European Union (EU) | Definition, Purpose, History, & Members

The European Union (EU) is a political and economic alliance of 27 European countries. It is also called a supranational political and economic union. The member countries of the European Union are also called EU countries or member states.

What is European Union?

The European Council is a collective body of the European Union. Its main objective is to give direction to all political affairs of the European Union and to determine the priority of various political issues. The first formal meeting of the European Union was held in 1975 AD.

About 447 million people live in the European Union, which is about 6% of the world population. Citizens of EU countries are also citizens of the European Union.

How many countries come to the European Union?

The European Union is a group of 27 countries in Europe.

Purpose and the Reason behind the formation of the European Union

EU policies aim to ensure the free movement of people, goods, services and capital within the internal market; to make laws in justice and home affairs; and maintain common policies on trade, agriculture, fisheries and regional development.

European countries felt after the Second World War that they should develop a political structure that would include most of the countries in Europe. Its purpose was to avoid such a situation from recurring in the future, the way almost all the countries of Europe were divided into small pieces and became enemies of each other during the Second World War. To deal with any such problem that may arise in the future, European people presented the idea of forming a political organization called the European Union.

Current list of all 27 European Union Countries

Country	EU accession date
Austria	January 1, 1995
Belgium	March 25, 1957
Bulgaria	January 1, 2007
Croatia	July 1, 2013
Cyprus	May 1, 2004
Czechia	May 1, 2004
Denmark	January 1, 1973
Estonia	May 1, 2004
Finland	January 1, 1995
France	March 25, 1957
Germany	March 25, 1957
Greece	January 1, 1981
Hungary	May 1, 2004
Ireland	January 1, 1973
Italy	March 25, 1957
Latvia	May 1, 2004
Lithuania	May 1, 2004
Luxembourg	March 25, 1957
Malta	May 1, 2004
Netherlands	March 25, 1957
Poland	May 1, 2004
Portugal	January 1, 1986
Romania	January 1, 2007
Slovakia	May 1, 2004
Slovenia	May 1, 2004
Spain	January 1, 1986
Sweden	January 1, 1995

What is The European Central Bank (ECB)

The European Central Bank is another body of the European Union. This bank works for the European Union in the same way as the central bank of any country works for that country.

This European Central Bank of the European Union formulates monetary policy for the currency called 'Euro' and administers various aspects related to it. Out of 28 member countries of the European Union, only 19 member countries have accepted the Euro as their currency. Therefore, the organization of these 19 countries that have accepted the Euro as their national currency is called the 'Euro Zone'.

What is The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU)

This judicial institution belonging to the European Union was first formed in 1952 through the Treaty of Paris. At that time this judicial institution was named ‘The Court of Justice of the European Communities’. But later in the year 2009, the name of this institution was changed to ‘The Court of Justice of the European Union – CJEU’.

The Moral Values of the European Union

The European Union has declared various ethical values, which ultimately try to enshrine inclusion, justice, solidarity and tolerance in the EU society. The moral values declared by the European Union are as follows:

• Ensuring the human rights of the people of Europe.
• To establish human dignity in the European society and prevent its violation.
• To ensure 'democracy' as the basis of governance in European society.

European Union and Nobel Prize

This organization has conducted various operations in a peaceful manner in the region of Europe since its formation. Furthermore, the EU has given top priority to democracy and human rights, on the basis of which peace has been established in the region for a long time and all countries are moving towards prosperity among themselves. Due to all these reasons, the European Union was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in the year 2012.

Where is Europe located?

Europe is one of the seven continents. It extends from the tundra in the north to the Mediterranean Sea and desert areas in the south. It borders Asia to the east, shares the Atlantic with the Americas and the Mediterranean Sea with Africa and the Middle East.

Popular FAQs on European Union

What is the name of the currency of the European Union?

Euro is the official currency of the European Union

Who was the first President of the European Union?

Almost a decade after the end of World War II, Walter Hallstein was elected the first President of the European Union in Brussels. He is a German diplomat and politician. He was elected on 7 January 1958 and remained in office until 1967.

When was the European Union formed?

The European Union was created by the Maastricht Treaty, which came into force on November 1, 1993.

Who is the first female President of the European Union?

Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen was the first female President of the European Union.

European Union Where is the headquarters of EU located?

The headquarters of the Council of the European Union is in Brussels.

What is the capital of European Union?

Brussels is the capital of the European Union

How many countries are there in Europe Continent?

According to the United Nations, there are 44 countries in Europe today.