The European Union is an economic and political organisation of 27 European member states, whose aim is regional integration. The EU was established upon the foundations of the former European Economic Community (EEC), following the signing of the Maastricht Treaty on 1 November 1993. With some seven countries awaiting inclusion in this powerful force, the EU currently encompasses over 500 million inhabitants and has a 30% share of the nominal gross world product. The EU has created a single market using a standardised system of laws that allows freedom of movement between member states of people, goods, services, and capital. In addition, it has common policies on agriculture, fisheries, trade, and regional development.
Of the 27 member states, 16 have adopted a common currency, the Euro, designed to help promote a single market. United under a common flag of 12 stars on a blue background, the European Union has an anthem known as the European Anthem, whose official name is “Ode to Joy.” Interestingly enough, the motto of the EU is “United in Diversity.” And diverse it is. It has 23 official and working languages, with German and English the most-spoken languages. Its legal system is based on a number of treaties, and member states are expected to enforce the treaties even where they may conflict with national law. Regarding religion, the EU is actually a secular body with no formal connection to any religion, although there is a certain emphasis on Christianity, stemming from Europe’s history of Roman Catholicism. Besides this, Islam is significantly represented in the EU, as are other minority religions.