What is the European Union?
The European Union (EU) is a unique economic and political union between 27 European countries. They work together to improve the lives of people in Europe, and even further afield.
The EU has worked for the peace, prosperity and well-being of its citizens for over 60 years. From six founding countries – or Member States – in the 1950s, it has grown into a union of 27 countries with a population of almost 450 million people.
What started as an economic project to help raise living standards in post-war Europe has led to the creation of the world’s largest single-market area, where people, goods, services and money can move freely. Over the decades, the EU has widened its scope to areas where cooperation between countries brings better results. The countries that belong to the EU believe that by working together they are stronger and better able to tackle today’s big challenges, such as climate change and the digital transformation of our society, major health and security threats like the COVID-19 pandemic, and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
This guide contains lots of useful information about the EU and what it does, and tips on where to get more information.
The EU is composed of 27 countries with a combined population of 448,4 million people. It has 24 official languages, and 347 million people use the euro in 20 different EU countries. The EU flag has a blue background with a circle of 12 yellow stars in the centre. The EU motto is ‘United in diversity’. Europe Day is on 9 May.
A Union of values
While Europeans may speak different languages and have different traditions, they share the same set of values, on which the EU was founded. These are respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights.
These values are set out in the EU treaties and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which brings together all the personal, civic, political, economic and social rights enjoyed by people within the EU.
In 2022,13.7 million people in the EU were citizens of a different EU country from the one they lived in.
If you are a citizen of one of the 27 countries that make up the EU, you are also a citizen of the EU. This gives you some important extra rights, such as the freedom to move, live, work and study in any EU country and the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in local and European elections, even when living in another EU country. You also have the right to make a petition to the European Parliament, to apply to the European Ombudsman and to write to any EU institution in one of the 24 official languages of the EU.
As well as protecting the rights of its citizens and people living in the European Union, the EU also promotes human rights and fair elections worldwide. Every year, the European Parliament awards the Sakharov Prize to an individual or organisation that fights for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Living in the EU comes with some important rights and benefits, such as the following.
I am protected from discrimination on any grounds, including sex, race, religion, ethnic or social origin, disability, age or sexual orientation.
I have the right to have my personal data protected.
I can shop online and buy from any EU country with confidence, thanks to strong EU consumer protection.
My health is protected by tough EU environmental standards, such as rules on the quality of air and water.
Find out more about your rights.
The EU at a glance
Thanks to the single market, people, goods, services and money can move around the EU’s 27 countries almost as freely as within a single country.
Twenty-three EU Member States and four non-EU countries – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – belong to what is known as the Schengen area. This means you don’t have to show your passport when crossing the borders between these countries.
The map shows the Member States of the European Union in continental Europe, as well as the overseas regions of France (French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, Saint Martin), the Netherlands (Sint Maarten), Portugal (Azores, Madeira) and Spain (Canary Islands). It also shows the candidate countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye, Ukraine) and potential candidate countries (Georgia, Kosovo).
Austria joined the EU in 1995; it has a population of 9.1 million and uses the euro. Belgium joined the EU in 1958; it has a population of 11.8 million and uses the euro. Bulgaria joined the EU in 2007; it has a population of 6.4 million and uses the lev; it is not in the Schengen area. Croatia joined the EU in 2013; it has a population of 3.9 million and uses the euro. Cyprus joined the EU in 2004; it has a population of 0.9 million and uses the euro; it is not in the Schengen area. Czechia joined the EU in 2004; it has a population of 10.8 million and uses the koruna. Denmark joined the EU in 1973; it has a population of 5.9 million and uses the krone. Estonia joined the EU in 2004; it has a population of 1.4 million and uses the euro. Finland joined the EU in 1995; it has a population of 5.6 million and uses the euro. France joined the EU in 1958; it has a population of 68.1 million and uses the euro. Germany joined the EU in 1958; it has a population of 84.4 million and uses the euro. Greece joined the EU in 1981; it has a population of 10 4 million and uses the euro. Hungary joined the EU in 2004; it has a population of 9.6 million and uses the forint. Ireland joined the EU in 1973; it has a population of 5.2 million and uses the euro; it is not in the Schengen area. Italy joined the EU in 1958; it has a population of 58.9 million and uses the euro. Latvia joined the EU in 2004; it has a population of 1.9 million and uses the euro. Lithuania joined the EU in 2004; it has a population of 2.9 million and uses the euro. Luxembourg joined the EU in 1958; it has a population of 0.7 million and uses the euro. Malta joined the EU in 2004; it has a population of 0.5 million and uses the euro. The Netherlands joined the EU in 1958; it has a population of 17.8 million and uses the euro. Poland joined the EU in 2004; it has a population of 36.8 million and uses the zloty. Portugal joined the EU in 1986; it has a population of 10.5 million and uses the euro. Romania joined the EU in 2007; it has a population of 19.1 million and uses the leu; it is not in the Schengen area. Slovakia joined the EU in 2004; it has a population of 5.4 million and uses the euro. Slovenia joined the EU in 2004; it has a population of 2.1 million and uses the euro. Spain joined the EU in 1986; it has a population of 48.1 million and uses the euro. Sweden joined the EU in 1995; it has a population of 10.5 million and uses the krona.
