Fact Sheets on the European Union
Welcome to the fact sheets website. The fact sheets are designed to provide non-specialists with a straightforward, concise and accurate overview of the European Union’s institutions and policies, and the European Parliament’s role in developing those policies. They are available in 24 languages.
The fact sheets are grouped into five sections: 1) How the European Union works; 2) Economy, transformation and industry; 3) Cohesion, agriculture and social policies; 4) Citizens: fundamental rights, security and justice; 5) The EU’s external relations.
The fact sheets were created in 1979, when the first direct elections to the European Parliament were held. They are written by experts in the European Parliament who provide independent analysis and policy advice to parliamentary committees and delegations. The fact sheets are updated regularly throughout the year to include the latest decisions and policy developments.
The EU’s historical development; the EU Treaties; the EU’s legal system, decision-making procedures, institutions and bodies, and financing.
Economic governance; the internal market and consumer protection; taxation; industrial and research policy; energy and the environment; public health and food safety.
Regional development and cohesion; agriculture and fisheries; transport and tourism; employment and social affairs; housing policy.
Fundamental rights and freedoms; Charter of Fundamental Rights; justice and home affairs; gender equality; culture and education; petitions; legal affairs and constitutional matters.
Foreign and development policies and trade relations; the promotion of human rights and democracy; EU enlargement, neighbourhood policy and global relations.
Browse the Fact Sheets by chapter and section and either download or read them online. Each Fact Sheet can be saved individually.