European Union - GCSE Geography Definition

The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union consisting of 27 European countries that have chosen to work together to promote economic integration, political cooperation, and regional stability. Established with the aim of fostering economic collaboration to prevent conflict, the EU has its own currency, the euro, used by 20 of its member countries. It allows for the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital among member states, and has its own institutions, such as the European Parliament and the European Commission, which help to create and enforce laws across the member nations. For GCSE Geography students, the EU is significant because it impacts trade, environmental policies, and transport networks in Europe, making it an influential player in both regional and global affairs.