What is the main purpose of the european union?

The main purpose of the European Union (EU) is to promote economic and political integration among its member states to foster cooperation and prevent conflicts that led to devastating wars in the past, particularly World War I and World War II. The EU aims to achieve this purpose through several key objectives:

1. Economic Integration: The EU seeks to create a single, borderless market known as the "single market" where goods, services, capital, and people can move freely. This is intended to promote economic growth, competition, and efficiency.
2. Political Cooperation: The EU aims to facilitate political cooperation among its member states to address common challenges and promote shared values, such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
3. Peace and Stability: One of the foundational principles of the EU is to contribute to the maintenance of peace and stability in Europe. By fostering economic and political ties, the EU aims to prevent conflicts among its member states.
4. Social and Environmental Policies: The EU works to develop common social and environmental policies to address issues such as climate change, environmental protection, and social justice.
5. Common Currency: A subset of EU member states has adopted the euro (€) as their common currency, creating the Eurozone. This is intended to facilitate economic cooperation and streamline financial transactions.
6. Collaboration on Security and Defense: The EU seeks to promote collaboration on security and defense matters among its member states to address common security challenges.

It's important to note that the EU has evolved over time, and its objectives and functions have expanded since its inception.