European Union

The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 member states, located primarily in Europe.

The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 member states, located primarily in Europe. It operates through a system of shared institutions and common policies in areas such as trade, the single market, agriculture, justice, and foreign affairs. The EU developed from postwar European integration efforts that began in the 1950s and became the European Union in 1993 under the Maastricht Treaty.

History

European integration began in the aftermath of the Second World War, with the first communities founded in 1951. The founding members were Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. The European Union in its current form was created by the Maastricht Treaty, which entered into force in 1993.

Institutions and governance

The EU has a distinctive institutional system made up of European institutions, bodies, and agencies that work for common interests. Core institutions include the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union, and the European Commission.

Single market and currency

One of the EU’s main features is its single market, which allows the movement of goods, services, capital, and people among member states. The euro is the common currency for 20 member states, though not all EU members use it.

Membership and geography

The EU currently has 27 member states and several candidate countries seeking accession. It is located primarily in Europe and includes a large share of the continent’s population and economic output. The United Kingdom left the EU in 2020.

Public role

The EU coordinates policies affecting daily life, including trade, agriculture, digital regulation, justice, and foreign affairs. It has also been recognized internationally, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012.