European Union

From Metapedia

The European Union (EU) is a unique political and economic community with supranational and intergovernmental dimensions. It is composed of twenty-seven member states primarily located in Europe. In 1957, six European countries formed the European Economic Community (EEC) by the Treaty of Rome. Since then the EU has grown in size through the accession of new member states and has increased its powers by the addition of new policy areas to its remit. In 1993, the Maastricht Treaty established the base of the current legal framework.

With over 492 million citizens the EU's economies create an estimated nominal GDP of €11.6 ($15.7) trillion in 2007. The EU has single market which seeks to guarantee the freedom of movement of people, goods, services and capital between member states. The EU maintains a common trade policy, agricultural and fisheries policies, and a regional development policy. It introduced a common currency, the euro, which has been adopted by thirteen member states. The EU has also developed a role in foreign policy, and in justice and home affairs.

Important institutions of the EU include the European Commission, the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union, the European Council, the European Court of Justice and the European Central Bank. EU citizens elect the Parliament every five years. Passport control and customs checks between most member states were abolished in the Schengen Agreement. The EU represents its members in the World Trade Organization and observes the G8 summits.