Sweden and the EU
On July 1, Sweden assumed presidency of the European Union.
On July 1, Sweden assumed presidency of the European Union. The EU, an economic and political partnership comprised of European countries, consists of the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union, and the European Commission.
The EU was first created in 1945, uniting six nations in order to stop fighting between neighboring countries and create a lasting peace after World War II. It evolved throughout the next fifty years into the current EU, which was established in 1993 and currently has 27 member nations (including Sweden, Finland and Denmark, but not Norway and Iceland). The European Union's goals are "to spread prosperity, democratic progress, and the rule of law and human rights beyond its frontiers." It has established policies for its member countries such as a universal emergency phone number and easy, visa-free travel between countries. Presidency of the EU rotates every six months, and this is Sweden's second time in the role.
