The European Union

The European Union

The European Union is a collection or gathering of countries in Europe.  The members of the Union have decided to help each other in many different ways.

The European Union was founded November 1, 1993.  The big reason it was formed was to bring Europe together after World War II, the end of a divided Germany with the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the end of the Soviet Union in 1991. The European Union would work for peace around Europe.        

The 12 stars on the European Union flag are not related to the number of countries in the European Union; instead, the number 12 is traditionally the symbol of perfection and unity.                                      

Today the European Union is made up of 28 countries but there will be more to come.  Some countries can't join because of their laws. Vatican City is a complete monarchy, you just don't hear about the king because he is the pope.  Because Vatican City is a complete monarchy without elected representatives,  it is not allowed to join the European Union.

The European Union's currency is the Euro.  Not all of the European Union members use the Euro. The United Kingdom for example uses the Pound.