The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 member states located primarily in Europe. It was established by the Treaty of Rome in 1957 as the European Economic Community and has since expanded to become a unique supranational organization with its own institutions, such as the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the European Court of Justice.
The EU is based on a system of shared governance, where decisions are made through a combination of intergovernmental cooperation and supranational decision-making. The EU is responsible for a range of policy areas, including trade, environmental regulation, consumer protection, and justice and home affairs. It has also established a common currency, the Euro, which is used by 19 member states.
One of the core aims of the EU is to promote peace and stability among its member states by fostering closer economic, social, and political ties. The EU also promotes human rights, democracy, and the rule of law within its member states and around the world.
Membership in the EU is voluntary, and member states must meet certain political, economic, and social criteria to join. The process of becoming an EU member state can be lengthy and requires significant political and economic reforms.
The EU is one of the world's largest economies, and its policies have a significant impact on global affairs. The EU's member states are also committed to working together to address shared challenges, such as climate change, migration, and security threats. Despite its achievements, the EU faces ongoing challenges, including rising populism, economic inequality, and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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