The European Union (EU) is a supranational association of 27 European countries based on a community of political, economic and legal interests. For EU membership, the European state needs not only to declare the principles of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights, but also to observe them in practice. In addition, the level of economic development of the applicant should be consistent with the EU average.
The first prerequisite for the creation of the European Union was the unification in 1951 of France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy and Luxembourg into the European Union of coal and steel. In 1957, countries signed an agreement establishing the European Economic Community (EEC). This association in 1992, after the signing of the Maastricht Treaty, became known as the European Community.
The EU has gradually expanded. Other European countries joined him. At the same time, the powers of EU institutions expanded. The participating countries voluntarily delegated part of their sovereignty to the elected authorities of the Union.
The main participation in the adoption of laws and regulations is taken by three institutions:
- European Commission;
- European Parliament;
- Council of the European Union.
The European Court of Justice monitors compliance with European law. The Audit Chamber verifies the financial activities of the Union.
The European Commission is the highest executive body of the EU. She puts forward bills and oversees the implementation of laws by members of the union. The European Commission consists of 27 commissioners - one from each EU state.
The Council of the European Union has the line ministers of the EU member states. Its composition depends on the issues discussed. For example, if the problem of environmental protection is being solved, then the ministers of governments who are responsible for this issue in their homeland participate in the meetings.
Direct elections to the European Parliament are held every five years by citizens of EU countries. Parliamentarians are united in seven fractions. Parliament approves laws, but does not have the right to put forward bills. The European Parliament has less powers than the Council of Europe.
Thanks to the harmonized economic and legal policies of the EU Member States, a common market has been created that guarantees the freedom of movement of capital, goods and services. 22 countries have signed an agreement in Schengen on the abolition of passport control, which guarantees freedom of movement for citizens of these countries within the Schengen zone. A single EU currency, the euro, has been created. The eurozone includes 17 member countries of the Union.
The European Union is a subject of international law and therefore can participate in international relations and conclude treaties. Accordingly, he has diplomatic missions in many countries and a representative office at the UN.
Now the EU includes 27 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Great Britain, Hungary, Germany, Greece, Denmark, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, France, Czech Republic, Sweden and Estonia.
Croatia and Turkey are candidates for joining the Union.
The anthem of the European Union has become the "Ode to Joy" by Ludwig van Beethoven.
