Europe is home to the world’s largest single market and second most used currency. 
It is the largest trade power and development and humanitarian aid donor. 

Thanks in part to Horizon 2020, the world’s biggest multinational research programme, Europe is at the cutting edge of innovation. Its diplomacy holds real weight and helps keep the world safer and more sustainable, as shown by the historic deal with Iran on its nuclear programme or the leading role the EU played in the Paris Climate Agreement and the adoption by the United Nations of the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. This influence is reinforced by our close cooperation with NATO and our active role in the Council of Europe.

Europe is attractive to many of its partners. While no further accession to the EU is expected in the short term, the prospect itself is a powerful tool to project stability and security along our borders. The EU works actively with its neighbourhood whether it be in the east or in the south. 

From our strengthened partnership with Ukraine to the wide-ranging cooperation with our African partners, Europe’s role as a positive global force is more important than ever.