Evrópusambandinu

Evrópusambandinu, often referred to as the EU, is a unique political and economic union of 27 European countries. It was established after World War II with the aim of fostering economic cooperation, believing that countries that trade with one another are less likely to go to war. The foundation of the EU can be traced back to the European Coal and Steel Community, founded in 1951, which later evolved into the European Economic Community in 1957. The Maastricht Treaty, signed in 1992, formally created the European Union.

The EU operates through a system of supranational institutions and intergovernmental negotiations. Key institutions include the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union, the European Commission, and the Court of Justice of the European Union. These bodies work together to create and enforce laws that apply across all member states, covering a wide range of policy areas, including trade, agriculture, environmental protection, and justice.

A significant achievement of the EU is the creation of a single market, which allows for the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people among member states. Many EU countries also share a common currency, the euro, managed by the European Central Bank. The EU's overarching goals include promoting peace, its values, and the well-being of its citizens, while also addressing global challenges such as climate change and security. Membership in the EU requires adherence to democratic principles, human rights, and the rule of law.