European Union

The European Union (EU) is a supranational political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. The Union has a total area of 4,233,255 km2 (1,634,469 sq mi) and an estimated total population of over 449 million. The EU has often been described as a sui generis political entity combining the characteristics of both a federation and a confederation.
european-union

Some of the key events about European Union

  • 1951
    Establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community, laying the foundation for European integration
  • 1957
    Signing of the Treaty of Rome, creating the European Economic Community and Euratom
  • 1968
    Completion of the customs union, eliminating customs duties between member states
  • 1979
    First direct elections to the European Parliament, enhancing democratic representation
  • 1985
    Adoption of the Schengen Agreement, paving the way for borderless travel within Europe
  • 1992
    Signing of the Maastricht Treaty, establishing the European Union and laying groundwork for the euro
  • 1992
    The Danish rejection of the Maastricht Treaty in a referendum temporarily halted EU integration efforts
  • 1999
    Introduction of the euro as an accounting currency, promoting economic integration
  • 1999
    The entire European Commission resigned due to allegations of corruption and mismanagement
  • 2002
    Physical euro coins and banknotes enter circulation in 12 EU countries
  • 2003
    Disagreements over the Iraq War exposed divisions within the EU on foreign policy
  • 2004
    Largest single expansion of the EU, with 10 new countries joining
  • 2005
    French and Dutch voters rejected the proposed EU Constitution in referendums
  • 2008
    The EU's response to the global financial crisis was criticized as slow and inadequate
  • 2010
    The European debt crisis began, exposing weaknesses in the Eurozone's economic structure
  • 2012
    EU awarded Nobel Peace Prize for advancing peace, reconciliation, democracy, and human rights in Europe
  • 2015
    The EU struggled to develop a unified response to the European migrant crisis
  • 2016
    The United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union in the Brexit referendum
  • 2018
    The EU faced criticism for its handling of rule of law concerns in member states like Poland and Hungary
  • 2020
    Initial EU response to the COVID-19 pandemic was criticized for lack of coordination and solidarity

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

European Union Latest news

Brexit Loophole Leads to Lighter Sentence for Bulgarian Sex Offender

Brexit Loophole Leads to Lighter Sentence for Bulgarian Sex Offender

September 30 2024, 08:00 PM  •  335 views
Nuclear Startup Newcleo Shifts HQ from London to Paris Amid UK Support Concerns

Nuclear Startup Newcleo Shifts HQ from London to Paris Amid UK Support Concerns

September 30 2024, 11:52 AM  •  666 views
Freedom Party of Austria Secures Historic Election Victory

Freedom Party of Austria Secures Historic Election Victory

September 30 2024, 10:01 AM  •  306 views
Boris Johnson Reveals Cameron's Brexit Threats in New Memoir

Boris Johnson Reveals Cameron's Brexit Threats in New Memoir

September 29 2024, 07:39 PM  •  408 views
James Cleverly Leads in Tory Leadership Poll, Calls for Party Unity

James Cleverly Leads in Tory Leadership Poll, Calls for Party Unity

September 29 2024, 07:27 PM  •  819 views
Badenoch's Maternity Pay Comments Spark Debate on UK Welfare Reform

Badenoch's Maternity Pay Comments Spark Debate on UK Welfare Reform

September 29 2024, 05:07 PM  •  322 views
Far-Right FPÖ Leads in Austrian Elections, Faces Coalition Challenges

Far-Right FPÖ Leads in Austrian Elections, Faces Coalition Challenges

September 29 2024, 04:06 PM  •  243 views
China Outpaces West in Quantum Computing Race, Warns Tech CEO

China Outpaces West in Quantum Computing Race, Warns Tech CEO

September 29 2024, 02:24 PM  •  196 views
Armenia Urges Peace as Azerbaijan Hosts COP 29 Amid Ongoing Tensions

Armenia Urges Peace as Azerbaijan Hosts COP 29 Amid Ongoing Tensions

September 29 2024, 02:21 PM  •  742 views
Sniffer Dogs Thwart Channel-Bound Smuggling Operations

Sniffer Dogs Thwart Channel-Bound Smuggling Operations

September 29 2024, 01:45 PM  •  229 views
Israel Eliminates Key Hezbollah Leaders in Strategic Strikes

Israel Eliminates Key Hezbollah Leaders in Strategic Strikes

September 29 2024, 12:52 PM  •  134 views
Germany's Economic Woes: From Powerhouse to 'Sick Man of Europe'

Germany's Economic Woes: From Powerhouse to 'Sick Man of Europe'

