Understanding Europe

Europe at a glance

The European Union is a political and economic partnership of 27 European countries, known as Member States. With 498 million citizens, it is the largest single market in the world. 16 Member States use the Euro, the European Currency.

EU member states and institutions work to ensure frontier-free travel and trade within the EU in four areas: people, capital, goods, and services.

With a focus on freedom, security and justice for all of its citizens and beyond, the EU aims to export peace and stability to troubled areas, humanitarian and development aid to countries in developing parts of the world.

The EU works towards promoting growth and jobs, as well as combating climate change and supporting equal opportunities. For the younger generation, the EU promotes studying or training abroad with educational exchanges and trans-border partnerships like Erasmus and Leonardo da Vinci.

To ensure that these objectives are met, Member States have set up institutional bodies. The main European Instiutions are:

• The European Parliament - the directly elected representation of the people of Europe;
• The Council of the European Union - made up of the national governments;
• The European Commission - representing the EU's common interests; and
• The European Court of Justice - which ensures laws are interpreted and applied correctly accross all Member States.

For more information please see the EUROPA website.