European Union
The European Union (EU) is a union of 27 European countries designed to promote economic cooperation, peace, and stability. Originating from the post-World War II European Coal and Steel Community (1951) and the European Economic Community (1957), it was formally established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, which also introduced the euro. Key institutions include the European Commission, European Parliament, and European Court of Justice. The EU aims to facilitate a single market with free movement of goods, services, capital, and people, while advocating for human rights and democracy. With 20 of its member states using the euro, the EU has expanded from six to 27 members and plays a significant role in global trade, development, and climate issues.
