Final answer:
The European Union consists of 27 member states as of 2022, following the exit of the United Kingdom. It is a significant economic and political entity with its members collaborating on diverse issues while maintaining their individual national identities and interests.
Step-by-step explanation:
The European Union currently consists of 27 nations following the withdrawal of the United Kingdom in 2020, an event widely known as Brexit. Initially, the EU focused on economic integration but has since broadened its mission to include promoting peace and solidarity among its member countries. The number of member states has evolved over time, expanding from its original six founding members to its current composition, illustrated in Figure 15.3. EU members hold substantial global influence in economics and politics. Additionally, a majority of these countries are part of the NATO alliance and maintain their national defense while coordinating at the EU level.
Different from the 47 countries in Europe as a whole, the EU's select membership includes some of the world's most developed nations. These countries collaborate to compete globally, support high living standards, and contribute to a prestigious group of "have" nations. While each country has its own goals and identities, they work together on common policies across diverse policy areas, which can create challenges due to differing economic, political, and cultural landscapes within the union.