ЄС, or the Європейський Союз (European Union), is a political and economic union of 27 European countries. It was established to promote peace, stability, and economic cooperation among its member states. The EU allows for the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital, creating a single market that benefits its members. The EU has its own institutions, including the Європейська Комісія (European Commission), the Європейський Парламент (European Parliament), and the Рада Європейського Союзу (Council of the European Union). These bodies work together to create and enforce laws, manage budgets, and address issues such as trade, environment, and security.