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The European Union is the most politically and economically successful community of sovereign states in history. Material prosperity and economic performance in the EU are around three times higher than the global average, measured in terms of economic output per capita. The member states are also among the world leaders in terms of income equality, education and life expectancy. For Germany and the other countries, EU membership generates considerable economic benefits. Third countries such as Switzerland and Norway have therefore signed up to the EU rules and make a substantial contribution to the EU budget without having a say of their own.

Brexit also demonstrated what would be at stake economically if the close ties with the EU were to be severed. In 2023, the UK's real gross domestic product per capita was only 3.8% higher than in 2016, the year of the Brexit decision. In the EU, the increase in the same period was almost three times as high (+11.0 %). Brexit is estimated to have reduced UK exports to the EU by 16% and imports from the EU by as much as 20% compared to the hypothetical scenario of remaining in the EU.

The key to the EU's success is the willingness of its member states to cooperate on a sustainable basis. Cooperation results in a give and take from which everyone benefits as a result: Trading nations such as Germany in particular from free trade, others from capital inflows or economic aid. However, the value of the EU goes beyond the economic. Democracy, human rights, the social market economy, free movement of labour, consumer and environmental protection: all of these contribute to the high quality of life and individual development opportunities in Europe. First and foremost, however, is securing peace across the entire European continent.

4. Cross-border freedom of movement for workers creates a labour market with more than 200 million employees. Every EU citizen can look for a job in the member state of their choice. This increases the opportunities for professional fulfilment. This also contributes to higher incomes, the avoidance of shortages of skilled labour and a reduction in unemployment.

5 The EU offers us tangible everyday benefits that we often mistakenly take for granted. These include freedom to travel without border formalities, Europe-wide consumer and environmental protection, a wide range of goods and services and the euro as the single currency. Studying internationally is also easier than ever before thanks to the EU's Erasmus programme.

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