Through its youth policies and programmes the EU aims to make sure young people can participate fully in all areas of society and to give them more opportunities in education and the job market. The ministers meet several times a year to make decisions relating to the EU, though government officials have meetings all year round to discuss the policy details. National parliaments send reasoned opinions to the Commission when they see a draft legislative act breaching the principle of subsidiarity. It follows a similar pattern to the first reading, but this time with the Parliament examining, and voting on, the changes proposed by Council, and then the Council considering what the Parliament proposes. EU food-labelling rules also provide consumers with information important to their health. Economic and monetary union unites and integrates EU economies through coordinated economic and fiscal policies, a common monetary policy and a common currency, the euro. The number of deaths on Europe’s roads halved between 1992 and 2010. Please click here for the latest information from the European Commission on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, including travel advice. A minimum number of signatories is required in each of those seven Member States. After an investigation is concluded, OLAF recommends action to the EU institutions and national governments concerned: this usually includes launching criminal investigations, financial recoveries or other disciplinary measures. This places the European Parliament and the Council on an equal footing, and the laws passed using this procedure are joint acts of the Parliament and the Council. As of 1950, the European Coal and Steel Community begins to unite European countries economically and politically in order to secure lasting peace. The committees’ opinions are not binding upon the EU institutions. The EU is leading global efforts to fight climate change, in particular by galvanising the international community to maintain the momentum of the Paris Agreement and put it into practice worldwide. In the case of the EU this means that there are no customs duties to be paid when goods are transported from one Member State to another. Through its political, practical and economic support, the EU has played a crucial role in building peace in the Western Balkans since the Yugoslav wars. Stringent safety standards apply to toys, electrical appliances, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, and strict rules ensure that unsafe products are recalled from the market. Humanitarian aid is provided according to vulnerability criteria and needs assessments. Much change since then has been in the context of shifting the balance of power away from the council and towards the Parliament. The EU works closely with the United Nations on a host of issues. The EU Open Data Portal (http://data.europa.eu/euodp/en) provides access to datasets from the EU. Animal products in the EU are generally produced in nearby countries, and food and feed … Georgia: Statement by the Spokesperson on the selection process of Supreme Court judges, International Roma Day: Statement by Vice-President Jourová, Commissioner Dalli and Commissioner Várhelyi, Building a fairer, healthier world for everyone, Timor-Leste: Statement by the Spokesperson on the devastating floods, More than just medical relief for Palestine, Humanitarian action: Remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell at the press conference on the new outlook for the EU's humanitarian action in light of COVID-19. The European Court of Auditors is the independent external audit institution of the European Union. At the same time, growing demand for clean technologies presents opportunities for innovation, industrial modernisation and green jobs and growth. For such emergencies, it can bring together the EU's emergency tools, namely humanitarian aid and civil protection. Following the adoption of the European Union’s counter-terrorism strategy in 2005, the EU Strategy for combating radicalization and recruitment to terrorism has increasingly emphasized the ‘internal-external security nexus’ and ⋙ Any citizen, resident, association or business of an EU Member State can make a complaint to the Ombudsman. It is investing €1.46 billion to: Creative Europe also promotes initiatives such as EU prizes for cultural heritage, architecture, literature and music, the European Heritage Label and the European Capitals of Culture. Many issues can be resolved at this technical level, or the levels just above it, though some issues may remain to be finalised at the meetings of the relevant ministers. able to speak to each other. A new strategy was launched in early 2018, reconfirming a credible enlargement perspective for the Western Balkans and announcing the EU’s enhanced engagement with the region. The EU has no standing army, but brings together forces contributed by its Member States under the EU flag. When shopping online consumers have 14 days to reconsider their purchase and withdraw. To safeguard people from environment-related pressures and risks to health and well-being, EU policy aims to guarantee safe drinking and bathing water, improve air quality, reduce noise and reduce or eliminate the effects of harmful chemicals. One example is the dialogue facilitated by the European Union between Serbia and Kosovo, which led to a landmark deal in April 2013 and which is