Question

Give a brief account of the European Union (EU).

Answer 1

1. The process of establishing the European Union through regional cooperation commenced immediately after the Second World War.
2. The initiative gained momentum in the 1970s and reached its culmination with the formation of the European Union by the Maastricht Treaty in 1993.
3. Following the United Kingdom's exit in 2020, the EU now comprises 27 member states.
4. The EU boasts an intricate institutional framework, including the European Parliament, the European Council, the European Commission, and the European Court of Justice.
5. Since 1999, the Euro has served as the common currency for 19 out of the 27 member states.
6. The establishment of the Schengen Area stands out as one of the EU's significant accomplishments.
7. This framework enables eligible individuals to travel freely within the 26 Schengen countries.
8. The EU's emergence has presented a substantial challenge to American hegemony in the global order.