EUROPA - Panorama of the European Union - United in diversity

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EUROPA > The EU at a glance > Panorama
Fewer frontiers, more opportunities
A greener Europe
Going abroad to learn
Euros in your pocket
Jobs and prosperity
Equal opportunities for all
Freedom, security and justice for all
Exporting peace and stability
A place in the Union
Embracing a continent
The EU symbols
The European Parliament
The Council of the EU
The European Commission
The Court of Justice
The Court of Auditors
The European Economic and Social Committee
The Committee of the Regions
The European Central Bank
The European Investment Bank
Make it simple: the new Constitution

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What does the EU do?
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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, nor is it just an organisation for international cooperation. 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 was born because Europeans were determined to prevent such killing and destruction ever happening again. In the early years, the cooperation was between six countries and mainly about trade and the economy. Now the EU embraces 25 countries and 450 million people, and it deals with a wide range of issues of direct importance for our everyday life.
Europe is a continent with many different traditions and languages, but also with shared values such as democracy, freedom and social justice. The EU defends these values. It fosters cooperation 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 is more necessary than ever for every European citizen to work together with people from other countries in a spirit of curiosity, openness and solidarity.

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