Hi can you tell me about the European Union? 
 Of course! The European Union is a confederation of 28 different countries throughout Europe. It was founded in 1957 as the European Economic Community. Would you like more information related to the economy? 
 Thank you. Can you tell me about the Economy? 
 The creation of a single currency in Europe became an objective for the EEC in 1969. Two of the original objectives ere the development of a common market (later a single market), and a customs union between member states. As a political entity, the European Union has representation in the World Trade Organization. 
 Wow, anything else you can tell me about the economy? 
 Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein are not members of the European Union, but they do participate in the single market. There are 19 member states that have joined eurozone, a monetary union that only uses the Euro as currency. EU member states own 25% of the $317 trillion global wealth. They fall in second behind the United States' $98.2 trillion net wealth. 
 That is great. What else can you tell me about the Member states? 
 22 EU members are also members of NATO. The rest of the member states follow neutral policies. 
 What else can you tell me about them? 
 In 1985, the Schengen Agreement paved the way for the creation of open borders without passport controls between most member states and a few other non-member states. 
 Thank you for that. Any interesting or fun facts I should know? 
 None of the member states have ever left the Union, although in 1985 Greendland did withdraw. 
 Thank you for all your help! 
 You're very welcome!
European Union