What is the EU doing to tackle the big issues we face today?
In recent times, the EU has faced unprecedented challenges: a financial crisis and a global pandemic, followed by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the ensuing energy crisis. These historic events have demonstrated the need to be able to respond together quickly and determinedly to new situations. At the same time, the EU has continued and even stepped up its action to achieve its green and digital goals.
COVID-19
The coronavirus pandemic led to human tragedy, lockdowns and economic slowdown, putting the EU and the rest of the world to the test.As well as taking action to contain the spread of the virus through vaccination programmes, the EU worked to support national health systems and help get Europe back on its feet. The EU has been one of the leading contributors to COVAX, the global initiative for fair access to COVID-19 vaccines and is working with its international partners to ensure the world is prepared for future pandemics.
The EU also introduced a common system of vaccination certificates, which made it easier for people in the EU to travel again. Building on this, the World Health Organization has now established a global certification system to make travelling easier and at the same time protect people.
The new European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority will ensure that the EU has the medicines and equipment it needs when health threats strike.
To ensure a rapid economic recovery from the pandemic, the EU set up a special recovery fund of more than €800 billion, known as NextGenerationEU. By investing in projects and initiatives that make the EU greener and more digital, the recovery fund is also making the EU better prepared to deal with future challenges. For example, in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the global energy crisis, it is already supporting EU countries in their efforts to phase out Russian fossil fuels and transition to clean energy.
The total of 2 018 billion euro is made up of the 7-year EU budget (1 211 billion euro) plus 807 billion euro from NextGenerationEU, the COVID-19 recovery package.
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU responded rapidly in support of Ukraine and its people. This included providing humanitarian aid, emergency assistance, financial and operational support, military assistance and support at the EU border and in the Republic of Moldova.
As part of its humanitarian assistance, the EU has been providing food, shelter, and medical aid to people affected by the conflict. It also took the exceptional measure of granting temporary protection to millions of people fleeing Ukraine, providing them with access to accommodation, schools, healthcare and jobs in the EU.
The EU’s financial assistance has helped stabilise Ukraine’s economy, restore infrastructure and improve defence and security capabilities.
The EU has also led the international condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and imposed hard-hitting sanctions on Russia and those complicit in the war. These measures seek to isolate Russia economically and limit its capacity for military aggression.
The EU, together with its Member States and financial institutions, has mobilised over €50 billion in overall support for Ukraine.
Find out more about EU support provided to Ukraine.
Tackling the energy crisis
Russia’s war of aggression has massively disrupted the world’s energy system by causing price hikes and uncertainty over gas supply, worsening an already difficult situation on the energy market following the pandemic.
What is the EU doing to address this?
Phasing out Russian fossil fuels.
Accelerating the production of renewable energy (hydrogen, wind, solar), which is an important part of its commitment to become climate neutral by 2050.
Reducing bills for citizens and businesses.
Reducing energy demand.
Increasing gas storage for winter.
Enabling EU countries to buy energy together to get better prices.
Strengthening rules to ensure that any EU country receives help in the case of an emergency.
Investing in infrastructure so that all EU countries have at least 2 sources of gas supply.
Find out more about EU’s work to secure safe, clean and affordable energy.
Climate change
The European Green Deal is the EU’s strategy to create a modern and competitive European economy. It aims to make Europe the first climate neutral continent by 2050, at which point we will produce no more greenhouse gases than our ecosystems can naturally absorb.
