- The European Union (EU) is an economic and political union of 28member states that are primarily located in Europe.
- It operates through a system of supranational independent institutions and intergovernmental negotiated decisions by the member states.
- Institutions of the EU include the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, the European Council, the Court of Justice of the European Union, the European Central Bank, the Court of Auditors, and the European Parliament.
- The European Parliament is elected every five years by EU citizens.
- EU policies aim to ensure the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital,enact legislation in justice and home affairs, and maintain common policies on trade,agriculture,fisheries, and regional development.
- The goals are:
- To strengthen the democratic governing of participating nations.
- To improve the efficiency of the nations.
- To establish an economic and financial unification.
- To develop the “Community social dimension.”
- To establish a security policy for involved nations.
- The EU has developed a single market through a standardised system of laws that apply in all member states. Within the Schengen Area, passport controls have been abolished.
- Members:
- Austria (1995)
- Belgium (1952)
- Bulgaria (2007)
- Croatia (2013)
- Cyprus (2004)
- Czech Republic (2004)
- Denmark (1973)
- Estonia (2004)
- Finland (1995)
- France (1952)
- Germany (1952)
- Greece (1981)
- Hungary (2004)
- Ireland (1973)
- Italy (1952)
- Latvia (2004)
- Lithuania (2004)
- Luxembourg (1952)
- Malta (2004)
- Netherlands (1952)
- Poland (2004)
- Portugal (1986)
- Romania (2007)
- Slovakia (2004)
- Slovenia (2004)
- Spain (1986)
- Sweden (1995)
- United Kingdom (1973)
- On the road to EU membership
- Candidate countries
- Iceland
- Montenegro
- Serbia
- The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
- Turkey
- Potential candidates
- Albania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Kosovo