The EU has six exclusive competences. In these areas, the EU makes legislation and decisions in these areas on its own. The nation state takes no decisions and does not interfere with the competence for these matters given to the EU, for it has granted the commission power to issue decisions in these areas. They are management of:

The customs union, made up of an internal free trade zone between members who apply the same European customs duties (taxes) to goods coming into the EU zone, regardless if they are being imported into Malta or Estonia.

The economic and monetary policy of the EU, including sharing a single currency, the euro, overseen by the European central bank. Under the stability and growth pact, the 16 eurozone members operate common economic policies, and promise to keep their budgets and spending under control.

Competition laws to ensure a level playing field between European businesses, controlling state aid from national governments and the actions of companies bestowing unfair competitive advantage through mergers or acquisitions. The European Commission and the DG for competition policy have primary competence for enforcing EU competition law.

A common position in international trade negotiations such as the WTO trade rounds, as part of a common international trade policy.

Conservation of marine biological resources (part of the common fisheries policy between EU states) as well as the concluding of some international agreements.

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