Many European citizens and heads of state accuse the European Union of imposing too many directives and regulations, especially in social affairs. In reality it is national governments that hold most power in this domain.

Some see Angela Merkel as a dominant figure in Europe with Germany imposing its will over other EU member states.

Since 2015 hundreds or thousands of migrants have arrived on Europe’s shores from sub-Saharan Africa, Syria and Afghanistan. Many have criticised the EU’s lack of response to the crisis. But an EU system controlling migration and asylum seekers is in place, and is working.  

The European flag, 12 yellow stars on a blue background, is a potent symbol of the European Union. Paris-based fashion brand Etudes Studio includes the European flag in their designs.

Support for the euro is at an all-time high across the continent. After 20 years of the single currency even the far-right no longer supports a return to national currencies although it is not without its critics.

Since 1992 the EU has made many attempts at fiscal harmonisation but with limited results.

Launched between 1985 and 1987, the Erasmus programme has allowed around 4 million students to study in another European country, an EU success story.

The European Union can’t seem to shake the image of an overbearing, bureaucratic, faceless regime.

With nationalist sentiment rising in many member states, Europe has been incapable of agreeing a common policy to deal with the migration crisis of recent years.

The European Union has broken down barriers between member states with the free movement of people, goods, services and capital. Border posts were taken down across the continent after the signing of the Schengen agreement.