currently being implemented with the support of the EU. At the same time, research and innovation help make people’s lives better through improvements in areas such as healthcare, transport and energy, and are the launch pad for countless new products and services that can improve quality of life and strengthen our economic performance. Following the adoption of an EU action plan in 2012 many legislative steps have been taken to fight tax fraud, evasion and avoidance. Altogether, from 2014 to 2020, the EU will deploy some €82 billion in external funding through grants, tenders and support for national budgets, and, increasingly, by using EU funding as ‘seed money’ to encourage local public and private investment. The single market is one of the EU’s greatest achievements. The plan’s investments have supported the creation of 1.1 million jobs, a figure set to rise to 1.7 million by 2022. The EU physical activity guidelines (2008) and the Council recommendation on promoting health-enhancing physical activity across sectors (2013) show how national policies can encourage activity. The EU also makes life easier for Europeans who study, work or get married in other EU countries by building bridges between the different national legal systems across the EU. Thanks to the abolition of border controls between EU countries, people can travel freely throughout most of the continent. These cover the right to be free from discrimination on the basis of sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, the right to the protection of your personal data, and the right to get access to justice. The role of water in the EU clean energy transition 7 December 2018 10 December 2018 admin4093 By Dominique RISTORI, Director-General for Energy, European Commission. New initiatives proposed in e-health, addressing disinformation, transparency of online platforms, artificial intelligence, supercomputing, 5G and blockchain, as well as a digital strategy for the Western Balkans. In general, decisions are made by consensus, but votes can also take place. The migration crisis and the changing security landscape in recent years have demonstrated that the Schengen area needs strong external borders. This will be done by expanding and modernising existing programmes with a proven track record, and by creating new tailor-made programmes in areas where a fresh approach is needed to help the EU deliver on its ambitions. The Ombudsman receives and investigates complaints and helps to identify maladministration in the EU institutions and other bodies. maximise the benefits of the EU’s investment in space. Search for cases here. Committees to prepare legislation: the Parliament has 20 committees and two subcommittees, each handling a particular policy area. by Juris Paiders March 11, 2021 674 Views 42 Votes 6 Comments. Since then, 22 more countries joined (and the United Kingdom left the EU in 2020) and a huge single market (also known as the ‘internal’ market) has been created and continues to develop towards its full potential. The euro, in circulation since 2002 and used by more than 340 million people in 19 Member States, is the world’s second most important currency after the US dollar. The EU’s main economic engine is the single market. Sport also provides significant economic benefits and is an important tool in the EU’s external relations. The European neighbourhood policy offers a framework for more effective and stronger partnerships based on common interests and action on both sides. A borderless and seamless common justice area will ensure that citizens can rely on a set of rights and can access justice throughout the continent. The benefits for consumers should also be significant in terms of their rights to change energy suppliers, lower household bills, and quality of life issues such as less air pollution. While social security remains the responsibility of each Member State, the EU creates bridges between national systems for citizens moving across borders. Since 2014 the EU has removed nearly 90 market access barriers in non-EU countries, affecting a range of EU industries and exports worth some €8.2 billion a year. Corruption and fraud can seriously harm the economy and undermine the trust of citizens in democratic institutions and processes. It also plays a significant role in supporting international development and delivering aid. This publication is a guide to the European Union (EU) and what it does. an integrated approach to conflicts and crises; political stability, wherein the countries’ political institutions guarantee democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities; a functioning market economy and the capacity to cope with competition and market forces in the EU; and. The Vice-Presidents act on behalf of the President and coordinate work in their area of responsibility, together with several Commissioners. The European Commission has made jobs, growth and investment its top priority, backed up by the Investment Plan for Europe. They provide opinions on proposed legislative acts. This allows the EU to complement national budgets by funding policies with added EU value. And in July 2018 Google was fined another €4.34 billion for imposing illegal restrictions on Android device manufacturers. It enables most goods, services, money and people to move freely. