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 498 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, 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).

How can I have my say?

The EU is not perfect — it is an evolving project and constantly has to be improved.
What do you want the EU to do and not to do? Have your say!

• Contact your local MP — EU policies are part of national politics.
• Contact your MEP and cast your vote at the European Parliament elections — the European Parliament enacts EU laws: europarl.europa.eu
• Contact the NGOs (consumer associations, environmental pressure groups, etc.) — they work with the EU on shaping policies.
• Find out more about the EU on the europa.eu website and get the answers to your questions about the EU by calling the Europe Direct freephone: 00 88 6 7 8 9 10 11.