The UK's Vision of the EU in the 21st Century

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The EU is a unique partnership between 27 countries working together to the benefit of more than 490 million people.

Our role is to ensure the EU delivers real value for UK citizens.

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The UK's Vision of the EU in the 21st Century

The Government's vision of the European Union in the 21st Century is of an organisation that is confident, outward-looking and better equipped to respond to the opportunities and challenges of globalisation.

Quote We want to build an EU that delivers for its citizens by addressing the concrete challenges ahead, from tackling climate change, to fighting international terrorism and sustaining growth and jobs in the face of changing global economic conditions.

We also want to make the EU a genuine global player that reaches out to its southern and eastern neighbours, meets its responsibilities in the world and leads the way on the environment and human rights.

Here in Brussels, we are working to help deliver this vision by engaging with our EU partners to shape the European Union today, tomorrow and in the long term.

You can find out more about the UK's vision for the EU in 'Global Europe - Meeting the Economic and Security Challenges' [PDF 607KB, new window] on the FCO website Britain in the European Union.

Chris Bryant - Minister for Europe

Read Chris Bryant's blog.

Chris Bryant is Parliamentary Under Secretary of State with responsibility for government affairs with the European Union. The role of Europe Minister was established in 1997 to reflect the importance that the Government attaches to relations with our European partners.

Mr Bryant was appointed as Europe Minister on 12 October 2009. He will regularly attend meetings of the EU's foreign and Europe ministers in Brussels and Luxembourg as well as visiting European capitals to engage with our European partners on the future direction of the EU.

You can find out more about Mr Bryant on the FCO website: Our Ministers