EU membership means belonging to one of the world’s largest economies and its biggest single market.
 
It contributes to growth and brings more choice for consumers.    
     
The EU tackles inequalities between its regions, supporting agriculture, small businesses and innovation and spurring modern, greener economies.    
     
As a powerful global actor, it secures better access and fairer prices on world markets.

Investment, growth, choice: the economic benefits of EU membership - VT EE24

Investment, growth, choice: the economic benefits of EU membership - 4-5 EE24

Investment, growth, choice: the economic benefits of EU membership -16:9 EE24

Investment, growth, choice: the economic benefits of EU membership

MEPs have adopted measures to help EU countries protect their interests in the face of economic blackmail and distortive market influences from third countries.     
      
EU states can face coercive measures from non-EU countries unhappy at certain policy stances.     
      
Meanwhile, foreign subsidies can undermine the principle of a level playing field in the EU single market.        
      
Find out more about the Anti-coercion Instrument and the Foreign Subsidies Regulation.

Protecting the EU's economy from unfair outside influence

From smartphones to smart cities, connected objects are generating ever more data. The European Parliament wants to release its potential.  

 
Data is key to innovation in sectors from technology to health, transport to farming. MEPs are concerned too much of it remains untapped or in the hands of tech giants. They want new rules to help smaller companies and public bodies deliver better products and services. The Data Act will set a framework for the economy of tomorrow.

What does the new EU Data Act bring to companies, innovators and Europeans?

The single market turns 30 in 2023. It has brought unity and opportunities to Europeans, eliminating old barriers to allow more than 460 million people and business to move, communicate and trade freely across 31 countries.

The European Parliament continues to work to adapt the single market further to respond to current challenges and make full use of its potential.

30 years of the European single market

One of the EU's greatest successes is the creation of a common economic market and 2023 marks 30 years since its birth. The European Single Market has ensured economic unity across Europe and made the free movement of goods, people, services and capital possible. Let’s dive back into the history of one of the pillars of the EU as we know it.

Timeline: 30 years of the European Single Market

MEPs said ending ransomware attacks is a top priority as they signed off on tough new cybersecurity rules.       

EU citizens, businesses and governments face an increasing threat from hackers and cybercriminals. The European Parliament has approved a harmonised system under the EU’s NIS2 directive, to protect our privacy and finances and ensure a safer online environment.

Tackling the hackers: European Parliament approves cybercrime measures

In its 25 years of existence, the Single Market has grown from 12 to 28 EU Members and extends to Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein (EEA countries) , and to Switzerland via bilateral agreements. Despite uncertainties and challenges, the EU's free trade area continues to exercise an unprecedented attraction across the continent.

The Single Market at 25: Many Achievements, New Challenges Ahead

Parliament signed off on two pieces of landmark digital legislation for a safer and fairer online environment. MEPs urged EU action to ease exports from Ukraine and ensure global food supplies. They also reaffirmed their support for abortion rights in the wake of the US Supreme Court’s recent ruling, backed plans to improve the EU care sector and agreed Croatia should join the euro.

Plenary highlights: Digital laws, food security and abortion rights.

Parliament is set to take a final vote on two groundbreaking laws to regulate the online sphere. Members will debate Ukraine and Moldova’s new EU-candidate status; and Czechia’s prime minister will outline his country’s priorities for its 6-month EU Council presidency. All that and more, coming up in Strasbourg.

Digital rules, Ukraine and Council presidency – Coming up in Strasbourg

Our lives are dominated by online and digital exchanges. Be they for business or pleasure, buying or selling, keeping informed or simply communicating, digital markets and services have penetrated every corner of our lives. But who is keeping an eye on the platforms and companies that make it all possible? Is our personal data safe? How can better regulation be enforced? These are just some of the questions that two key pieces of legislation will answer: The Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act.

The digital sphere: ‘We are taking back control’

For more than four years, Europeans travelling in the EU have been able to "roam like at home", making calls from abroad at no extra cost. Whether visiting other countries for work or for pleasure, making calls, sending text messages and using data abroad cost the same as in your country. MEPs want to extend and update the legislation, making it fit for the coming decade.

Mobile communications: keep on roaming!

Parliament will outline its demands for the better regulation of companies offering goods and services online and present its vision for an EU farm policy, promoting green, sustainable and fair farming. Parliamentary leaders will select the winner of the 2020 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. All that and more coming up in plenary.

Coming up in plenary: Rules for online platforms, the future of farming and the Sakharov Prize

As we increasingly live our lives online, Parliament says we need new rules for digital service providers. From online shopping to content shared on social media, MEPs are being guided by a simple principle: If it’s illegal offline, it should be illegal online.

Illegal offline? It should be illegal online too

Ilham Tohti was awarded the 2019 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, Parliament elected a new EU Ombudsman and MEPs voted to condemn hate speech against the LGBTI community. Parliament also voted on measures to save Europe’s pollinators, and asked for clarification on digital tax rules.

Plenary highlights: the Sakharov Prize, EU Ombudsman election and LGBTI rights

When you shop online in the EU, you are protected by a range of consumer rights and can buy from any EU country.

80 results