European Union

European Union
Name	European Union
Linking name	the European Union
Alt flag	A circle of twelve gold stars on a blue background
Alt symbol	A circle of twelve gold stars on a blue background
Motto	"United in Diversity"
Anthem	"Ode to Joy"
Capital	Brussels (de facto)
Largest city	Paris
Official languages	24
Demonym	European
Leader title1	President of the European Commission
Leader name1	Ursula von der Leyen
Leader title2	President of the European Council
Leader name2	Charles Michel
Leader title3	President of the European Parliament
Leader name3	Roberta Metsola
Legislature	European Parliament
Established event1	Treaty of Paris (1951)
Established date1	18 April 1951
Established event2	Treaty of Rome
Established date2	1 January 1958
Established event3	Maastricht Treaty
Established date3	1 November 1993
Area km2	4,233,262
Population estimate	448.4 million
Population estimate year	2023
GDP PPP	$25.399 trillion
GDP PPP year	2024
GDP PPP per capita	$56,928
GDP nominal	$18.351 trillion
GDP nominal year	2024
GDP nominal per capita	$41,181
HDI	0.900
HDI year	2022
HDI change	very high

European Union. The European Union is a supranational political and economic union of 27 member states located primarily in Europe. It was established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1993, building upon earlier communities like the European Coal and Steel Community founded by the Treaty of Paris (1951). The union has developed a single internal market through a standardized system of laws and policies that apply in all member states, with key institutions based in Brussels, Strasbourg, and Luxembourg.

History

The origins of the union lie in the aftermath of World War II, with the Schuman Declaration of 1950 proposing pooled coal and steel production to make war "not merely unthinkable, but materially impossible." This led to the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community in 1951 by Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. The Treaty of Rome established the European Economic Community in 1957, initiating a customs union. Subsequent enlargements, such as the accession of the United Kingdom in 1973 and nations from the former Eastern Bloc after the Cold War, expanded its reach. Key treaties like the Single European Act, the Maastricht Treaty which created the euro, and the Treaty of Lisbon have shaped its evolution, with the departure of the United Kingdom following the Brexit referendum marking a significant recent development.

Institutions

The union's institutional framework is defined by the Treaty of Lisbon. The main institutions are the European Commission, led by its President, which holds the executive and right of legislative initiative. The European Parliament, directly elected by citizens, and the Council of the European Union, representing national governments, jointly exercise legislative and budgetary functions. The European Council, comprising national heads of state or government, sets the overall political direction. Other key bodies include the Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg, the European Central Bank in Frankfurt which manages the euro, and the European Court of Auditors.

Member states

The union comprises 27 countries, having expanded from the six founding members. Major enlargements included the Mediterranean expansion to Greece, Spain, and Portugal in the 1980s, the 2004 "big bang" enlargement that added states like Poland, Czech Republic, and the Baltic states, and the accessions of Romania, Bulgaria, and Croatia. Candidate countries currently include Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine, and Moldova. The territories of member states, from the Azores to French Guiana, are integrated under various special arrangements.

Policies and law

Union law, comprising treaties, regulations, directives, and case law from the Court of Justice of the European Union, takes precedence over national law. Core policies include the single market, ensuring the four freedoms of movement for goods, capital, services, and people, and the Schengen Area which abolishes internal border controls. Other significant policy areas are the Common Agricultural Policy, Competition law, a Customs Union, and cooperation in justice and home affairs through agencies like Europol. The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union consolidates human rights protections.

Economy

The union is a major global economic power, operating a highly developed single market and a Customs Union with a common external tariff. Nineteen member states use the euro as their currency, forming the eurozone managed by the European Central Bank. It is a leading entity in international trade, with major trading partners including the United States, China, and the United Kingdom. Key industrial and financial hubs are located in cities like Frankfurt, Paris, and Milan. The union's budget is funded by contributions from member states and supports cohesion policies, infrastructure projects like the Trans-European Networks, and research initiatives such as Horizon Europe.

Foreign relations

The union conducts a Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), including a Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) for peacekeeping and crisis management missions. It is represented globally by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European External Action Service. The union maintains strategic partnerships with countries like the United States, Japan, and Canada, and is a key participant in international forums such as the United Nations, the G7, and the World Trade Organization. It has established deep relationships with neighboring regions through the European Neighbourhood Policy and has provided significant support to Ukraine following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Category:European Union Category:International organizations Category:Supranational unions