Where Did the European Union Come From?
The idea of a united Europe emerged after World War II. At that time, it was recognized that future conflicts in Europe could be prevented by strengthening economic and political cooperation. In 1952, the European Coal and Steel Community was established, followed in 1958 by the European Economic Community. Its direct successor is the European Union, which was officially created through the signing of the Maastricht Treaty in 1992 (the Treaty on European Union).
On January 1, 1993, the single market was established, based on the four freedoms — the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital.
Some Key EU Institutions
European Council
Its members are the leaders of the 27 EU member states, the President of the European Council, and the President of the European Commission. Its task is to set the general direction of EU actions; it is where state leaders meet.
Council of the European Union
Also called the Council of Ministers, makes legislative decisions (including on the budget) together with the European Parliament and coordinates the policies of member states in specific areas. Every six months, a different member state presides over the Council. Poland’s most recent presidency of the Council of the European Union took place from January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025.
European Commission
The main executive body of the European Union, responsible for implementing EU law and monitoring compliance with the treaties.
European Parliament
Represents the citizens of the European Union. It is responsible for passing laws and overseeing the activities of the Commission. The Parliament also debates important issues from the EU’s perspective and expresses its position in resolutions.
- The maximum number of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) is 751 (according to the Lisbon Treaty of 2007). The current number of MEPs depends on the population of the EU territory. Each member state is allocated a number of seats proportional to its population.
- The term of office for the European Parliament is 5 years. MEPs are elected in universal elections held in each member state.
Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU)
An independent institution whose main task is to interpret EU law and ensure its application by member states and EU institutions. The CJEU deals, among others, with disputes between states and EU institutions, as well as between states themselves. Additionally, the Court can rule on cases brought by citizens or businesses concerning the application of EU law.
Thanks to the CJEU, EU law is consistent across the Union, and the decisions of EU institutions and member states comply with the treaties. The Court’s judgments are binding on all parties.
Poland, like other countries, participates in the decision-making processes through its ministers in the Council, MEPs in the Parliament, and a commissioner in the Commission.
Poland’s Membership in the European Union
Poland joined the European Union in 2004. Since then, it has benefited from the four freedoms of the single market: the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital. Thanks to this, Polish companies can more easily sell products in other countries, and citizens can travel, study, and work abroad freely. Poles can study in Spain, work in Germany, or start businesses in France. They have also gained EU citizenship rights, such as the ability to participate in local and European elections in their place of residence.
Thanks to EU funds, many places in Poland have been transformed — new roads, modern schools, and renovated cities. EU membership also entails obligations, meaning the need to comply with treaties, directives, and regulations. For example, farmers must adhere to EU standards, and entrepreneurs must comply with EU quality norms.
Membership can therefore be compared to receiving a membership card for a prestigious club. You gain access to excellent opportunities, but you must pay the dues and follow the rules.
Opportunities for Development Through EU Programs
The European Union supports young people in education, work, and volunteering. An example is the Erasmus+ program, which enables studying and internships abroad. There are also programs supporting European volunteering, such as the European Solidarity Corps, internships in EU institutions, and youth projects funded by EU funds. Through these initiatives, students can gain experience, learn languages, and get to know other cultures.
The ability to plan how to take advantage of these opportunities is an important step toward personal and professional development.
EU Policies
The European Union implements various policies that impact citizens’ lives. One of the most important is the Common Agricultural Policy, which supports farmers and rural development. The Cohesion Policy finances infrastructure, roads, and investments in less developed regions. There are also policies concerning environmental protection, innovation, and transport.
Each of these policies directly affects local communities, and students can observe these effects in their own surroundings. Discussing the effectiveness and direction of these policies helps develop an informed and responsible civic attitude.
Citizens’ Influence on EU Policy
There are many ways for citizens to influence European Union policy. The most important is participation in elections to the European Parliament. There is also the European Citizens’ Initiative, which allows one million signatures to be collected on an issue important to residents across the Union and presented to the European Commission.
Non-governmental organizations, the media, and public debates also play a significant role. Active participation ensures that decisions made in Brussels are closer to the needs of citizens.