The European Union (EU) is a unique political and economic union of 27 European countries. It's like a club where members agree to work together for the benefit of all. The EU allows for free movement of people, goods, services, and capital between member countries, creating a single market. It also has common policies on trade, agriculture, and regional development. The EU aims to promote peace, its values, and the well-being of its citizens. It has its own currency, the euro, which is used by 20 of its member countries. The EU is a major economic and political power on the global stage. See also [[Eurozone]], [[European Central Bank (ECB)]]