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo* are potential candidates. The digital single market will also help drive the economy by ensuring the free flow of non-personal data, investing in digital skills and providing better access to online public services. Ultimately, the EP argues that this will be an “era of re-definition” in which the EU should play a crucial role. Rethinking products’ life cycles will help to manage precious resources more sustainably, minimise waste and make Europe more resilient as regards the supply of raw materials. It performs its tasks independently from the other EU institutions and governments. The potential economic, social and environmental consequences of proposed measures are analysed and reported in impact assessments that accompany legislative proposals. The Commissioners are the Commission’s political leadership during a five-year term. They work on issues and problems affecting the everyday lives of people living in the EU. Under economic and monetary union, the EU’s economic policy is based on close coordination of national economic policies. By pooling resources at EU level, Member States can achieve more than they could by acting alone. boost excellent science, including through the, promote industrial leadership in areas such as nanotechnologies, biotechnology and information and communications technology, and through support for companies and entrepreneurs; and. Most of the actual implementation and spending is done by national and local authorities but the Commission is responsible for supervising it. The EU offers its citizens an area of freedom, security and justice without internal borders. strengthen its industrial base and promote the transition to a low-carbon economy; promote innovation as a means to generate new sources of growth; encourage small businesses and promote an entrepreneurial culture; guarantee an EU-wide market for goods; and. In 2016 around €61 billion (some 38% of the EU budget) was invested in supporting farmers to produce food in a sustainable way, while also promoting growth in the rural economy and a living countryside. The EU stands for open markets, but it is not a naïve free trader. Therefore, if one wants to understand the processes and outcomes of international environmental negotiations, one needs to … Reuse is authorised provided the source is acknowledged. It consists of the heads of state or government of the member states, together with its President and the President of the Commission. The New European Agenda for Culture contains concrete actions to harness the full potential of culture. While it is clear that no candidate is ready yet, in the future the Member States will be greater in number. The EU offers its citizens an area of freedom, security and justice without internal borders. It also involves citizens and stakeholders at every stage of the policy cycle, from planning to proposal to implementation to review and subsequent revision. More than one million small and medium-sized companies are set to benefit from improved access to finance and the plan has helped to boost EU gross domestic product by 0.9%. The right to vote is a human right. The Commission handles the budget under the watchful eye of the European Court of Auditors. Generally it is the European Commission that proposes new laws and the European Parliament and the Council (also called the Council of the European Union) that adopt them. This chapter examines the role of the European Union (EU) and provides a contextual examination of the role of states as protectors and enforcers of human rights. A single currency is practical for citizens and good for business, and represents a major achievement of European integration. The EU, together with its Member States, is the world’s leading humanitarian aid donor, providing and coordinating relief assistance to people in areas hit by disasters in Europe and around the globe. Over 620 000 lives have been saved in the Aegean and the Mediterranean since 2015 thanks to Italian and Greek rescue operations and the work of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, established in 2016. These include the promotion of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights, as well as enhancing economic development, the investment climate and social cohesion. It translates the EU’s wish to build on common interests with partner countries and a commitment to work jointly in priority areas. Through the EU Internet Forum, the Commission is facilitating cooperation between key internet companies, law enforcement agencies and civil society to reduce access to illegal content online and provide effective alternative narratives to counter terrorist propaganda. It is the leading donor in the international response to the Syria crisis, with over €11 billion provided to support the Syrian people, and it continues to support international efforts to bring peace to the Middle East by supporting a two-state solution with a Palestinian state living side by side with Israel. These agreements may cover broad areas such as trade, cooperation and development, or they may deal with specific subjects such as textiles, fisheries, science and technology, or transport. The Court has the power to settle legal disputes between Member States, EU institutions, businesses and individuals. The Council is not to be confused with the Council of Europe, which is not a European Union body but an international organisation that was set up to promote democracy and protect human