Laws made at EU level override laws at a national level. But the power of member states in shaping these laws are considerable.

MEPS have decent pay and pensions but do not get a salary for life.

For many European citizens and some heads of state the EU Commission is an overbearing bloated bureaucracy that has too much unaccountable power. But the reality is much more nuanced.

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.