It began in 2008 and peaked between 2010 and 2012. The official website of the European Commission, providing access to information about its political priorities, policies and services Virtually any topic for the virtual learner. The EU is able to maintain this mission through the various treaties making it function, cooperation from member states, and its unique governmental structure. These representative members are directly elected every five years. Read more about the role of the European Council The United Kingdom (UK) withdrew from the European Union (EU) on 31 January 2020 and is no longer an EU Member State. Institutions, bodies & agencies – contact & visit details L'Union européenne rouvre ses frontières extérieures à 15 pays, mais pas aux Etats-Unis. Partnerships. In addition, the Council has the legislative power and decisions are made with a majority vote, a qualified majority, or a unanimous vote from member state representatives. European Union. Even though the countries of Europe had various treaties in place prior to the early 1990s, this time is generally recognized as the period when the modern day European Union arose due to the Treaty of Maastricht on the European Union—which was signed on February 7, 1992, and put into action on November 1, 1993. The EU grew out of a desire to form a single European political entity to end the centuries of warfare among European countries that culminated with World War II and decimated much of the continent. Learn more about the EU in … Les frontières entre les pays de l'Union européenne vont rouvrir d'ici la fin juin. In order to reach these goals, the Treaty of Maastricht has various policies dealing with issues such as industry, education, and youth. The Maastricht Treaty was a treaty that is responsible for the creation of the European Union and was approved by heads of government of the states making up the European Community (EC) in December 1991. Investopedia uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. To strengthen the democratic governing of participating nations. Feedback on this website The EU in brief, institutions and bodies, countries, symbols, history, facts and figuresInformation on agriculture, business, culture, health, etc.Information on your rights to live, work, travel and study in another EU country, including access to healthcare and consumer rightsInformation on taxes, customs, importing and exporting goods, financial support for businessesFind EU treaties, legislation, case-law, how EU law is made and appliedFind official documents, publications, statistics, open data and more resourcesTeaching material, games and much more about the European Union and its activities, for teachers, children and teenagers Brexit refers to Britain's leaving the European Union, which was slated to happen at the end of October, but has been delayed again. All countries in the EU are required to have a government that guarantees democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, as well as protects the rights of minorities. Finally, the European Commission manages the EU with members that are appointed by the Council for five-year terms—usually one commissioner from each member state. Those who reside in EU countries are also granted EU passports, which allow for easy travel between nations. It consists of the heads of state or government of the member states, together with its President and the President of the Commission. The languages of the European Union are languages used by people within the member states of the European Union (EU).. If the site still contains content that does not yet reflect the withdrawal of the UK from the EU, this is unintentional and will be addressed.