Policy > Government & Parliament > European Union

The European Union (EU) is the only supranational institution (more than one country) whose members are democratically elected by direct universal suffrage to the European Parliament. Founded originally in 1951 as the European Coal and Steel Community. The Communities main aim was to promote free trade between member states to ensure that events such as WWII would never happen again, since its inception, the great powers of Europe have been at peace.

In 1957 the Community changed its name to the European Economic Community (EEC) under the treaty of Rome. Further change came in 1987 with the treaty of Maastricht which expanded the remit of the EEC and to include the creation of the single European currency (Euro - €), the community also changed its name inlight of these changes to the European Union (EU)

The EU represents the people of the 25 Member States. The European Parliament, which is elected every five years, is involved in drafting numerous laws (directives, regulations etc.) that affect the daily life of every citizen. The present population of the Union is 456.8 million

EU institutions and other bodies

The European Union (EU) is not a federation like the United States. Nor is it simply an organisation for co-operation between governments, like the United Nations. It is, in fact, unique.

The countries that make up the EU (its ‘member states’) remain independent sovereign nations but they pool their sovereignty in order to gain a strength and world influence none of them could have on their own. See the EU portal for more

In addition Europe has additional institutions that work to promote justice, security and peace

European Commission

European Court of Justice - Supreme Court of the European Union

Council of Europe

European Court of Human Rights - An institution of the Council of Europe

Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

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