European Union is a community of 27 European states connected by economic and political goals.
Its interest is to maintain peace, stability and economic prosperity. It contributed to the creation of European currency EURO and it gradually establishes a common European market allowing for a free movement of persons, goods and capital between member states. Fulfilment of these goals requires close cooperation between the member states, which is realized also via European institutions. The idea of creating a community of several European states pursuing their common goals was established only a few years after the end of World War II. The first step of European integration was the creation of a community of six first states with the aim to reinforce economic cooperation and thus prevent any further war conflicts. In its creation, the basic assumption was considered that an armed conflict is less likely to occur between states which engage in mutual trade and economically depend on one another. In addition to the above referred activities the European Union also actively endorses observing human rights and democratic principles. The Czech Republic joined the EU in 2004.