EU Countries

Introduction

The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union comprising 27 member countries. It has the world's largest integrated market and is the second-largest economy, after the United States. The EU has a population of over 447 million people and a GDP of $17.3 trillion.

Member States

The EU was established with the signing of the Treaty on European Union (Maastricht Treaty) in 1993. It was preceded by the European Economic Community (EEC), which was formed in 1957 by the Treaty of Rome. The EU has been growing ever since, with the latest countries to join being Bulgaria and Romania in 2007.

The EU is based on the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. It has a single currency, the euro, which is used by 19 of the 27 member countries. The EU also has a single market, which allows goods, services, capital, and labor to move freely between member countries.

Culture and Society

The EU has a rich culture and history. It is home to some of the world's most famous museums, monuments, and works of art. The EU is also a major center of education and research. It has over 500 universities and research institutions.

The EU is a global leader in human rights and social justice. It has a strong tradition of social welfare and environmental protection. The EU is also a major contributor to international aid and development.