Table of Contents
Does the EU have a foreign policy?
The EU’s joint foreign and security policy, designed to resolve conflicts and foster international understanding, is based on diplomacy and respect for international rules. Trade, humanitarian aid, and development cooperation also play an important role in the EU’s international role.
What are the European Union policies?
EU policies aim to ensure the free movement of people, goods, services and capital within the internal market; enact legislation in justice and home affairs; and maintain common policies on trade, agriculture, fisheries and regional development. Passport controls have been abolished for travel within the Schengen Area.
What is the relationship between the EU and its member states?
At the core of the EU are the 27 Member States that belong to the EU, and their citizens. The unique feature of the EU is that, although the Member States all remain sovereign and independent states, they have decided to pool some of their ‘sovereignty’ in areas where it makes sense to work together.
How are policies made within the European Union?
Policymaking in the EU typically takes place by ‘ordinary legislative’ procedure. This procedure involves the Commission, Parliament and Council, who aim to come to agreement on the final legislation.
Does the EU have its own embassies?
The EU member states have their own diplomatic missions, in addition to the common EU delegations. On the other hand, additionally to the third-state delegations and offices the European Commission maintains representation in each of the member states.
Who makes policies in the EU?
The European Council sets the EU’s main priorities and overall policy directions. It is chaired by a president who is elected every 2.5 years. The European Council does not adopt EU laws. This is the job of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union.
How should decisions be made within the European Union?
Heads of state and government make decisions on general policies in the European Council. The Commission makes proposals for new laws. The Parliament reviews the proposals and passes decisions together with the Council of Ministers. The Council of Ministers and Parliament approve the laws together.