European Union ("EU"), is an international organization made up of 27 European countries.

The EU governs the common economic, political, social, and security policies of its member states.

It eliminates all border controls between members. The open border allows the free flow of goods and people.

The EU was created by the Maastricht Treaty, which entered into force on November 1, 1993.

The treaty was designed to enhance European political and economic integration by creating:


  1. A single currency (the euro).

  2. A unified foreign and security policy.

  3. A common citizenship rights.


Its 27 member countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

For a more in-depth look at the European Union, read this.