The <a href='/<a href='/Euro'>Euro</a>pean_Union'><a href='/Euro'>Euro</a>pean Union</a> is an economic and political union of 28 member states that are located primarily in <a href='/Euro'>Euro</a>pe. It has developed a single market through a standardized system of laws that apply in all member states, allowing for the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital.
The <a href='/<a href='/Euro'>Euro</a>pean_Union'><a href='/Euro'>Euro</a>pean Union</a> (EU) is an economic and political union of 28 member states that are located primarily in <a href='/Euro'>Euro</a>pe. It has developed a single market through a standardized system of laws that apply in all member states, ensuring the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital. It has a common currency, the <a href='/Euro'>euro</a>, and has developed a policy in a wide range of areas, including the environment, transport, consumer protection, and the fight against fraud.<br><br>The EU was established in 1993 with the signing of the <a href='/Maastricht_Treaty'>Maastricht Treaty</a>, which created the <a href='/<a href='/Euro'>Euro</a>pean_Union'><a href='/Euro'>Euro</a>pean Union</a>. The EU has since grown to include 28 member states, with the most recent additions being Croatia in 2013 and Montenegro in 2017. The EU has its own institutions, including the <a href='/Euro'>Euro</a>pean Commission, the <a href='/Euro'>Euro</a>pean Parliament, the Council of the <a href='/<a href='/Euro'>Euro</a>pean_Union'><a href='/Euro'>Euro</a>pean Union</a>, the <a href='/Euro'>Euro</a>pean Court of Justice, and the <a href='/Euro'>Euro</a>pean Central Bank.<br><br>The EU is a major player in <a href='/International_Affairs'>international affairs</a>, and is a major trading partner for many countries around the world. It is also a major donor of <a href='/Development_Aid'>development aid</a>, and is a major contributor to international peace and security. The EU has also been involved in a number of international initiatives, such as the Paris Agreement on climate change, the Iran nuclear deal, and the fight against terrorism.<br><br>The EU is a unique form of international organization, and its member states have a wide range of interests and objectives. The EU is committed to promoting economic growth and social progress, and to protecting the environment. It is also committed to promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The EU is also committed to promoting peace and security, and to working with its partners to address global challenges.