The European Union: history and structure

In short: The EU is an association of 27 states with a common single market, law and in part a common currency. It arose after the Second World War to secure peace and prosperity in Europe.

In more detail: The beginning was the Coal and Steel Community in 1951. The Treaties of Rome in 1957 created the European Economic Community.

In detail

• Milestones: Maastricht Treaty 1992 (EU), Schengen Agreement, euro cash 2002, Eastern enlargement 2004.
• Institutions: European Parliament (directly elected), Council of the EU, European Council, European Commission, Court of Justice of the EU.
• Single market: Free movement of goods, services, capital and people.
• Euro: Common currency in 20 member states (as of 2023), managed by the European Central Bank.
• Withdrawal: The UK left the EU in 2020 (Brexit).
• Rights: Union citizenship, Charter of Fundamental Rights, data protection (dsgvo-grundsätze-und-rechtsgrundlagen, eu-ai-act-und-regeln-für-ki).