rights and the rule of law in Europe. The predecessor of the EU was created in the aftermath of the Second World War. The EU protects our seas and oceans, while ensuring that they remain economically and environmentally sustainable as a driver for jobs, growth and innovation. Together, the EU and its member states provide more than half of official development assistance (ODA) globally. Using materials and resources for as long as possible, and designing products to be more durable and easier to reuse and recycle, are among the goals of the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan. Human rights are protected by the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. the European Parliament,; the European Council (of Heads of State or Government),; the Council of the European Union (of national Ministers, a Council for each area of responsibility), More information on the outcome of the 2019 European Elections and the forming of the new Parliament can be found on the European Parliament's website. The European Commission continues to work on maintaining a stable and resilient financial system and addressing the remaining risks while keeping the regulatory framework up to speed with technological and economic developments. First the European Commission proposes a draft budget. The EU provides relief assistance to the people affected by crises. Approving, amending or rejecting EU laws, together with the Council of the European Union, based on European Commission proposals. safeguarding EU citizens from environment-related pressures and risks to health and well-being. Governments attend the European Council and the Council of the European Union, administrations and agencies implement and enforce EU policy, and parliaments and … The programme concentrates action in three key areas: The EU is working to safeguard natural resources and halt the decline of endangered species and habitats. The EU strategy for education and training aims to meet the following objectives: Erasmus+, the EU programme for education, training, youth and sport, helps tackle youth unemployment by boosting young people’s personal development, skills and employability. The solutions range from ending ‘geo-blocking’, removing mobile phone roaming charges and addressing the lack of internet access or digital skills, to new portability rules so people can access their online subscriptions for TV, games and music when travelling in the EU in the same way as they do at home. The Commission fined the six companies a total of €3.8 billion. facilitate cooperation at regional level, for example through the Eastern Partnership and the Union for the Mediterranean. That is why we must tackle them through cooperation both within the EU and with the rest of the world. Being a European citizen also means enjoying political rights. The European Council is the EU institution that defines the general political direction and priorities of the European Union. Petitions are examined by Parliament’s Committee on Petitions, which makes a decision on their admissibility and is responsible for dealing with them. Each programme is drawn up through a collective process involving stakeholders at the European, national, regional and local levels, social partners and civil society. There are eight Vice-Presidents (including three Executive Vice-Presidents and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy) who occupy these roles in addition to the usual Commissioner’s portfolio. The European Council generally decides issues by unanimity, or by qualified majority in some cases. Then the national governments (acting through the Council of the European Union) and the directly elected European Parliament approve the EU budget, usually before the beginning of the year. It is possible that the Parliament and the Council will agree at this stage (a second-reading agreement). save and preserve life, prevent and alleviate human suffering and safeguard the integrity and dignity of populations affected by natural disasters and man-made crises; provide rapid response to emergencies both inside and outside the EU; reduce disaster risks, for example by employing strategies aimed at mitigating the consequences of climate change; improve disaster preparedness, for instance by developing early warning systems; ensure a smooth transition when an emergency operation comes to an end, by linking up with development aid strategies; strengthen the overall resilience of populations, for example by investing in measures to help them prepare for future disasters; and. Its focus is on increasing the EU’s jobs and growth potential and on supporting climate action and the EU’s policies beyond its borders. Europe Direct is a service that answers your questions about the European Union. As the EU turns away from international human rights commitments, asserting border controls at almost any cost including that to humanitarian activists, what role can art play? This policy includes the following actions aimed at dealing with the crisis. Since it was founded in 1957 the EU has grown from six countries to 27. Every action taken by the EU is founded on treaties that have been approved voluntarily and democratically by all EU countries. At the core of the EU are the 27 Member States that belong to the EU, and their citizens. The European Neighbourhood Instrument supports the comprehensive approach by the EU towards its partners and is the