As a first milestone on this ambitious path, the EU has set a new target of cutting its net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 % by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. All sections of society and the economy will have to play their part – from industry, energy and transport to food production, agriculture and construction. There will be financial support for those regions, industries and workers that face the greatest challenges. In July 2021, the European Commission proposed a package of measures to make sure that the EU achieves its objectives under the European Green Deal.
At least 30 % of the EU’s spending between 2021 and 2027 will be on tackling climate change and its effects.
What’s in it for you?
The benefits of the target to cut net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 % by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.
- At least 42.5 % renewables in the EU’s energy mix by 2030.
- Protected and restored European forests; three billion additional trees planted by 2030.
- Cleaner public transport and more sustainable fuels.
- One million additional green jobs in the EU by 2030.
- At least 55 % fewer deaths from air pollution by 2030.
- A fair transition, based on European solidarity.
- One million electric charging points across the EU by 2025.
- A modernised and resilient EU economy.
We can all do our bit, from reducing food waste and recycling more to taking a bike instead of a car, or even planting a tree. If you want to get involved, check out the, European climate pact which brings people and organisations together to share information on climate action. Help us build a greener Europe!
Natura 2000 is the world’s largest network of protected areas, safeguarding thousands of havens for Europe’s most valuable and threatened species and habitats.
© LIFE06 NAT/E/000209/Aixa SOPEÑA.
The Iberian lynx is back from the verge of extinction in Portugal and Spain thanks to the efforts of many, including the work of projects funded by the EU’s LIFE programme. The return of the species is one of Europe’s greatest animal conservation success stories.
The EU has funded the conversion of two passenger and goods ferries from heavy oil to more environmentally friendly electric batteries. They operate on the busy route between Helsingør (Denmark) and Helsingborg (Sweden). The converted ferries help to improve air quality in these densely populated areas.
Getting the most out of the digital transformation
We all need to be digitally savvy in today’s society, whether it’s for online banking and shopping at home or using technology in our jobs.
To get everyone up to speed, and ensure Europe’s position as a world leader in technology, the EU is investing in everything from digital skills and supercomputing to high-speed connectivity and better cybersecurity.
The EU is working to ensure that the online world is safe and fair for people and businesses alike. Thanks to EU rules, today we have more control over our personal data and how it is used by others.
Find out more about EU rules for a safer digital space.
Helping people find work
The European Social Fund Plus helps people to get a job (or a better job), including those who face disadvantages. Each year the fund helps some 10 million people find a job or improve their skills.
The EU is helping young people to enter the job market. For example, the youth guarantee scheme aims to ensure that anyone under 30 receives an offer of good-quality employment, education, apprenticeship or training within 4 months of becoming unemployed or leaving education.
Volunteering is a great way of contributing to local communities at home or abroad, while developing new skills and making friends. The European Solidarity Corps gives young people the chance to volunteer for work in projects in their own country or abroad.
The EU aid volunteers initiative offers over-18s the opportunity to participate in humanitarian projects worldwide.
Stepping up the fight against cancer
The EU is determined to turn the tide against cancer. With €4 billion of funding, Europe’s beating cancer plan maps out a new EU approach to cancer prevention, treatment and care. EU funding has already led to groundbreaking research – from 3D modelling of tumours to detecting cancer through a person’s breath.
A Union of equality
The EU is building a Europe of equality. This means that women and men should get equal pay for equal work, people with disabilities are able to participate equally in all areas of life, and racism is not tolerated. It means that people should not be excluded or marginalised, and people should be free to love who they want.
Migrants and EU citizens with a migrant background play a key role in European society, including as essential workers. The EU is working to ensure everyone can participate fully in society by focusing on things such as better access to education, jobs, healthcare and housing.
Find out more about the priorities of the European Commission.
Protecting people
The safety and security of people in Europe, in both the physical and the digital worlds, is a top priority for the EU. It works daily to tackle threats such as terrorism, organised crime, the illegal drug trade and human trafficking.
The COVID-19 crisis and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine have also highlighted the threats and challenges that disinformation poses to our societies. The EU is working with social media companies and online platforms to limit the spread of misleading information and fake news in Europe. The European Digital Media Observatory supports the work of independent fact checkers and aims to become the European hub to fight online disinformation.
Europe means culture
What do the Oscar-winning films Slumdog Millionaire, Son of Saul, The Father and Another Round have in common? They all received support from the EU’s Creative Europe MEDIA programme.
