European Union, International Organizations

Related Category: International Organizations

European Union (EU), name given since the ratification (Nov., 1993) of the Treaty of European Union, or Maastricht Treaty, to the European Community (EC), an economic and political confederation of European nations, and other organizations (with the same member nations) that are responsible for a common foreign and security policy and for cooperation on justice and home affairs. Fifteen countries : Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany (originally West Germany), Great Britain, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden : are full members of the organizations of the EU.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia Copyright © 2003, Columbia University Press.
Licensed from Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.