The European Union is a unique political and economic partnership in which member states cooperate through common institutions and shared rules. Its influence extends well beyond Europe through trade and regulation. How the EU Is OrganizedThe European Commission proposes and implements policy, the European Parliament represents citizens, and the Council represents national governments. Other institutions also play important roles. The Single MarketThe EU single market aims to

Modern economies depend on trade networks that connect factories, farms, ports, warehouses, retailers and consumers across borders. A single product can involve many countries before reaching its final buyer. From Production to ConsumerInternational trade can involve raw materials from one country, components from another and final assembly somewhere else. Shipping, customs, insurance, finance and digital systems connect these stages. Ports and Shipping RoutesContainer ports

The global economy is a network of national economies linked through trade, investment, finance, energy and technology. A change in one major economy can affect businesses and households far beyond its borders. GDP and Economic GrowthGross domestic product measures the value of goods and services produced within an economy over a period. Growth indicates expansion, although GDP alone does not measure inequality, environmental quality or wellbeing. Inflation and Interest Rates