Every action taken by the EU is founded on treaties that have been approved voluntarily and democratically by all EU member countries. A treaty is a binding agreement between EU member countries. It sets out EU objectives, rules for EU institutions, how decisions are made and the relationship between the EU and its member countries.
Treaties are amended to make the EU more efficient and transparent, to prepare for new member countries and to introduce new areas of cooperation – such as the single currency. Under the treaties, EU institutions can adopt legislation, which the member countries then implement.
Online Sources
Official Journal of the European Union
The official gazette of record for the European Union. It is published every working day in all of the official languages of the member states. Only legal acts published in the Official Journal are binding.
International Legal Materials (journal)
Current source for treaties and other international agreements. To find a treaty, use the annual table of contents that appears in the November issue of each year.
Additional Materials
