Why is the EU important?

There are many things European countries do best when they work together:

• removing trade barriers to boost growth and create jobs
• tackling  climate change and promoting energy security
• improving standards and rights for consumers
• fighting  international crime and illegal immigration
• bringing peace and stability to Europe by working with its neighbours
• giving Europe a more powerful voice in the world

Read more about what the EU does and how it works in our Quick guide to the EU .

Global Europe

How can the EU meet the challenges and opportunities of globalisation?  Find out more here about the UK's vision for a Global Europe.

Czech EU Presidency 2009

From January to June 2009, the Czech Republic will hold the Presidency of the European Union. Find out more here about the role of the EU Presidency, and the Czech Republic's priorities for their Presidency:

Czech EU Presidency 2009 website

What does the EU Presidency do?

Foreign Secretary meets Czech Prime Minister Topolanek

European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009

2009 is the European Year of Creativity and Innovation. The aims of the year are to promote creative thinking and innovation in all fields, and to foster personal, social and economic development. To find out about events taking place across Europe to mark the year, see:

European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009

Britain in the European Union

• Global Europe
• EU Policies
• Europe’s citizens of tomorrow decide today (27/10)
• Europe's citizens of tomorrow - How did they decide?
• Quick guide to the EU