Is your city the next European Capital of Culture? The prized title has been awarded to more than 50 cities across the EU. It puts the spotlight on local artists and each city’s unique cultural wealth.
Explore Europe’s art and culture from your armchair! The Europeana digital platform gives access to over 58 million items from the collections of more than 4000 cultural institutions.
The EU in the world
The EU works closely with its neighbours and with countries around the world to build new partnerships and promote its values and interests. Through joint efforts in areas such as digitalisation, climate, energy, transport, health, and education, the EU seeks to address global challenges and create a more connected and prosperous global community.
The EU also makes trade deals with other countries, most recently with New Zealand. These deals expand the trade that supports the EU economy and creates jobs.
Together, the EU and its member countries are the biggest donor of development assistance in the world. In 2021, they provided €71.6 billion or 41 % of the total assistance (latest available data). Together they also contribute more than half of all global aid to education in more than 100 countries around the world.
Find out more about EU’s strategy to connect the world.
What are some of the things that the EU does for me?
You can live and work in another EU country. Check the EURES portal for job vacancies and practical advice.
You can retire to any EU country (plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland) and receive your state pension there.
You can study or do a training course in another EU country. More than 10 million people have taken part in the Erasmus programme since it began in 1987.
The EU scrapped roaming charges in 2017 to make it cheaper to keep in touch with friends and family as you travel across the EU. Your digital subscriptions travel with you too!
If you fall ill while visiting another EU country the European Health Insurance Card ensures you can get state-provided healthcare. You will be treated under the same conditions and at the same cost as the people insured in that country.
WiFi4EU hot spots in public areas in thousands of local communities around the EU mean you can connect to the internet for free. Look out for this symbol:
You can use one single currency – the euro – in 20 EU countries.
You can rest easy when travelling in the EU. You are protected by a full set of passenger rights whether you go by air, rail, ship, bus or coach.
Toys have to meet strict safety rules before they can be sold in the EU.
EU rules mean you can cancel or return online purchases within 14 days with no reason required.
People in the EU benefit from some of the world’s strictest standards for safe and healthy food.
Bank savings of up to €100 000 are always protected.
Find out more about what the EU does for you.
What is the EU doing to improve things where I live?
Between 2021 and 2027, the EU plans to invest €378 billion in its regions. With investment from the Member States added to the total, this will reach € 550 billion.
The EU invests locally in towns and regions to boost jobs and the economy and improve quality of life. It aims to make a difference in five key areas:
Modernising transport and energy to fight climate change.
Helping people to get into employment and education, or helping to include them in society.
Small and medium-sized businesses.
Research and innovation.
Protecting and improving the environment.
Investing in people and places
Take a look around your area and you will soon find a school, a bridge, a hospital or another project that has benefited from EU funding.
Thousands of projects have received support from EU regional programmes over the years. Below are just a few examples of projects that are, or soon will be, making a difference to people’s lives across the EU.
Raising healthcare standards in Poland
The largest public hospital in Toruń has been transformed into one of Poland’s leading medical facilities, thanks to a €52.7 million EU-supported renovation. Centralised, high-quality healthcare means patients now wait less time for treatment.
Better road connections in Greece
Residents, tourists and businesses in Greece will all benefit from an important new section of motorway. EU funding worth €255 million is supporting the construction of the missing link between Lamia and Xyniada. This will connect the regions of central Greece and western Thessaly to the main motorway network.
Sustainable swimming in Belgium
A swimming pool renovation at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Free University of Brussels) is making a splash for sustainability. The new facility uses 60 % less energy and emits 500 tonnes less CO2 annually than the old pool, and is open to swimmers from outside the university. The project received just over €2 million in EU funding.
Greener cities and regions
A more reliable and efficient energy supply in Czechia, 21 new electric trains to improve Croatia’s rail network and measures to increase flood safety in Hungary are among 14 green projects that will benefit EU citizens. More than €1.4 billion of EU funds is being invested in seven EU countries in areas such as environment, health, transport and energy.
High speed broadband connects rural Romania
The EU-supported RO-Net project has connected 400 000 people, over 8 500 businesses and almost 3 000 public institutions in remote rural areas of Romania to broadband. Around 665 villages and towns now have access to online healthcare, education and shopping. People can also sell products from local households and farms online.
