The **European Union (EU)** is a supranational organization comprising **27 European member states** that cooperate on social, political, and economic policies to foster integration and stability across the continent[1][7]. Officially established in 1993 with the Treaty of Maastricht, the EU's origins trace back to 1951 with the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community, aimed at regulating key industries and preventing conflict post-World War II[1][3]. Over decades, it evolved into a broader union encompassing a single market, common currency (the Euro used by 20 member states), and coordinated regulations to facilitate the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital within its borders[3][5]. The EU operates through a complex institutional framework designed to balance the interests of member states and European citizens. Its **main institutions** include the European Council (which sets political direction), the European Commission (the executive body proposing laws and managing policies), the European Parliament (the directly elected legislative body), and the Council of the European Union (representing national governments)[2][4][6]. Other key bodies include the Court of Justice of the European Union, overseeing legal interpretation and enforcement, and the European Central Bank, managing monetary policy for Eurozone members[4][6]. Among its **key achievements**, the EU has created one of the largest and most integrated economic zones globally, with an economy comparable in size to the United States and a population nearing half a billion[1]. It has successfully maintained peace among historic rivals, promoted democratic values, human rights, and environmental standards, and navigated major challenges such as Brexit, migration crises, and technological transitions[2][9]. In the **business and technology sectors**, the EU plays a critical role by harmonizing regulations, investing in innovation, and setting digital policies that affect global markets. Its regulatory frameworks influence data privacy (e.g., GDPR), competition laws, and green technologies, positioning the EU a