Introduction and history of the European Union
development. Within the Schengen Area, passport controls have been abolished.The monetary
union was established in 1999 and came into full force in 2002. It is currently composed of 18
member states that use the euro as their legal tender.
At the moment there are 28 member states in the EU. To become a member, a country must
meet the Copenhagen criteria. These require a stable democracy that respects human rights
and the rule of law; a functioning marketeconomy; and the acceptance of the obligations of
membership, including EU law. No member state has ever left the Union. After 1952, there
have been 7 enlargements: 1973, 1981, 1986, 1995, 2004 (including Estonia), 2007, 2013.
Most important 5 treaties (lepingud) till today are Paris, Rome, Brussels, Maastrict and
Lisbon. Leaders: President of the Commission José Manuel Barroso and President of the
European Council Herman Van Rompuy.
EU law
The European Union is based on the rule of law
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