There really isn't a lot beyond trade that the EU does. This is a common misnomer, part of the 'they are taking our sovereignty' narrative. The truth is the EU is a customs union. Not my words, but from the FT:
https://next.ft.com/content/1688d0e4-15ef-11e6-b197-a4af20d5575e
The EU is a customs union. Its members impose a common tariff on imports from non-member countries, while its members can trade freely with each other.
All members automatically benefit from any trade deals that the EU strikes with other countries but cannot set their own tariff levels.
To create a fair internal market, the EU is committed to a common regulatory framework to prevent one company — or country — from gaining a competitive advantage by working to looser regulations.
This has two elements: first, countries pledge to agree and implement common, harmonised rules. Second, on this understanding, they pledge to mutually recognise each other’s standards.
Companies that comply with domestic regulations can then sell their products and services throughout the EU.
Fundamentally, these interlocking policies are designed to both reduce trade costs and open up more markets.
I'm bowing out, off to Milan, so
@milo the voice of reason, do your best to keep us in
Incidentally, what are the implications for football transfers from the EU without free movement of people? Would Modric have signed for an Italian club instead of us for example?