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The European Union is a unique economic and political union between European countries that together cover much of the continent. It strives to promote peace and the well-being of its citizens inside an area of freedom, security, and justice. It also works to ensure that its citizens enjoy a high level of economic well-being through sustainable economic development, the fight against social exclusion and scientific and technological progress.
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The European Union, in its role as a legislator and regulator for the single market, is also a major customer and user of scientific research. Its executive arm, the European Commission, uses its science and knowledge service, as well as the results of EU funded research, to provide scientific evidence for its policy proposals. Its two legislative bodies, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, also rely on scientific evidence in their legislative deliberations, the latter primarily through the work of national research institutes and academia.
In the field of research and innovation, the European Union supports scientific and technological development through policies, funding programmes and through creating a European Research Area that enables the free circulation of researchers, scientific knowledge and technology.
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Last but not least, the EU and its institutions are working with citizens, scientists, journalists, and policymakers to communicate science and promote the importance of evidence based policymaking as a means to achieve the goals of the Union.