Core Aims of the European Union

The European Union (EU) pursues these foundational objectives (Treaties of Rome, Maastricht, Lisbon):

1. Peace, democracy, prosperity – End centuries of war; integrate economies.
2. Single Market – Free movement of goods, services, capital, people (Four Freedoms).
3. Economic & Monetary Union – Euro (€) for 20/27 members; ECB price stability.
4. Common Foreign & Security Policy (CFSP) – Coordinated diplomacy, crisis management.
5. Justice & Home Affairs – Police/judicial cooperation, borders (Schengen), asylum, migration.
6. Sustainable Development – Green Deal, climate neutrality 2050, circular economy.
7. Human Rights & Rule of Law – Charter of Fundamental Rights; Article 7 enforcement.
8. Economic, Social & Territorial Cohesion – Reduce regional disparities (Structural Funds).

These aims bind 27 nations, 450M citizens, 18% of world GDP.