Core Pillars of European Union Governance
Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is the EU’s main policy for agriculture. Its purpose is to ensure Europe has a stable and safe food supply. It provides financial support to farmers so they can continue producing food even when market prices decrease or when conditions are difficult. The policy also encourages farmers to:
- Use environmentally friendly methods
- Protect the countryside
- Take care of animals
In recent years, the CAP has focused more on sustainability, reducing pollution, and adapting to climate change.
Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)
The CFSP is how EU countries work together on foreign policy and security issues. Because each country has its own national interests, the CFSP tries to coordinate actions so Europe can be stronger on the international stage. It includes tools such as:
- Diplomacy
- Economic sanctions
- Civilian or military missions in crisis areas
The main goals are to promote peace, protect human rights, support democracy, and improve global stability. Although decisions must often be unanimous, the EU still manages to act together in many situations.
EU Enlargement Policy
The Enlargement Policy explains how new countries can join the European Union. Countries must meet strict criteria, including:
- A stable democracy
- A functioning market economy
- Respect for human rights and the rule of law
They must also adopt EU laws and standards in many areas, from the environment to trade. Enlargement helps bring stability, security, and economic growth to Europe. Past enlargements, such as in 2004, greatly expanded the EU and increased its influence in the world. Today, candidates include countries like Serbia, Albania, and Ukraine.
Environmental Policy
EU Environmental Policy covers all actions taken to protect nature and reduce harm to the environment. It includes laws to:
- Cut air and water pollution
- Manage waste
- Protect biodiversity
- Fight climate change
One key goal is to reach climate neutrality by 2050. The EU also created the Green Deal, a major plan to transform Europe into a clean and sustainable economy. Environmental Policy influences transport, energy, agriculture, and industry, encouraging all sectors to reduce emissions and use natural resources responsibly.
Common Commercial Policy
The EU speaks with one voice in international trade thanks to the Common Commercial Policy. Instead of each country making its own trade deals, the EU negotiates agreements on behalf of all members. This gives the EU more power in global trade negotiations. The policy sets:
- Tariffs
- Trade rules
- Standards for goods entering Europe
It aims to open new markets for European businesses, protect consumers, and ensure fair competition. It also promotes ethical trade by including labor and environmental standards in agreements.
Migration and Asylum Policy
This policy defines how the EU manages migration and how it protects people who apply for asylum. It tries to balance security with human rights. The EU works to:
- Strengthen its external borders
- Fight human trafficking
- Create legal pathways for migration
For asylum seekers, the Dublin system decides which country is responsible for examining each application. Recently, the EU has worked on reforming the system to share responsibilities more fairly between member states, especially during large migration waves.
European Health Policy
European Health Policy supports cooperation between EU countries to improve public health. Although each country controls its own healthcare system, the EU helps coordinate actions, share information, and prepare for health risks. After COVID-19, the EU created stronger systems to respond to future health emergencies, including:
- Better stockpiles of medical equipment
- Faster vaccine development
The policy also promotes disease prevention, healthier lifestyles, and equal access to healthcare. Another goal is to reduce health inequalities between regions.