September 29 2024, 06:39 AM  •  1012 views
European Heat Pump Sales Plunge 47% Amid Economic Pressures

European Heat Pump Sales Plunge 47% Amid Economic Pressures

September 27 2024, 12:56 PM  •  447 views
Barnier's Fiscal Tightrope: France's New PM Faces Budget Crunch

Barnier's Fiscal Tightrope: France's New PM Faces Budget Crunch

September 27 2024, 06:23 AM  •  1039 views
First Muslim Cabinet Minister Quits Tories Over Party's 'Far Right' Shift

First Muslim Cabinet Minister Quits Tories Over Party's 'Far Right' Shift

September 26 2024, 07:35 PM  •  740 views
Former Scottish Labour Leader Proposes New Path to Independence Vote

Former Scottish Labour Leader Proposes New Path to Independence Vote

September 25 2024, 04:40 PM  •  668 views
British Father Dies in Prague After Alleged Vodka Bottle Attack

British Father Dies in Prague After Alleged Vodka Bottle Attack

September 25 2024, 03:35 PM  •  125 views
Moroccan Suspect in Paris Student Murder Had Prior Deportation Order

Moroccan Suspect in Paris Student Murder Had Prior Deportation Order

September 25 2024, 02:55 PM  •  166 views
Ireland Revises Hate Speech Bill Amid Free Speech Concerns

Ireland Revises Hate Speech Bill Amid Free Speech Concerns

September 25 2024, 10:41 AM  •  212 views
Meloni-Themed Eatery Opens Near Controversial Migrant Centers in Albania

Meloni-Themed Eatery Opens Near Controversial Migrant Centers in Albania

September 25 2024, 10:14 AM  •  1167 views
Greece's €20 Billion Plan to Combat Plummeting Birth Rates

Greece's €20 Billion Plan to Combat Plummeting Birth Rates

Greece unveils a €20 billion strategy to boost its critically low fertility rate by 2035. With a current rate of 1.3 births per woman, the country faces significant economic and demographic challenges.

Society, Economics, Politics • October 3 2024, 08:58 AM  •  895 views
UK Launches Pioneering Open Prison in Albania Amid £4M Transfer Deal

UK Launches Pioneering Open Prison in Albania Amid £4M Transfer Deal

Britain initiates a groundbreaking open prison in Albania as part of a £4 million annual prisoner transfer agreement. The deal aims to alleviate UK prison overcrowding by relocating 200 dangerous Albanian inmates.

Society, Politics • October 3 2024, 08:50 AM  •  240 views
Stellantis Extends Electric Fiat 500 Production Halt Amid EV Market Slump

Stellantis Extends Electric Fiat 500 Production Halt Amid EV Market Slump

Stellantis prolongs production pause of electric Fiat 500 until November 1, citing weak EV demand in Europe. The move reflects broader challenges in the automotive sector, including competition and regulatory pressures.

Business, Economics, Politics • October 2 2024, 10:27 AM  •  194 views
UK Energy Policy Shift Needed as Last Coal Plant Closes Amid Rising Costs

UK Energy Policy Shift Needed as Last Coal Plant Closes Amid Rising Costs

Britain's final coal power station shuts down after 142 years, while energy prices surge. The closure highlights the country's challenging energy policy, impacting industries and raising concerns about economic competitiveness.

Business, Economics • October 2 2024, 05:04 AM  •  1240 views
Jenrick Aims to Forge "New Conservative Party" in Leadership Bid

Jenrick Aims to Forge "New Conservative Party" in Leadership Bid

Robert Jenrick, leading contender for Conservative leadership, outlines vision for party renewal. His plan focuses on immigration, energy, and national unity, echoing New Labour's transformation.

Society, Politics • October 1 2024, 09:54 PM  •  204 views
Ireland Unveils Mansion Tax and Cost of Living Aid in Pre-Election Budget

Ireland Unveils Mansion Tax and Cost of Living Aid in Pre-Election Budget

Ireland introduces a new 6% stamp duty on high-value properties and extends cost of living support. The budget includes energy subsidies and tax changes, funded by various measures including cigarette and vaping taxes.

Economics, Politics • October 1 2024, 09:43 PM  •  117 views
EU Warns Labour Against 'Cherry-Picking' in Brexit Talks

EU Warns Labour Against 'Cherry-Picking' in Brexit Talks

Brussels sets firm stance ahead of Starmer-von der Leyen meeting, emphasizing protection of EU internal market integrity. Labour seeks closer ties while EU demands adherence to existing agreements.

