Government and Society

The European Union (EU) is a partnership of independent European states. The main goal of the EU is to promote economic and political cooperation between its member states. By cooperating, the member states of the EU can:
improve the economic and social well-being of the citizens; and prevent international conflicts by promoting peace, freedom and democracy.

The creation of the European Union
After the Second World War, a number of European countries decided to work together. For example, they signed international agreements, especially to improve economic cooperation.
After creating various associations, the countries established the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957. This organisation created a common market for products. People could import and export products freely between the member states, without paying any special taxes.
In 1992, the member states of the EEC signed a new agreement called Maastrich Treaty to increase their economic and political cooperation. This event was the beginning of the European Union.