Objectives of the EU

(Photo: Court of Auditors)

Objectives of the EU

The Union’s objectives can be read in the Lisbon Treaty Art. 3 TEU and 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.

The European Union aslo establish a set of values in Article 2 TEU. The EU Court can take values and aims 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 Lisbon Treaty includes an even wider range of objectives.

Links

See also Values of the EU