The European Union

The European Union (abbreviation: EU, the European Union's formal official languages have 23 kinds of European Union official languages, see the name list), is according to 1992 signed the "treaty on European Union (also called the Maastricht treaty) established by international organizations, and now has 27 member states. Regulate the eu treaties after many revisions, the European Union mode of operation is in accordance with the Lisbon treaty. All members are politically democratic countries (2008 the economist democratic state, economic survey) for the world's largest economic entity (including France, Italy, England, Germany for eight industrialized members), military most member states for the north Atlantic treaty members.
The European Union is the world's most powerful international organization, in trade, agriculture, finance etc approximating a unified federal and state, while in internal affairs, such as defense and foreign affairs other aspects is similar to an independent state composed of the alliance. The eu's political system for with other world large-scale international organizations differ, should regard it as a unique entity.
The eu's history can be traced back to 1952 establishment of the European coal and steel community, there were only six members. In 1958 and founded the European economic community and European atomic energy community, 1967 integrative in the European Community under, 1993 and integrative in the European Union, the European Union has gradually under from trade entity transformed into economic and political union. Also, the European Union and later the eu, in 1971 to 2007 during six times expand, the member from six to 27. At first the European Union establish motive, is eager to rebuild after world war ii disastrous European, and about Europe will be thrown into war depression.
According to the "treaty on European Union, the European Union altogether by three pillar composition:
European Community, including a customs union, a single market, common agricultural policy, common fisheries policy, a single currency, many parts; the schengen etc.
Common foreign and security policy
Criminal events of police administration and judicature cooperation
The eu's main agency has the council of Europe, the European Union council, the European commission, the European parliament, the European court, the European central bank, etc. In addition, the European Community in the atomic energy within the compass of the European Community, but in law is independent of the eu international organization.
The euro is the eu's official currency, at present already by 27 members of 16 adopted as the currency, Schengen cancelled part among member states border control, at present had 22 European Union member states and three non-member states implementation.
At present the main issues related to the eu's eu expansion, implement the Lisbon treaty, global warming, and the eurozone member countries joining the euro matters.