Economics, Politics • October 1 2024, 12:47 PM  •  365 views
UK Boosts Egg and Sperm Donor Compensation Amid Growing Demand

UK Boosts Egg and Sperm Donor Compensation Amid Growing Demand

UK increases compensation for egg and sperm donors to address shortages. New rates reflect inflation, maintaining altruistic motivation. Donation trends show rise in imports and overall numbers despite pandemic dip.

Society, Science • October 1 2024, 11:21 AM  •  403 views
New Scottish Tory Leader's Controversial Independence Debate Boycott Plan

New Scottish Tory Leader's Controversial Independence Debate Boycott Plan

Russell Findlay, the new Scottish Conservative leader, proposes boycotting independence discussions in Parliament, sparking criticism. The strategy aims to focus on other issues but risks leaving separatists unopposed.

Politics • October 1 2024, 05:28 AM  •  1676 views
Far-Right Party Tops Austrian Election, Sparking Concerns

Far-Right Party Tops Austrian Election, Sparking Concerns

Austria's Freedom Party wins national election, marking a shift in the country's political landscape. The victory raises questions about immigration policies and potential conflicts with the EU.

Society, Politics • October 1 2024, 05:04 AM  •  1685 views
Brexit Loophole Leads to Lighter Sentence for Bulgarian Sex Offender

Brexit Loophole Leads to Lighter Sentence for Bulgarian Sex Offender

A judge in the UK was unable to consider a Bulgarian sex offender's prior convictions due to Brexit, resulting in a shorter sentence. The case highlights unforeseen legal consequences of the UK's EU departure.

Society, Politics • September 30 2024, 08:00 PM  •  335 views
Nuclear Startup Newcleo Shifts HQ from London to Paris Amid UK Support Concerns

Nuclear Startup Newcleo Shifts HQ from London to Paris Amid UK Support Concerns

Newcleo, an Anglo-Italian nuclear firm, relocates to Paris citing lack of UK government backing. The move follows personal lobbying by French President Macron and promises significant investment in France's nuclear sector.

Business, Politics, Science • September 30 2024, 11:52 AM  •  666 views
Freedom Party of Austria Secures Historic Election Victory

Freedom Party of Austria Secures Historic Election Victory

Austria's Freedom Party wins its first general election, sparking celebrations among European right-wing leaders. The victory is seen as part of a growing anti-migration sentiment across the continent.

Society, Politics • September 30 2024, 10:01 AM  •  306 views
Boris Johnson Reveals Cameron's Brexit Threats in New Memoir

Boris Johnson Reveals Cameron's Brexit Threats in New Memoir

Boris Johnson's new book "Unleashed" details alleged threats from David Cameron over Brexit stance and Philip Hammond's proposal to oust Theresa May after the 2017 election.

Society, Politics • September 29 2024, 07:39 PM  •  408 views
James Cleverly Leads in Tory Leadership Poll, Calls for Party Unity

James Cleverly Leads in Tory Leadership Poll, Calls for Party Unity

A new poll shows James Cleverly as the preferred Tory leadership candidate for prime minister. He emphasizes the need for party unity at the Conservative conference, addressing voter concerns.

Society, Politics • September 29 2024, 07:27 PM  •  819 views
Badenoch's Maternity Pay Comments Spark Debate on UK Welfare Reform

Badenoch's Maternity Pay Comments Spark Debate on UK Welfare Reform

Kemi Badenoch's remarks on maternity pay ignite controversy. Critics accuse her of being anti-women, while supporters argue for a nuanced discussion on UK's welfare system and regulatory burden.

Economics, Politics • September 29 2024, 05:07 PM  •  322 views
Far-Right FPÖ Leads in Austrian Elections, Faces Coalition Challenges

Far-Right FPÖ Leads in Austrian Elections, Faces Coalition Challenges

Austria's FPÖ party leads in exit polls with 29% of the vote. Coalition formation may prove difficult due to controversial leader Herbert Kickl. The election results could reshape Austria's political landscape.

Society, Politics • September 29 2024, 04:06 PM  •  243 views
China Outpaces West in Quantum Computing Race, Warns Tech CEO

China Outpaces West in Quantum Computing Race, Warns Tech CEO

Quantinuum's CEO alerts to China's lead in quantum computing investments, raising national security concerns. Western countries risk falling behind in this crucial technology race.

Business, Politics, Science • September 29 2024, 02:24 PM  •  196 views
Armenia Urges Peace as Azerbaijan Hosts COP 29 Amid Ongoing Tensions

Armenia Urges Peace as Azerbaijan Hosts COP 29 Amid Ongoing Tensions

One year after the Nagorno-Karabakh displacement, Armenia calls for peace while Azerbaijan prepares to host COP 29. The international community is urged to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its actions versus rhetoric.

