The European Union is a political and economic partnership of 27 member states. It exists so that countries that once fought each other can instead negotiate, trade, and set shared rules — on everything from the size of a phone charger to the rights of a citizen crossing a border.
What the EU actually does
The EU sets common rules in areas its member states have agreed to share — the single market, environmental standards, consumer protection, and non-discrimination law among them. Most day-to-day matters (health care, education, policing) stay with national governments.
Why it exists
The EU’s founding purpose was peace through cooperation. Over time that grew into a single market, a shared legal framework for citizens’ rights, and a seat at the table on issues no single country can solve alone.
Where to go next
See “EU Institutions” for who does what, or “Your Rights” for what EU citizenship actually gives you.