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The European Union is a legal and economic union of 27 European countries. It began with in 1992 with the [[Maastricht Treaty]]. It is governed by a common legal system and many of its member states use a common [[currency]], the [[euro]]. [[The United Kingdom]], [[Denmark]], [[Sweden]] and several Eastern block countries such as [[Poland]] do not use the [[euro]].

The '''European Union (EU)''' is a legal and economic union of 27 European nations. It was formed in 1993 with the ratification of the [[Maastricht Treaty]], though its predecessor, the European Economic Community, was founded in 1957.

 

As an institution, the EU has more powers over its member states and their citizens than is the case with most international bodies; most of its member states also use a common [[currency]], the [[Euro]]. It is not, however, generally regarded as a federation or state in its own right. Rather, it stands somewhere between these two points.

 

The policies of the EU tend to be [[liberal]] by American standards, in keeping with the generally liberal political culture of European countries.

 

A significant number of Europeans on the political right of centre are opposed to the EU on the grounds that it undermines national sovereignty and identity. Such people are known in British English as "Eurosceptics", and they include such people as the former British Prime Minister [[Margaret Thatcher|Baroness Thatcher]]. They also, however, include less well-respected right-wing politicians belonging to extreme or [[fascist]] parties, such as France's [[Jean-Marie Le Pen]].

There are three official candidates being considered for membership, [[Turkey]], [[Croatia]] and [[The Republic of Macedonia]].  Typically a country that is considered will have to make some economic or social changes to bring it in line with other member states.

There are three official candidates being considered for membership, [[Turkey]], [[Croatia]] and [[The Republic of Macedonia]].  Typically a country that is considered will have to make some economic or social changes to bring it in line with other member states.