A world player. The European Union’s external relations

Summary:

The sheer size of the European Union in economic, trade and financial terms makes it a world player. It has a web of agreements with most countries and regions of the globe. The biggest international trader and home to the euro – the world’s second currency – the EU spends € 500 million a month on assistance projects in all five continents. The European Union is putting in place a common foreign and security policy so that its members can act together on the world stage as a united force for stability, cooperation and understanding. At the same time, the EU is developing a defence capability and has undertaken its first peacekeeping missions. It is also engaged in fighting terrorism. By helping build security and stability in the wider world, the EU is also helping to make life safer for people within its own borders. The EU is particularly active in promoting the human aspects of international relations, such as solidarity, human rights and democracy.