The policies of the European Union are based on the pursuit of these objectives. These, divided into six major groups in the Treaty on European Union, can be classified into three main categories: the promotion of peace, freedom, and human rights on one hand, the establishment of a common market in accordance with Union values on the other, and finally the defense of the Union’s interests abroad.
To achieve them, the Union must act with “appropriate means according to the competencies allocated to it” (Article 3 §6).
Created in the aftermath of World War II, the primary objective of the European Union is to promote peace and the well-being of its peoples. All European policies must contribute to its achievement.
In fact, since its creation, the member countries of the Union have experienced an unprecedented period of peace. The institutionalized and continuous dialogue among the Twenty-Eight, who cooperate on all European decisions, actively contributes to this.
Establishing a Common Market in Respect of Union Values
To ensure the peace and well-being of its citizens, the European Union has strived since its inception to create an area of freedom, security, and justice without internal borders. The free movement of people, goods, services, and capital should enable European economies to become increasingly interdependent, facilitate exchanges, and create a virtuous circle of growth.
Since the Treaty of Rome, the desire for a common market has been asserted. Even today, pursuing an internal market is one of the Union’s objectives. To this end, it implements policies to balance prices, ensure their stability, and maintain a competitive labor market. It also encourages scientific progress, combats exclusion or discrimination in any form, and protects the environment.
Throughout its development, the European Union has integrated countries with divergent economic and cultural situations. It thus promotes economic, social, and territorial cohesion, as well as solidarity among member states, while preserving cultural and linguistic diversity, as well as Europe’s cultural heritage. The European Commission even dedicated 2018 as the European Year of Cultural Heritage.
Planned since the 1960s and in effect since 1999, the implementation of a eurozone is one of the Union’s objectives. Currently, 19 countries are part of it. The Economic and Monetary Union has accompanied this creation and deepened the internal market.
Defending the Interests of the Union Abroad
The European Union seeks to build a unique space of solidarity. It also strives to present a coherent image to the rest of the world. It thus promotes its values and interests in its external relations. Established with the Treaty of Lisbon, which came into force in 2009, the European External Action Service, under the authority of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, is responsible for the Union’s international relations.
