Single market
In 1950 six European countries decided to establish a European Coal and Steel Community. Belgium – in the very heart of Western Europe – was one of them. That community was the cradle for today’s European Union, a league of 27 member states that cooperate economically, culturally, politically, socially and in many other ways.

Melting pot
Within the European Union, diversity is key. It is a melting pot of various cultures, languages and people, and its 500 million inhabitants speak no less than 23 official languages.

Free movement of goods, money, people and services
At an economic level, the European Union offers plenty of opportunities. The single market means that goods, people, money and services can move freely within the Union, considerably simplifying business. For example, goods that enter the European Union only have to be cleared through customs once. From then on they can move freely within the Union, without border controls.



Moreover, over half of the 27 member states already employ a single currency, the Euro. The common coin is a huge benefit in terms of opening up the economy

More information can be found on the official website of the European Union.