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In this article, we examine the European Union. We shall discuss the origins of the European Union, the formation of the international organization, mandate and functions of the IO, as well as debates and criticisms with regards to the organization. We shall also list various references with regards to the European Union

The European Union as we know it today first came to existence as the European Economic Community (EEC) . The idea behind the European Economic Community was for European states to work together on economic matters following the effects of World War II. The hope was that by increasing trade ties with one another, they would increase trade interdependence, which in turn would help move them away from conflict with one another. It is believed that French statesmen Jean Monnet and Robert Schuman are regarded as the architects of the principle that the best way to start the European bonding process was by developing economic ties (BBC, 2012). These ideas led to the Treaty of Paris in 1951 (BBC, 2012). Shortly after, the European Economic Community was formed in 1958, and was initially comprised of six states, which were Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, as well as the Netherlands (European Union, 2014b). The goal was to share sovereignty on a number of matters and issues, which would in turn make conflict increasingly unlikely. For example, the early agreements within the European Economic Community (EEC) focused on economic matters, and specific resources such as coal, steel production, as well as nuclear energy between the states (Archick, 2014).

However, throughout the decades, the European Union has expanded their influence and interdependence greatly. What began as a limited cooperative evolved to include additional issues such as a customs union; a single market in which goods, people, and capital move freely; a common trade policy; a common agricultural policy; many aspects of social and environmental policy; and a common currency (the euro) that is used by 18 member states (Archick, 2014: 1). It was in 1991 the that the European Union officiallyfollowed the European Community (BBC, 2012). Following the official formation of the European Union, the states within the IO began discussing issues related to citizenship. For example, from this point onwards, individuals from any member of the European Union could travel to any other EU state without restriction (BBC, 2012). And it was in this 1991 European Union Treaty at Maastricht that set European Union positions on issues of rights for workers, amongst other related topics (it should be noted that the United Kingdom did not agree to this Social Chapter within the Maastricht Treaty) (BBC, 2012).

In terms of currency, the majority of the 28 states are on the same currency, the Euro. Many did so in 1999. Greece, while a part of the Euro, did so in 2001. However, there are a few countries who are not on the Euro. Sweden, Denmark, and the United Kingdom retained their currencies (BBC, 2012).

The initial criteria for jointing the European Union were laid out in the 1991 Maastricht Treaty.

There are currently 28 countries within the European Union. We have listed the European Union countries and the year they entered (European Union, 2014a) into the European Union below.

Austria (1995)

Belgium (1952)

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International Relations European Union