Unia Europejska, or the 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 people, goods, services, and capital, creating a single market that benefits its members. The EU has its own institutions, including the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the European Council, which help in making decisions and implementing policies. It also has a common currency, the Euro, used by 19 of the member countries, facilitating trade and economic integration.