Society, Politics • September 29 2024, 02:21 PM  •  742 views
Sniffer Dogs Thwart Channel-Bound Smuggling Operations

Sniffer Dogs Thwart Channel-Bound Smuggling Operations

Two specially trained dogs have helped intercept over 120 small boats destined for Channel crossings. Their deployment at a key border point has dealt a significant blow to smuggling networks.

Society, Politics • September 29 2024, 01:45 PM  •  229 views
Israel Eliminates Key Hezbollah Leaders in Strategic Strikes

Israel Eliminates Key Hezbollah Leaders in Strategic Strikes

Israel's military confirms the elimination of high-ranking Hezbollah officials, including a potential successor to Nasrallah. The strikes significantly impact the group's leadership structure amid ongoing tensions.

Politics • September 29 2024, 12:52 PM  •  134 views
Germany's Economic Woes: From Powerhouse to 'Sick Man of Europe'

Germany's Economic Woes: From Powerhouse to 'Sick Man of Europe'

OECD forecasts global economic improvement, but Germany faces stagnation. Once Europe's economic engine, Germany now grapples with energy challenges, Chinese competition, and political hurdles to reform.

Economics, Politics • September 29 2024, 06:39 AM  •  1012 views
European Heat Pump Sales Plunge 47% Amid Economic Pressures

European Heat Pump Sales Plunge 47% Amid Economic Pressures

Heat pump sales in Europe dropped significantly in early 2024, facing challenges from lower gas prices and inconsistent government support. The industry struggles with supply chain issues and political resistance in several countries.

Business, Economics, Politics • September 27 2024, 12:56 PM  •  447 views
Barnier's Fiscal Tightrope: France's New PM Faces Budget Crunch

Barnier's Fiscal Tightrope: France's New PM Faces Budget Crunch

Michel Barnier, France's new prime minister, confronts a daunting fiscal challenge. Balancing EU demands with domestic pressures, he considers taxing the wealthy to address a widening budget deficit.

Economics, Politics • September 27 2024, 06:23 AM  •  1039 views
First Muslim Cabinet Minister Quits Tories Over Party's 'Far Right' Shift

First Muslim Cabinet Minister Quits Tories Over Party's 'Far Right' Shift

Baroness Warsi, Britain's first Muslim Cabinet minister, has resigned from the Conservative Party, citing its rightward shift and an investigation into her comments. Her departure marks a significant moment in UK politics.

Society, Politics • September 26 2024, 07:35 PM  •  740 views
Former Scottish Labour Leader Proposes New Path to Independence Vote

Former Scottish Labour Leader Proposes New Path to Independence Vote

Kezia Dugdale suggests a deal with SNP for a potential second referendum, drawing criticism from opponents. The proposal comes amid ongoing constitutional debates in Scotland.

Society, Politics • September 25 2024, 04:40 PM  •  668 views
British Father Dies in Prague After Alleged Vodka Bottle Attack

British Father Dies in Prague After Alleged Vodka Bottle Attack

A 31-year-old British man has died in Prague after reportedly being hit with a vodka bottle during a stag do. The incident has left his family devastated and seeking answers.

Society, Culture • September 25 2024, 03:35 PM  •  125 views
Moroccan Suspect in Paris Student Murder Had Prior Deportation Order

Moroccan Suspect in Paris Student Murder Had Prior Deportation Order

A Moroccan man arrested for the alleged murder of a 19-year-old student in Paris had been previously ordered to leave France after a rape conviction. The case sparks debate on deportation policies.

Society, Politics • September 25 2024, 02:55 PM  •  166 views
Ireland Revises Hate Speech Bill Amid Free Speech Concerns

Ireland Revises Hate Speech Bill Amid Free Speech Concerns

Irish government modifies controversial hate crimes legislation, addressing free speech worries while maintaining protections for transgender individuals. Changes aim to quell political dissent and legal concerns.

Society, Politics • September 25 2024, 10:41 AM  •  212 views
Meloni-Themed Eatery Opens Near Controversial Migrant Centers in Albania

Meloni-Themed Eatery Opens Near Controversial Migrant Centers in Albania

A restaurant dedicated to Italian PM Giorgia Meloni has opened in Albania, near planned offshore migrant processing centers. The initiative, part of an Italy-Albania deal, aims to handle 36,000 asylum seekers annually but faces criticism.

Society, Politics • September 25 2024, 10:14 AM  •  1167 views