The European Union The European Union is a union of fifteen independent states bases on the European Communities that was founded in 1993 in order to enhance political, economic and social co-operation. The 15 participating countries are the following: - Austria - Germany - Holland - Belgium - Greece - Portugal - Denmark - Ireland - Spain - Finland - Italy - Sweden - France - Luxembourg - United Kingdom All these countries, although different in opinion, traditions, are united by a common ideal: to make Europe a better place to live by keeping peace and freedom. The aim of the European Union is to promote economic and social progress, which is balanced a