key EU financial instrument for cooperation with the European neighbourhood policy countries in the years 2014-2020. In 2016 and 2017 the Commission fined the members of a truck producers’ cartel of six leading companies that produce more than 90% of medium-sized and heavy trucks sold in Europe: Scania, Daimler, DAF, Iveco, MAN and Volvo/Renault. It supports the arts and helps our cultural and creative industries to thrive, specifically through the Creative Europe programme. The EU is based on the rule of law. One cornerstone of the Action Plan is the Plastics Strategy, which aims to make all plastic packaging in the EU reusable or recyclable by 2030 and takes action to reduce single-use plastics. It signaled the on-going process of extended European integration. Foreword . A renewed multilateralism fit for the 21st century: the EU's agenda, Today, the Commission and the High Representative put forward a new strategy to strengthen the EU's contribution to rules-based multilateralism. In December 2018 the European Parliament, the Council and Commission agreed on the Cybersecurity Act, which strengthens the mandate of the EU cybersecurity agency (European Union Agency for Network and Information Security) so as to better support Members States with tackling cybersecurity threats and attacks. Adopt a more strategic role: The Strategic Communications Division has been proactive in becoming a hub for reporting on coronavirus disinformation among the EU institutions. Investing in education and training is the key to people’s future, particularly if they are young. They are at the heart of European efforts to create quality jobs and to boost growth and investment. protect the rights of people with disabilities. The third section, ‘How the European Union makes decisions and takes action’, describes the institutions at the heart of the EU’s decision-making process and how their decisions are translated into actions. Checks and balances were built into the system to prevent any single body from imposing its preferences unilaterally. The European Union (EU) is a unique economic and political union between 27 European countries. Under the ordinary legislative procedure the Commission makes a proposal, which must be adopted by both the Parliament and the Council. The ministers who attend are those that deal with the policy being discussed. The result was the European Economic Community, created in 1958 with the initial aim of increasing economic cooperation between six countries: Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. The EU rules on social security coordination do not replace national systems, but protect the social security rights of people when they move within the EU (and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland). The banking union transferred bank supervision and resolution from national to EU level in the 19 Member States of the euro area. A customs union means that the countries involved apply the same tariffs to goods imported into their territory from the rest of the world, and apply no tariffs internally. indirectly through national courts, which may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice; directly before the General Court, if a decision by an EU institution has affected them directly and individually. Data can be downloaded and reused for free, for both commercial and non-commercial purposes. It is achieving breakthroughs, discoveries and world firsts both in the lab and by taking great ideas from the lab to the market. The EU budget helps to deliver on the things that matter to Europeans. However, Turkey has been moving further away from the EU’s core values and principles and therefore its accession negotiations have effectively come to a standstill. Today's proposal suggests to make use, Humanitarian action: New outlook for EU's global aid delivery challenged by COVID-19, Today, the Commission has proposed to strengthen the European Union's global humanitarian impact in order to meet the substantially rising humanitarian needs exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Success stories include EU peacekeeping missions in several of the world’s trouble spots, the training of police, soldiers and coastguards, support for state-building in post-conflict situations and fighting piracy off the Horn of Africa. It is also known as the Council of the European Union. More than 340 million EU citizens in 19 countries now use it as their currency and enjoy its benefits. They have a major impact, providing EU institutions and Member States with specialised knowledge in diverse areas, such as cybersecurity, safety of food and medicines, environmental protection, fundamental rights and border security. The precursor to the European Union was established after World War II in the late 1940s in an effort to unite the countries of Europe and end the period of wars between neighboring countries. A voluntary resettlement programme agreed by Member States envisages the transfer of 22 500 people from outside the EU to an EU Member State. The EU is working to increase the rate of returns to their home country of irregular migrants with no right to stay in the EU. It makes its decisions without seeking or taking instructions from governments or other EU institutions. A failure of the financial system can have wide-ranging consequences. If there is an outbreak of animal disease, the EU has mechanisms in place to act swiftly.