3. European Union
The European Union was formally established (with the
Maastricht Treaty) on November 1, 1993. However, January 1,
2002, is a day that many people remember. It wasn’t just the start
of another new year. It was also the start of a new era for the 304
million people living in 12 European countries. On that day, the
euro became the official currency of their countries. The
European Union currently has 27 member states, and new
members are expected to join. Citizens of member countries can
travel freely, live, study, and work in any of the member
countries.