Green playgrounds in Paris
Concrete schoolyards across Paris are being turned into cool, green islands capable of storing water and reducing heat. Supported by almost €5 million in EU funding, the OASIS project is helping to protect Parisians from the effects of climate change, while creating spaces where children can have fun.
Find out about projects in your region that have received EU funding.
How can I get help with funding?
Researcher, farmer, entrepreneur or artist? Find out about who’s eligible for funding.
EU Pioneers
From resistance fighters and political leaders, to a world famous actor, find out more about the women and men who inspired the creation of the Europe we live in today.
EU milestones
1950
9 May
The Schuman Declaration. France’s Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposes to pool coal and steel production so that no single country can make weapons to turn against another.
Robert Schuman signing the Treaty of Paris establishing the European Coal and Steel Community, Paris, France, 18 April 1951.
1952
23 July
The European Coal and Steel Community is established.
1957
25 March
The Treaties of Rome are signed by six countries – Belgium, France, Germany Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. They create a common market, the European Economic Community, from 1 January 1958.
1962
30 July
The common agricultural policy is launched, helping to safeguard food supplies and supporting farmers and rural areas.
1968
1 July
Customs duties between the six Member States are abolished.
1979
7 to 10 June
For the first time, European citizens can vote for who represents them in the European Parliament.
1987
15 June
The Erasmus student exchange programme is launched.
The fall of the Berlin Wall, Germany, 11 November 1989.
1989
The collapse of communism triggers a wave of democratic change across central and eastern Europe.
1993
1 January
The launch of the single market, where people, goods, services and money can circulate freely.
1 November
The European Union is created.
1995
26 March
The Schengen Agreement removes border controls between certain Member States. Twenty-three of them now enjoy this advantage.
2002
1 January
Euro notes and coins first appear, and are now used in 20 EU countries.
2012
1 April
The European citizens’ initiative is launched.
10 December
The EU is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
2015
12 December
A total of 195 countries, including all the EU Member States, adopt the Paris Agreement on climate change.
UN Climate Change Conference (COP21), Paris, France, 1 December 2015.
2017
15 June
Roaming charges end.
2020
January
COVID-19 reaches Europe, sparking the biggest-ever response to a public health emergency in the history of the EU.
2021
9 May
The Conference on the Future of Europe is launched.
2022
The EU and its international partners condemn Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and offer strong political, financial and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
How does the EU work?
Everything that the EU does is based on treaties that contain the rules for how the EU works. These have been agreed voluntarily and democratically by all EU countries.
The EU treaties specify who can pass laws in what areas: the EU, national governments or both. EU countries are responsible for making their own decisions and laws in certain areas of national policy, such as industry, health and education, and the EU provides support.
For many areas, the treaties specify that both the EU and national governments can act. In these cases, decisions are always taken at the closest possible level to the citizens. This means if an issue can be solved at local, regional or national level, the EU will not intervene.
The EU takes action in those areas where its Member States have authorised it to do so and where it makes sense to act together, such as on climate change or when trading across the world. To help achieve their goals, the EU countries have created a number of institutions to make decisions at the EU level and to then carry them out.
Who does what?
The European Parliament, which sits in Strasbourg and Brussels, represents the interests of the citizens of the EU. Together with the Council, it is the main decision-making body of the EU.
The 705 Members of the European Parliament, also known as MEPs, are directly elected by EU voters every 5 years. The next election will take place in 2024. Each EU country elects a number of members, in proportion to its population.
MEPs don’t sit in groups based on their nationality, but in political groups that cover several countries, or as independents. Roberta Metsola is the current President of the European Parliament.
The European Parliament is made up of 705 Members. They are divided in political groups. These are (in descending order by number of members): Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats); Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament; Re-new Europe Group; Identity and Democracy; Group of the Greens / European Free Alli-ance; European Conservatives and Reformists Group; Confederal Group of the European United Left – Nordic Green Left; Non-attached Members.
The Council of the European Union, also known as the Council, is made up of the government ministers of all the EU countries. Together with the European Parliament, it is the main decision-making body of the EU. Every 6 months a different EU country holds the presidency of the Council. To ensure continuity, the presidencies work together closely in groups of three on a common agenda over an 18-month period.
This is not to be confused with the European Council, which is made up of the leaders of all the EU countries. It sets the EU’s political direction and priorities. Charles Michel is the current President of the European Council.
