Legal Definitions - EU

The European Union (EU) is a unique political and economic partnership of 27 European countries. It aims to foster peace, stability, and economic prosperity among its member states. The EU operates through a system of common institutions and laws that apply across all member countries, creating a single market for goods, services, capital, and people, and coordinating policies on various issues such as trade, agriculture, and environmental protection.

• Example 1: International Trade

  A clothing manufacturer based in Poland wants to export a large shipment of garments to a retailer in Belgium. Because both Poland and Belgium are member states of the EU, the manufacturer does not face customs duties or border checks when sending the goods across the border.

  This illustrates the EU's single market principle, which allows for the free movement of goods between member countries without tariffs or other trade barriers, simplifying commerce within the union.

• Example 2: Freedom of Movement

  A university student from Ireland decides to spend a semester studying abroad at a university in Germany. As an Irish citizen, they do not need to apply for a special student visa to live and study in Germany, and their academic qualifications are recognized.

  This demonstrates the EU's commitment to the free movement of people, allowing citizens of member states to live, work, and study in any other EU country with minimal bureaucratic hurdles.

• Example 3: Common Regulations

  A new regulation is adopted by the EU regarding the maximum levels of certain chemicals allowed in children's toys. This regulation automatically applies to all toy manufacturers and importers in every EU member state, from Spain to Sweden, ensuring a consistent safety standard across the entire union.

  This highlights the EU's role in creating common laws and standards that member states must implement, ensuring a harmonized approach to consumer safety and other policy areas across the diverse countries within the union.