English

Member states of the European Union

Proper noun

European Union

1. A supranational organisation, consisting of 28 member states, created in the 1950s to bring the nations of Europe into closer economic and political connection.
   • 1992, Maastricht Treaty,

     ...IN VIEW of further steps to be taken in order to advance European integration,
     HAVE DECIDED to establish a European Union and to this end have designated as their plenipotentiaries...

   • 1996, John Major, EU Beef Ban and the Florence European Council,

     The issue will now be dealt with on a proper, rational basis, with the timetable for the lifting of the ban dependent on our own efforts. That has enabled the restoration of normal business in the European Union.

2. (historical) An antifascist resistance group active during Germany’s Nazi era.

Synonyms

• (European supranational organisation): EU (initialism)

Translations