EU in the UK - case studies

What are the benefits to Britain's membership of the EU? One is the way that EU funding makes a positive difference to community projects and small businesses all about the UK. We tasked a camera crew to travel the country and talk to some of those that have received funds to build successful enterprises.

Why is the EU important?

There are many things European countries do best when they work together:

• removing trade barriers to boost growth and create jobs
• tackling climate change and promoting energy security
• improving standards and rights for consumers
• fighting  international crime and illegal immigration
• bringing peace and stability to Europe by working with its neighbours
• giving Europe a more powerful voice in the world.

Read more about what the EU does and how it works in our Quick guide to the EU

Swedish EU Presidency 2009

From July to December 2009, Sweden will hold the Presidency of the European Union. Find out more here about the role of the EU Presidency, and Sweden's priorities for their Presidency:

Swedish EU Presidency 2009 website

What does the EU Presidency do?

European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009

2009 is the European Year of Creativity and Innovation. The aims of the yearare to promote creative thinking and innovation in all fields, and to foster personal, social and economic development. To find out about events taking place across Europe to mark the year, see the European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009 website.

Britain in the European Union

• EU in the UK
• Global Europe
• Luxury Accommodation in Hastings
• Online Protection for Businesses
• Local solutions to local issues
• A new home for business and innovation
• Embracing and nurturing innovation
• A Global Garden for the 21st Century
• Green Workforce in the City
• Helping people back into work
• A Cultural Focal Point for Nottingham
• Enterprise in Yorkshire
• Town regeneration
• Opportunities in Leicestershire
• Small business in Yorkshire
• Students in the West Midlands
• Jobs and opportunities in Birmingham
• Opportunities and training in Cornwall
• Innovation in South Yorkshire
• Scientific research in Manchester
• Culture and tourism in North Wales
• New businesses in the North East
• Young people in Scotland
• Science and research in the North Sea
• Using media as a tool for regeneration
• Helping businesses with product design
• Opportunities in Sheffield
• EU bears fruit: Herefordshire Cider & Perry
• The Perfect Piece of Pie: Melton Mowbray Pork Pies
• A Champion Cheese: Stilton Blue & White
• Small businesses in Surrey
• Raise a Glass to a Legendary Ale - Kentish Ale & Kent Strong Ale
• Cornish history and culture / Istori ha gonisogeth Kernow
• The 2008 Students' Mock Council of the EU
• European Citizens' Consultation
• EU Policies
• Quick guide to the EU