|
The European Union (EU) is a family of
democratic European countries, committed to
working together for peace and prosperity. It
is not a State intended to replace existing
states, but it is more than any other
international organisation. The EU is, in fact,
unique. Its Member States have set up common
institutions to which they delegate some of their
sovereignty so that decisions on specific matters
of joint interest can be made democratically at
European level.
The historical roots of the European
Union lie in the Second World War. The
idea of European integration was conceived to
prevent such killing and destruction from ever
happening again. It was first proposed by the
French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman in a speech
on 9 May 1950. This date, the "birthday"
of what is now the EU, is celebrated annually as
Europe Day.
There are five EU institutions, each
playing a specific role:
- European Parliament (elected by the peoples
of the Member States);
- Council of the European Union (representing
the governments of the Member States);
- European Commission (driving force and
executive body);
- Court of Justice (ensuring compliance with
the law);
- Court of Auditors (controlling sound and
lawful management of the EU budget).
A number of agencies and other bodies complete
the system.
The rule of law is fundamental to the
European Union. All EU decisions and
procedures are based on the Treaties, which are
agreed by all the EU countries.
Initially, the EU consisted of just six
countries: Belgium, Germany, France, Italy,
Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Denmark, Ireland
and the United Kingdom joined in 1973, Greece in
1981, Spain and Portugal in 1986, Austria, Finland
and Sweden in 1995. In 2004 the biggest ever
enlargement takes place with 10 new countries
joining.
In the early years, much of the co-operation
between EU countries was about trade and the
economy, but now the EU also deals with many other
subjects of direct importance for our everyday
life, such as citizens' rights; ensuring freedom,
security and justice; job
creation; regional
development; environmental
protection; making globalisation
work for everyone.
The European Union has delivered half a
century of stability, peace and prosperity.
It has helped to raise living standards, built
a single Europe-wide market, launched the
single European currency, the euro,
and strengthened Europe's
voice in the world.
Unity in diversity: Europe is
a continent with many different traditions and
languages, but also with shared values. The EU
defends these values. It fosters co-operation
among the peoples of Europe, promoting unity while
preserving diversity and ensuring that decisions
are taken as close as possible to the citizens.
In the increasingly interdependent world of the
21st century, it will be even more necessary for
every European citizen to co-operate with people
from other countries in a spirit of curiosity,
tolerance and solidarity.
|
|
