What is European union and when is it created?

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Flag of European Union

The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 countries in Europe. It was formed in the aftermath of World War II to foster cooperation among the countries of Europe and to promote peace and stability on the continent.

The EU has its own currency, the euro, which is used by 19 of the member countries. It also has its own parliament, which is made up of elected representatives from each member country. The parliament, along with the Council of the European Union (made up of government representatives from each member country) and the European Commission (the executive branch of the EU), makes and enforces laws for the member countries.

The EU has many goals, including promoting economic development and trade, protecting the environment, and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens. It does this through various programs and initiatives, such as the European Single Market (which allows for the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital within the EU), the European Environmental Agency (which monitors and reports on environmental issues), and the European Health Insurance Card (which allows citizens to receive healthcare in any EU country).

One of the key principles of the EU is the idea of “ever closer union,” which means that member countries are expected to work together more closely over time. This has led to a number of initiatives that have increased cooperation and integration among the member countries, such as the Schengen Agreement (which allows for passport-free travel within the EU), the European Arrest Warrant (which allows for the extradition of criminal suspects between EU countries), and the European Defence Agency (which promotes cooperation on defence and security issues).

Despite these efforts, the EU is not a federal state and each member country retains its own sovereignty. This means that each country has the right to make its own decisions on certain issues, such as foreign policy and defence. However, in many areas, the EU has the power to make decisions that member countries must follow.

The EU has faced a number of challenges in recent years, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit (the UK’s withdrawal from the EU), and tensions between member countries on a range of issues. However, it remains an important political and economic entity and is widely seen as a key player in international affairs.

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