The **European Union (EU)** is a unique political and economic union of 27 member states primarily located in Europe, designed to promote integration, peace, stability, and economic prosperity across the continent. It operates through a complex institutional framework comprising seven main institutions, including the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council of the European Union, and the European Commission, supplemented by numerous bodies and agencies focused on specific policy areas such as health, environment, and transport[1][2][3]. Founded in the aftermath of World War II, the EU's origins trace back to the 1950s with the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community, evolving through successive treaties to become a comprehensive supranational entity. Its governance structure is characterized by a mix of intergovernmental and supranational elements: the European Council, formed by heads of state or government, sets broad political priorities; the Council of the European Union (Council of Ministers) and the European Parliament share legislative powers; and the European Commission acts as the executive, proposing legislation and implementing decisions[1][2][3][5]. Key achievements of the EU include the creation of a single market allowing the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people; the euro currency used by 19 member states managed by the European Central Bank; and advancing common policies in areas such as climate change, digital innovation, and data protection. The EU is also notable for its judicial body, the Court of Justice of the European Union, which ensures uniform interpretation and application of EU law across member states[1][4][5]. Currently, the EU continues to adapt to global challenges, focusing heavily on digital transformation, green technology, and economic recovery post-pandemic. It employs around 60,000 civil servants to serve over 450 million Europeans, with headquarters spread across Brussels, Luxembourg, Frankfurt, and Strasbourg[1][4]. The EU's decision-making is complex but designed to balance national sovereignty with collective European interests