The European Commission is the EU’s civil service. It has the right to propose new actions and new laws, which are then decided on by the Parliament and the Council. It is also responsible for ensuring that EU rules are correctly applied. The Commission is led by President Ursula von der Leyen and her team of Commissioners – one from each EU country.
All countries in the European Union have to follow EU rules and meet the targets they sign up to, otherwise the Commission can take action against them.
The Court of Justice of the European Union ensures that EU law is enforced and applied in the same way in every EU country.
The European Central Bank manages the euro. Its main aim is to keep prices stable in the euro area.
Who pays for the EU?
The money spent by the EU (the EU budget) comes from several sources: customs duties; contributions based on the value added tax (VAT) collected by EU countries; and direct contributions by EU countries. A new source of revenue – a levy on non-recycled plastic packaging waste – was introduced in January 2021.
From contributing to new and better roads, railways and airports to developing rural areas and enabling studying opportunities abroad, the EU budget helps to deliver on the things that matter to people in the EU. As well as leading the digital transformation and the fight against climate change, it also helps to reduce disparities within and between EU countries.
How can I get involved?
Are you keen on having a say in the future of Europe? Do you want to actively participate in its decision-making process? You can help shape and improve the EU in many ways.
Thousands of Europeans have already shared their hopes and expectations for the years ahead through the Conference on the Future of Europe – the biggest consultation exercise ever carried out in the EU.
The European citizens panels
- 150 citizens randomly selected from the 27 Member States
- with diverse backgrounds (different gender, age, education, income, from urban/rural areas)
- 1/3 young people (16-25 years old)
Find out more about the European citizens’ panels.
You can also make your voice heard by voting in the European elections every 5 years.
Learn about the next European elections.
Your MEP represents your interests and those of your city or region in Europe and votes on your behalf on laws that are applied across the EU.
Check out which MEPs represent your country.
Have you ever thought an EU law could be improved? Well, you can help make EU rules fit for the future by making suggestions on how to simplify and modernise existing laws. You can also share your views on new policies. You can contribute in any of the 24 official EU languages.
Have your say on the issues that matter to you.
Under the European citizens’ initiative you can ask the Commission to propose a new law. First you’ll need to gather support for your cause. Once an initiative has gathered 1 million signatures, the Commission will decide on what action to take. So far, nine citizens’ initiatives have reached.
The first-ever successful European citizens’ initiative, ‘Right2Water’, led to new rules to ensure the safety and quality of drinking water, and easier access to it for vulnerable groups.
A more recent initiative, ‘End the Cage Age’, will soon lead to a proposal to phase out cages for a number of farmed animals.
Where can I get more information?
There are hundreds of Europe Direct information centres all over the European Union. You can find the address of the one nearest you at: https://europa.eu/european-union/contact/meet-us_en
You can contact Europe Direct:
— by freephone: 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 (certain operators may charge for these calls),
— at the following standard number: +32 22999696, or
— by email via: https://europa.eu/european-union/contact_en
Information about the European Union in all the official languages of the EU is available on the Europa website at: https://europa.eu.
You can download or order free and priced EU publications from: https://op.europa.eu/en/publications
Multiple copies of free publications can be obtained by contacting Europe Direct or your local documentation centre: https://european-union.europa.eu/contact-eu/meet-us_en.
For help and advice for EU citizens and businesses, visit Your Europe: https://europa.eu/youreurope/index.htm
For educational material, games and quizzes, visit Learning Corner: https://europa.eu/learning-corner/home_en
Discover the Youth Portal at: https://europa.eu/youth/EU_en
The European Commission in your country: https://ec.europa.eu/info/about-european-commission/contact/representations-member-states_en
The European Parliament in your country: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/at-your-service/en/stay-informed/liaison-offices-in-your-country
The European Consumer Centres Network: https://ec.europa.eu/info/live-work-travel-eu/consumer-rights-and-complaints/resolve-your-consumer-complaint/european-consumer-centres-network-ecc-net_en
facebook.com/EuropeanCommission
instagram.com/europeancommission
facebook.com/europeanparliament
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A Short Guide to the EU
European Commission
Directorate-General for Communication
Editorial Service & Targeted Outreach
1049 Brussels
BELGIUM
Contact: COMM-A2@ec.europa.eu
This document should not be considered as representative of the European Commission’s official position.
Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2023
© European Union, 2023
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