Objectives of the EU
- (Photo: Court of Auditors)
The EU shall promote:
- economic and social cohesion
- equality between women and men
- environmental and social protection
- the development of scientific and technological advance, including the discovery of space.
It shall also encourage solidarity between generations and between States, and equal opportunities for all.
The European Community defines its objectives in Article 2 TEC. They are not legally binding. The EU Court can take them into account when it decides on case law.
Notes
The first and most important EU objective was the establishment of a common market. Subsequent treaties included the aims of establishing: an Economic and Monetary Union; a Common Foreign and Security Policy; and, an area of Justice and Home Affairs.The future
The EU Constitution includes an even wider range of objectives.
Art. 3 on the Union’s objectives include, among others:
- the promotion of peace and the well-being of the Union´s citizens
- an area of freedom, security and justice without internal frontiers
- sustainable development based on balanced economic growth and social justice
- a social market economy - highly competitive and aiming at full employment and social progress
- a free single market
The Union shall also combat social exclusion and discrimination and promote social justice and protection, equality between women and men, solidarity between generations and the protection of childrens' rights.
Links
See also Values of the European Union.
