Furthermore, there has been no conflict in Central and Western Europe for a long time.
European Union Single Market
Citizens of the EU can live and work in any EU country, move their money freely, sell goods freely, and provide services freely, all based on the EU's four fundamental freedoms. All of this is feasible in the single market, the world's most sophisticated and open marketplace.
Food safety and environmental regulations
The EU's food and environment exceed the highest quality requirements in the world. Companies and institutions would never sell tainted food or degrade public spaces. All of this is due to the collaboration of the member countries.
Consumer advantages
Consumers in the EU can rest certain that if they return things, they will receive a refund. Even if their flights or travel plans are canceled or delayed! Furthermore, goods sold in the EU must fulfill the highest quality and safety standards in the world.
Human Rights
In the EU, all minorities and vulnerable groups are protected. Regardless of nationality, linguistic group, gender, career, culture, sexuality, or disability, no one is left behind in the organization.
Universal Power
When the 27 member countries work together, they have far more clout than if they were alone.
Citizens are protected from discrimination in the job, the negative effects of globalization, and travel risks. Businesses are also aided and educated. In general, the EU prioritizes what is beneficial to people.
The EU's importance in promoting peace amongst European countries, as well as between European countries and their neighbors, is well understood by European residents. Before entering the EU, not all European countries had experienced this.
The impact of the European Union can be felt in many aspects of life. In an organization like the European Union, European states also find it much easier to work. The EU encourages cooperation and collaboration among European countries and gives its members a common identity.
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How EU Governed?
The EU is governed by three bodies. National governments are represented by the EU Council. The people choose the members of Parliament. The European Commission is the European Union's personnel. They ensure that all members act consistently when it comes to regional, agricultural, and social issues. The EU is funded by 120 billion euros in annual contributions from member states.
Here's how the EU's laws are enforced by the three bodies. A set of treaties and supporting rules clearly out these requirements:
1. A new piece of legislation is proposed by the European Commission. Commissioners are elected for a five-year term.
2. All laws proposed by the Commission are first read by the European Parliament. Every five years, its members are elected.
3. All laws are given a second reading by the European Council, which can approve the Parliament's viewpoint and therefore implement the law. The Union's 27 heads of state, plus a president, make up the council.
Conclusion
The goal of the EU is to improve its global competitiveness. At the same time, it must strike a balance between the demands of its fiscal and political members.
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden are among the 27 countries that make up the European Union.