EU achievements

Following key information on the EU, the European construction, the European institutions, the European competences and policies and the EU budget…

Step 6 to better understand the EU: EU achievements

Policies

Main EU achievements so far remain open internal borders within the Schengen area and a single currency (euro). As seen earlier, the EU intervenes in many different areas according to its competences assigned by the Member States.

Here are some practical examples in some of the EU fields of action:

• Agriculture (Common Agricultural Policy):
• Ensuring food self-sufficiency within the European Community in the aftermath of World War II;
• Investments for farm modernisation;
• Supporting development in rural areas with the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD);
• EU labels to promote agricultural products;
• Environment:
• Natural environments and species preservation with NATURA 2000 network;
• Tackling air and water pollution;
• Setting up of a green growth through energy transition and innovation;
• Consumer protection:
• Ensuring clear information to consumers;
• Consumer protection when shopping online;
• Setting up of European standards for consumer safety;
•  Employment and social affairs:
• Fight against discriminations;
• Gender equality;
• Free movement of workers especially for cross-border employment.

Everyday Europe

The EU acts in our daily life. For instance, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) co-finances different projects in our area such as the opening of a museum, the renovation of a school or Internet connection in white areas. Learn more about the EU action in Hauts-de-France region with this interactive map.

A common emergency number (112) was also set up; a common battery charger was set up for mobile phones; a European health-insurance card was established for a stay in another EU country. From 2017, roaming charges will be removed: domestic tariff will apply to calls, messages and mobile Internet (only for temporary use in another EU country).

Find out more on the following websites:

• Everyday Europe: everydayeurope.tumblr.com
• L'Europe au quotidien: europeauquotidien.tumblr.com
• Europa im Alltag: europaimalltag.tumblr.com
• Dagelijks Europa: dagelijkseuropa.tumblr.com
• Europa varje dag: europavarjedag.tumblr.com