European Union 102: How the EU works

The European Union oversees shared political policies while funding infrastructure, cultural preservation, and other initiatives

The European Union functions as one big market, much to the delight of small businesses like this gelateria in Lucca, Italy. Rick Steves/ Rick Steves’ Europe

Last week, a Parisian bench in Washington, DC, got me thinking about how the European Union was created as a peace project. But it’s grown far beyond just sharing coal and steel resources to avoid war among its countries.

Now 75 years old, today’s European Union oversees common political policies while also funding infrastructure projects, cultural preservation measures, and initiatives that ensure the Champagne in your glass comes from the French region of Champagne. Meanwhile, the EU allows free movement—meaning an Italian citizen can easily study, work, and live in France, Sweden, or any EU country.