The European Union: Questions and Answers

Summary:

The European Union (EU) is a political and economic partnership that represents a unique form of cooperation among sovereign countries. The EU is the latest stage in a process of integration begun after World War II, initially by six Western European countries, to foster interdependence and make another war in Europe unthinkable. The EU currently consists of 27 member states, including most of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, and has helped to promote peace, stability, and economic prosperity throughout the European continent.

This report serves as a primer on the EU. It also discusses U.S.-EU relations that may be of interest to the 117th Congress.

Further information:

This report was first published in 2005 and it has been updated several times over the years. The latest update was published in February 2023. All updates can be checked on the Primary Source link provided below.

• Primary Source