Europe’s mission in the 21st century is to: provide peace, prosperity and stability for its peoples; overcome the divisions on the continent; ensure that its people can live in safety; promote balanced economic and social development; meet the challenges of globalisation and preserve the diversity of the peoples of Europe; uphold the values that Europeans share, such as sustainable development and a sound environment, respect for human rights and the social market economy.

WHAT THE EUROPEAN UNION DOES Agriculture Audiovisual and Media Budget Competition Consumers Culture Customs Development Economic and Monetary Affairs Education, Training, Youth Employment and Social Affairs Energy Enlargement Enterprise Environment External Relations External Trade Fight against fraud Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Food Safety Foreign and Security Policy Humanitarian aid Human rights Information Society Institutional affairs Internal Market Justice, freedom and security Public Health Regional Policy Research and Innovation Taxation Transport

United in diversity – a bilingual street sign in Malta.

On 9 May 1950, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman first publicly put forward the ideas that led to the European Union. So 9 May is celebrated as the EU's birthday.

Ten Historic steps 1951: The European Coal and Steel Community is established by the six founding members 1957: The Treaty of Rome establishes a common market 1973: The Community expands to nine member states and develops its common policies 1979: The first direct elections to the European Parliament 1981: The first Mediterranean enlargement 1993: Completion of the single market 1993: The Treaty of Maastricht establishes the European Union 1995: The EU expands to 15 members 2002: Euro notes and coins are introduced 2004: Ten more countries join the Union

The Berlin Wall was pulled down in 1989 and the old divisions of the European continent gradually disappeared.

Enlargement and neighbourhood policy The European Union is open to any European country that fulfils the democratic, political and economic criteria for membership. Following several enlargements, the EU has increased from six to 27 members. Several other countries are candidates to join. Each treaty admitting a new member requires the unanimous approval of all member states. In addition, in advance of each new enlargement, the EU will assess its capacity to absorb the new member(s) and the ability of its institutions to continue to function properly. The successive enlargements have strengthened democracy, made Europe more secure and increased its potential for trade and economic growth.

How does the EU work The Council of Ministers of the European Union, which represents the member states, is the EU’s main decision-taking body. When it meets at Heads of State or Government level, it becomes the European Council whose role is to provide the EU with political impetus on key issues. The European Parliament, which represents the people, shares legislative and budgetary power with the Council of the European Union. The European Commission, which represents the common interest of the EU, is the main executive body. It has the right to propose legislation and ensures that EU policies are properly implemented.

The single market is one of the European Union’s greatest achievements. Restrictions between member countries on trade and free competition have gradually been eliminated, with the result that standards of living have increased. The single market has not yet become a single economic area. Some sectors of the economy (public services) are still subject to national laws. The individual EU countries still largely have the responsibility for taxation and social welfare. The single market is supported by a number of related policies put in place by the EU over the years. They help ensure that market liberalisation benefits as many businesses and consumers as possible.

What is the European Union? A unique economic and political partnership between 27 democratic European countries. What are its aims? Peace, prosperity and freedom for its 495 million citizens — in a fairer, safer world. What results so far? Frontier-free travel and trade, the euro (the single European currency), safer food and a greener environment, better living standards in poorer regions, joint action on crime and terror, cheaper phone calls and air travel, millions of opportunities to study abroad … and much more besides. How does it work? To make these things happen, EU countries set up bodies to run the EU and adopt its legislation. The main ones are: the European Parliament (representing the people of Europe); the Council of the European Union (representing national governments); the European Commission (representing the common EU interest). What about the future? The EU is not perfect — it constantly has to be improved. It’s up to you! What do you want the EU to do and not to do? Discuss the issues with your friends, your family, your colleagues. Then tell the policymakers what you think. The EU’s future will be decided through dialogue, debate and democracy. How can I have my say? Contact your local MP — EU policies are part of national politics. Contact your MEP — the European Parliament enacts EU laws. Contact the NGOs (consumer associations, environmental pressure groups, etc.) — they advise the EU on policy. Contact the European Commission — which proposes EU policies.