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|pm         =

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|pm-raw         =

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|area         =1,669,807 sq mi (4,324,782 km²)

|area         =4,324,782 km²(1,669,807 sq mi)

|pop         =495,128,529 (2007)

|pop         =495,128,529 (2007)

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|pop-basis =

|currency =euro

|currency =euro

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|tld            =.eu

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The '''European Union (EU)''' is a legal and economic union of 27 [[Europe|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.

The '''European Union (EU)''' is a legal, political and economic union of 27 [[European]] countries. 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; 15 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.

As a set of institutions, the EU has more powers over its member states and their citizens than other international bodies; many of its competencies are supranational (above the member states) rather than intergovernmental (between them).  Despite having a legal personality and sovereignty in agreed areas, it is not regarded as a federation or state in its own right: rather, it stands somewhere between these two points. Fifteen member states use a common [[currency]], the [[euro]]; five other states formally agree to use it, and four others use it without formal agreement.

==Structure==

==Structure==