WHAT THE EUROPEAN UNION IS?

The European Union or EU is the largest economic and political international community, made up of European countries. EU currently has 25 member-states. The basic rationale for building the community was to ensure the peace, stability and prosperity for the citizens of the member states, by a permanent integration process based on common economical, political and social aims.

The main aims of the European Union are defined in the original treaties and in subsequent revisions and supplements: Single European Act (1987), Treaty on European Union (Maastricht Treaty - 1992), Treaty of Amsterdam (1997) and Treaty of Nice (2000).

The most important EU aims:

-        promoting economic and social progress and a high level of employment and achieving balanced and sustainable development

-        asserting the identity of the EU on the international stage

-        introduction of a citizenship of the Union

-        maintaining and developing the Union as an area of freedom, security and justice, in which the free movement of persons is assured

-        maintaining the full acquis communautaire and building on it

Motto of European Union: In varietate concordia (Latin: Unity in diversity)

The European anthem: “Ode to Joy”, Ninth Symphony by Ludwig Van Beethoven.

There are 3 main institutions: The Council of the European Union, the European Parliament, and the European Commission. Each has a President, and each has a specific role and responsibility.

The main achievements of the integration process: creation of a inner borderless area, consolidation of the social and economic integration, creation of the customs and monetary union (adopted by 12 of the 25 member-states), setting the ground for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and introduction of the European citizenship. Creation of the single market for almost 370 million Europeans provided for the free circulation of the persons, goods, capital and services.

Any European state sharing the democratic values of „freedom, democracy, respect for basic human rights and freedoms and the rule of law” (art. 6, art. 49 ale of the EU Treaty) can become a Member of the European Union.

The European Union's activities cover all policy areas, from health and economic policy to foreign affairs and defence. However, the nature of its powers differs between areas.

Within the European Union common policies are adopted in the following sectors: agriculture (including fishery), telecommunications, transport, energy and environment protection.