Knowra European Union European Union The European Union is a political and economic union of European countries with shared institutions, laws, and policies. Its members coordinate decisions while retaining national governments and sovereignty.
European Commission : The EU institution that proposes legislation, implements policy, and monitors member states’ compliance with EU law. It initiates much EU legislation and oversees the application of shared rules.
Member state of the European Union : A sovereign country that belongs to the European Union and participates in its institutions and common policies. Member states pool authority in agreed areas while retaining national governments.
European Coal and Steel Community : A 1951 community of six European countries that placed coal and steel production under shared institutions. It was the first major institutional step toward European integration.
Eurozone : The group of EU member states that use the euro as their currency. It is the Union’s monetary union, though not all member states participate.
Council of Europe : An international organization focused on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, separate from the European Union. Its broader membership and different institutions distinguish it from the EU.
European Parliament : The directly elected legislative body of the European Union, sharing lawmaking and budgetary powers with the Council of the EU. Its elected members represent EU citizens in legislation and budget decisions.
Treaty on European Union : An EU founding treaty that sets out the Union’s objectives, institutions, and core principles. It establishes the Union’s political framework and the principles guiding its action.
Treaty of Rome : The 1957 treaty that established the European Economic Community and Euratom. It created the common-market project that later developed into the EU.
Schengen Area : A group of European countries that have largely abolished routine checks at their shared internal borders. It enables passport-free travel across many EU countries and some non-EU states.
European Economic Area : An arrangement extending much of the EU single market to Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, which are not EU members. It grants market access without full EU membership or participation in all institutions.
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