European Union law

European Union law is a system of rules working within the member states of the European Union (EU). The EU has political systems, social and economic policies are aimed to help nation states for the purpose of cooperation and human development. According to its Court of Justice the EU represents "a new legal order of international law".

European Union Law Media

• 

  The Treaty of Rome, signed in Musei Capitolini was the first international treaty that envisaged social, economic and political integration, within limited fields, for nation-states.

• 

  The EU evolved from the Coal and Steel Community of 6 member states, to a union of 28 member states in 2013. A referendum in the UK led to the UK leaving the bloc in 2020, reducing the total number of member states back to 27.

• 

  The European Central Bank, whose Frankfurt headquarters opened in 2015, exercises executive control within its monetary policy powers. It was targeted by the Blockupy movement for its role in the European debt crisis.

• 

  The Parliament is elected each five years, aspiring to the "principle of equality of its citizens". Its power is limited compared to the Commission and Council.

• 

  Member states are represented by Ministers in the Council during the legislative procedures. In addition the "European Council", which is the heads of member state governments, is meant to guide the EU's general political direction.

• 

  The Strasbourg seat of the European Parliament, which MEPs attend alongside the Brussels seats, has been criticised for its expense. The French President has previously refused to let it be shut down.

• 

  The EU complies with international law and the European Convention on Human Rights, so long as international law institutions, like the United Nations themselves comply with basic human rights.