The EU’s role in the world

The EU is the world’s biggest trader and its currency, the euro, is the second one in international financial markets. It has a web of bilateral and multilateral agreements covering most countries and regions of the globe and spends a billion euros a month in assistance projects in all five continents. Its significant role on the global stage is indisputable.

To expand and deepen relations with other countries and regions, the EU holds regular summit meetings with its main partners as well as regional dialogues with countries in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America. Although these relationships focused mainly on trade issues at the beginning, over the years they have broadened to cover economic cooperation, energy, science and technology, investment and environmental issues, as well as human rights, the war on terror, international crime and drug trafficking.

European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion 2010

Ten years ago, EU leaders pledged to 'make a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty' by 2010. Today however, almost 80 million Europeans are at risk of poverty, living on an income below 60% of the average household income in their country.

Poverty and exclusion not only affect the wellbeing of individuals and their ability to play a part in society, they also impair economic development. With this in mind, the EU is stressing the importance of collective responsibility in combating poverty and hence the need to involve public authorities, civil society and enterprise.

The European Year seeks to give a voice to those who daily experience poverty and social exclusion and to raise public awareness of these issues. It provides a stimulus for renewing the political commitment of the EU and its Member States to combat poverty and social exclusion and challenges stereotypes and collective perceptions of poverty.

Financial Crisis - Europe's response

The global economy is facing a financial crisis involving banking systems, stock markets and the flow of credit. Seeking common strategies to solve the difficulties, European institutions are coordinating national responses and making recommendations to improve the financial system.

European leaders have defined a common approach for restoring confidence in the financial industry and preserving economic growth. Reform must be “all-encompassing” and should include more international supervision to ensure transparency and accountability.

Top EU News

Commission proposes improved EU supervision of Credit Rating Agencies and launches debate on corporate governance in financial institutions

As part of its work on preventing a future financial crisis and strengthening the financial system, the European Commission has put forward amendments to the EU rules on Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) and launched a public consultation on reforming corporate governance in financial institutions.

 - Improving EU supervision of Credit Rating Agencies - frequently asked questions
- President Barroso speech

Institutions and bodies of the European Union

Find out about the EU’s institutions. What do they do and how do they work?

·         EU institutions and other bodies explained
Overview explaining the institutions’ differing political and administrative functions

Read more: Institutions and bodies of the European Union

EU grant recipients and contractors

Find out who the Commission has awarded grants to, and who has won Commission contracts through public procurement procedures.

Want to know which organisations and companies have received money from the EU budget? The Financial Transparency System will tell who the Commission has made payments to.

Read more: EU grant recipients and contractors