The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe.The EU was created by the Maastricht Treaty.The European Union is set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between neighbours, which culminated in the Second World War. As of 1950, the European Coal and Steel Community began to unite European countries economically and politically in order to secure lasting peace. Its members have a combined area of 4,233,255.3 km² and an estimated total population of about 447 million. The European Union is the largest trade block in the world. The majority of trade is with the EU member countries as there is free trade among the member countries. The so-called 'single market' was established in 1992. Ireland joined the EU in 1973 and are still a member today.It defines European Values as personal freedom, human dignity, solidarity, active civil society, market economy, democracy and rule of law.