Do you know which organisation…

• Is the world's largest aid donor, delivering £34 bn of assistance to developing countries between 2007 and 2013?
• Is a major player in reforming the global trading system, to spread prosperity and make development sustainable?
• Is making a difference to international peace and security, with practical support for governments in places such as Afghanistan, the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the Balkans?
• Is actively seeking to move the Middle East Peace Process forward and resolve the Iranian nuclear dispute?
• Is promoting prosperity and stability in the countries on its borders?

The EU does all of these things and more.

The Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and other external policies give 27 Member States an important collective voice on the international stage to promote peace, security and progress in Europe and the world. However, the EU may only act when all of its members are in agreement.

The UK can have a far greater influence upon global issues that affect all of us in by co-operating with our EU partners, than by acting alone. The FCO therefore takes a leading role in shaping the direction of CFSP, while working to protect UK interests.