The Treaty of Rome, which founded the European Union, is now 50 years old. The Treaty was signed by the community’s original six members - France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. The Union now has 27 members, following the accession of Romania and Bulgaria.

Membership of the EU has been, and remains, hugely important for British jobs, environmental protection, equality rights, and Britain’s place in the world. However, following enlargement to 27 member states, the EU needs reform to become more efficient and more accountable.

Liberal Democrats want to make Europe work more effectively - through more democracy, more openness, less waste, and less bureaucracy.

Just a few of the differences that the EU has made to people's lives include

• Cheaper goods as a result of the single market - the cost of international calls in the EU has fallen by 80 per cent since 1984


• Environmental protection - EU carbon emissions trading system, despite teething troubles, is still a model for other parts of the world


• Tackling international crime - police can now get suspects moved from one EU country to another without lengthy extradition procedures
• Increased mobility - professionals from doctors to architects now have a right to have their national qualifications recognised across the EU