Libraries HomeEuropean Union
European Union Information
The following is a selected list of resources for starting research about the European Union. For further assistance, contact Tom Stave at tstave@uoregon.edu.
General EU Information
These sources can be used to find general information about the European Union: how it works, its structure and its institutions and activities.
- Europa
- A - Z Index of the European Commission
- Glossary of EU terms
- EU Databases by subject
- European countries
The main portal to the European Union's web pages. Includes basic information about the EU, including a guide to it's institutions and living and working in the EU.
A comprehensive index of subjects related to the European Union including budget, legislative and general information.
A glossary from the Europa website containing 233 terms relating to European integration and the activities and institutions of the EU.
Alphabetical listing of European Union databases by subject, including such areas as environment, customs and trade, and industry.
Use the interactive map or country list to find social, cultural, historical and governmental information about any EU Member State.
Institutions and Bodies
The links below go to the official websites of the institutions and bodies that make up the European Union.
- The European Commission
- The European Parliament
- The Council of the European Union
- The Court of Justice
- The European Central Bank
- The European Investment Bank
- European Economic and Social Committee
- Community agencies
The Commission drafts proposals for new European laws, implements policies and manages the spending of EU funds.
The European Parliament passes laws and approves the EU annual budget, sharing legislative power with the Council.
The EU's main decision-making body, the Council members are ministers of the EU member states.
The Court of Justice is responsible for ensuring that the law is interpreted and applied in the same way in all EU countries.
The ECB is responsible for managing the euro by setting interest rates and ensuring price stability.
The EIB is the long-term lending bank of the EU, charged with contributing towards the integration and development of the EU Member States.
A consultative body that gives representatives of Europe's socio-occupational interest groups a platform on which to express their views on EU issues.
A list of current European Community agencies, which are bodies charged with specific scientific, technical or managerial tasks.
News and Analysis
- OECD Economic Surveys Euro area; DOCS REF [HC240.A1.O33 2007]
- Country Profile, European Union
- Bulletin of the European Union
- General Report on the Activities of the European Union
- Global Insight: Country Intelligence
Economic and political news/analysis for world nations. Select "Country Intelligence", then "Europe". - European Affairs
- European Policy Analyst
- European Union Politics
- Europe's World
Analysis and background information on the European Union's political and economic situation.
Monthly record of the activities of the European Commission and the other Community institutions, published by the Secretariat- General of the Commission.
The General Report reviews the activities of the European Union in the previous year, providing references to official documents.
A journal of the European Institute, covering such topics as trade relations, defense, energy, and the environment.
The European Policy Analyst monitors the impact of new EU policies and regulations on business interests.
An international journal that covers all aspects of the processes of government, politics and policy in the European Union.
Europe's World offers policy makers across Europe a platform for presenting ideas and forging consensus on key issues.
Statistics
- Eurostat
- Europe in Figures: Eurostat Yearbook
- Public Opinion Analysis
- EU Statistics
Eurostat provides access to the latest and most complete statistical information available on the European Union and the EU Member States. Updated daily.
A comprehensive selection of statistical data on the European Union, its Member States and candidate countries.
Surveys and studies address major topics concerning European citizenship; for example, social situation, health, culture, information technology, defense, etc.
From Northwestern University, a comprehensive set of links to EU statistical sources.
Treaties and Laws
- Europa: Treaties and Law
- EUR-Lex
- Case Law
- Summaries of legislation
- Official Journal of the European Union
- PreLex
A list of all European treaties with detailed information of each. Also includes the complete consolidated texts of all treaties available for free download.
EUR-Lex provides free, direct access to European law. Includes treaties, legislation, case law and legislative proposals.
Search for the texts of judgments, opinions and orders of the Court of Justice and the Court of First Instance delivered since 1997.
This site provides fact sheets that summarize European legislation. These are divided into the 32 subject areas which are the Activities of the European Union.
The Official Journal of the European Union is the gazette of record for the EU.It comprises two series: the L series contains EU legislation and the C series contains reports and judgments of the European Court of Justice and the Court of First Instance.
A database that follows the major stages of the decision-making process between the European Commission and other EU institutions, and monitors the work of the various institutions involved.
