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European Union

The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states located primarily in Europe. Established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1993, it evolved from earlier European communities founded in the 1950s to promote economic cooperation and prevent conflict. The EU operates through a hybrid system of supranational and intergovernmental decision-making, with key institutions including the European Commission, the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Court of Justice. Member states have created a single market through a standardised system of laws that apply across all members, ensuring the free movement of people, goods, services and capital. Nineteen member states have adopted the euro as their common currency, forming the eurozone. The EU maintains common policies on trade, agriculture, fisheries and regional development, and has developed a role in foreign policy and security matters. With a combined population of about 450-million and a GDP exceeding €15-trillion, the EU represents one of the world's largest economic blocs. The union has been expanding its focus on climate policy, digital transformation and strategic autonomy, particularly in critical minerals and technology supply chains essential for the energy transition. The EU's regulatory frameworks, including those governing environmental standards and competition, exert significant influence on global business practices. Membership has fluctuated, most notably with the United Kingdom's departure in 2020.

European Union Updates


Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau speaks at the launch of the EU investment roadshow
EU aims to use investor roadshow to convert €12bn pledge into South African projects
1st June 2026 By: Terence Creamer

The EU, which announced a €12-billion investment package for South Africa in October, is undertaking investment roadshows in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban this week as part of efforts to... 


Tungsten in containers
EU shortlists tungsten, rare earths for first stockpile to curb China reliance
20th May 2026 By: Reuters

The European Union has shortlisted tungsten, rare earths and gallium for its first joint stockpile of critical minerals aimed at reducing its reliance on China, three sources familiar with the... 


Rwanda Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe
Rwanda says Mozambique has secured funds for it to continue Cabo Delgado mission
20th May 2026 By: Reuters

Rwanda's foreign minister said on Tuesday that Mozambique had secured the funds for Rwanda's army to continue its deployment in the insurgency-hit and gas-rich Cabo Delgado province.  Rwanda sent... 


An image of a laptop
Refurbished hardware bypasses constraints
15th May 2026 By: Nadine Ramdass

Refurbished hardware offers a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to buying new hardware while bypassing constrained chip availability and supply chain disruptions, says refurbished... 


The Trojarova mine
Race for critical minerals leaves EU struggling to keep up
11th May 2026 By: Bloomberg

For the EU, the fate of a Cold War-era mine near Bratislava is becoming a litmus test for its ambition to break free from China’s chokehold over critical minerals. Sitting in a wooded range of... 


Oil & gas drill rig
EU energy ministers to discuss domestic gas drilling, document says
6th May 2026 By: Reuters

European Union countries' energy ministers will take the unusual step of discussing domestic natural gas production next week, as governments seek ways to limit the economic impact of the Iran war,... 


A hydrogen storage tank, wind turbines and solar PV panels
Opinion: South Africa’s doctrine gap
23rd April 2026

South Africa keeps relitigating 1994 while the world builds the next industrial order without it, writes economic commentator Itumeleng Mahabane. 


Image of Cyril Ramaphosa
Ramaphosa urges long-term partnership with Spain amid broader €62bn investment pipeline
17th April 2026 By: Thabi Shomolekae

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday alluded to a massive pipeline of 85 investment projects, valued at over €62-billion, with investment partners, emphasising that South Africa is open for... 


Mix of minerals
EU, US considering critical minerals deal to combat Chinese control
10th April 2026 By: Bloomberg

The European Union and US are nearing an agreement to coordinate on producing and securing critical minerals, as part of a push to break reliance on Chinese supplies. The potential deal would... 


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