THE EUROPEAN UNION

The objectives of the European Union are: to promote peace, its values and the well-being of its citizens, to offer freedom, security and justice without internal borders, to promote sustainable development based on balanced economic growth and stable prices, a highly competitive market economy with full employment and social progress, and protection of the environment, combating social exclusion and discrimination, promoting scientific and technological progress, strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion and solidarity among the Member States; respect the richness of its cultural and linguistic diversity, establish an economic and monetary union with the euro as currency. 

The values of the EU are common to the Member States in a society in which inclusion, tolerance, justice, solidarity and non-discrimination prevail. These values are an integral part of our European way of life:
Human dignity
Human dignity is inviolable. It must be respected and protected and constitutes the true basis of fundamental rights.
Freedom
Freedom of movement gives citizens the right to move and reside freely within the Union. Individual freedoms, such as respect for privacy, freedom of thought, religion, assembly, expression and information, are protected by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU.
Democracy
The functioning of the EU is based on representative democracy. Being a European citizen also means enjoying political rights. All adult citizens of the EU have the right to vote and stand as candidates in elections to the European Parliament. EU citizens have the right to active and passive suffrage in their country of residence or in their country of origin.
Equality
Equality means that all citizens have the same rights before the law. The principle of equality between men and women underpins all European policies and is the basis for European integration. It is applied in all areas. The principle of equal pay for equal work was introduced in the Treaty in 1957. Although there are still inequalities, the EU has made considerable progress.
Rule of law
The EU is based on the rule of law. All its activities are governed by treaties, agreed voluntarily and democratically by the member countries. Law and justice are defended by an independent judiciary. The member countries have conferred on the European Court of Justice the power to pronounce themselves definitively and their sentences must be respected by all.
Human rights
The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU protects human rights, including the right not to suffer discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, the right to protection of personal data, and the right of access to justice.