The European Union is the biggest political success story of the past 50 years. The EU is not simply a common economic area, but rather a community of shared values. Peace and prosperity, freedom and security - those are achievements cherished by all EU citizens. The project Europe will continue to offer opportunities for all.
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European policy affects a host of fields for which various ministries in Germany are responsible. To ensure the Federal Government presents a unified stance, there are various coordination mechanisms.
Read more: Germany in Europe
During a ceremony in Lisbon the EU heads of state and government, along with their foreign ministers, formally signed the EU Reform Treaty. "The Lisbon Treaty will make Europe more transparent, more democratic and more efficient. This will benefit Europe's citizens", stated Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The Reform Treaty is also a success story for German foreign policy – during Germany's EU Council Presidency the German Government, working patiently, managed to give the deadlocked reform process new impetus.
Read more: EU Reform Treaty
The sheer size of the European Union in economic, financial and trade terms makes it an important world power. The EU has a web of agreements with most countries and regions of the globe.
Read more: European foreign policy
The European Union's goal is to make Europe a bastion of peace, freedom, security, political stability and prosperity. An enlarged European Union can act as a stabilizing force throughout Europe, for adopting the acquis – the entire body of EU law – enables new member states to contribute to European integration and share its benefits.
Read more: Enlargement of the European Union
Since its founding in 1949, the Council of Europe has been working to promote human rights, pluralist democracy and the rule of law. Through its activities, it has set the course for a democratic Europe.
Read more: The Council of Europe
