EU Aims

• Aims of the EU

  • Promote peace, the values of the EU and the well-being of it's citizens
  • Freedom, security and justice without internal borders
  • Scientific and technological progress
  • Sustainable development based on economic growth and price stability, and a competitive market with full employment and social progress
• Promoting peace

  • Achieved - member nations of the EU haven't fought since WW2. Rising living standards and economic growth. Democracy and rule of law operates in EU countries
  • Not achieved - EU faces threats from Russia and an unstable middle east. Rise in anti-EU parties shows frustrations of the public. EU has a democratic deficit
• Freedom, security and justice

  • Achieved - All EU countries are part of the single market which the four freedoms apply. 26 EU states have no border controls between countries. EU countries work together in policing and anti-terrorism
  • Not achieved - Some states still have bored control like Austria and Denmark to stop immigrants from the middle east. Border checks can still be reimposed in the event of a serious threat.
• Economic growth and price stability

  • Achieved - Eu has led the development of countries. EU recovered from the 2008 financial crisis. EU environmental regulations are stricter than individual nations
  • Not achieved - 2008 financial crisis damaged the economy of EU nations causing unemployment. COVID caused growth to shrink 6% in 2020.
• Scientific and technological progress

  • Achieved - EU researching area encourages sharing of research and knowledge. Billions is spent on science and technology which has led to numerous break throughs
  • Not achieved - EU countries invest less than main rivals like USA and China. USA is more effective in turning research into new technology