European Union

**1. European Union Establishment and Expansion:**
– EU established as political and economic union with 27 member states in Europe.
– Total area of 4,233,255km and a population over 448 million.
– Initial integration efforts post-World War I and II.
– Treaties of Rome, Maastricht, Amsterdam, Nice, Lisbon, and Brexit events.
– EU citizenship established with the Maastricht Treaty in 1993.
– Future expansion with ten countries aspiring to join.

**2. European Union Achievements and Influence:**
– EU member states generated GDP of around US$16.6 trillion in 2022.
– Policies ensuring free movement of people, goods, services, and capital.
– Abolishment of passport controls within the Schengen Area.
– Eurozone composed of 20 EU member states using the euro currency.
– EU awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012.
– Described as an emerging superpower due to global influence.

**3. European Union Governance and Branches of Power:**
– Hybrid system of supranational and intergovernmental decision-making.
– Legislative, executive, and judicial branches of power.
– Decision-making bodies include European Parliament, European Council, etc.
– European Central Bank determines eurozone monetary policy.
– European Council and European Commission form the executive branch.
– Council of the European Union and European Parliament form the legislative branch.

**4. European Union Legal System and Institutions:**
– Legal inception from treaties post-World War II.
– Treaties of Maastricht and Rome form the legal basis.
– Court of Justice of the European Union interprets EU law.
– European Central Bank governs the monetary branch.
– European Court of Auditors established for financial management.
– European Union Law resembles both a confederation and a federation.

**5. European Union Budget and Peace Initiatives:**
– Agreed budget of €170.6 billion in 2022.
– Long-term budget for 2014-2020 was €1,082.5 billion.
– Sanctions on Russia post-Ukraine invasion.
– Preparation for over 35 member states by 2030.
– Contributions to peace and reconciliation in Europe.
– Bodies combating fraud like the European Anti-fraud Office.