The European Union is a political and economic integration 27 European states. It represents the highest form of regional integration- economic and monetary union. So far it is the only such existing and well functioning supranational organization. Therefore, it has been regarded as a global experiment whether different nations can overcome nationalistic ideas and build an identity greater that their own.

The present form European Union was formed with the Treaty of Maastricht in 1993. It was built on top of a series of other multilateral agreements between European states dating back to the end of World War II. The one preceding the treaty was the European Communities.

With its combined strength the European Union represents the biggest economy in the world with roughly 21% of the world gross domestic product. It has a combines market of about 500 million people. The European Union has a single market where people, goods, services and finances can flow freely from one country to the other. This market is governed by standardized laws that apply in all member states. Moreover, the union has common policies on trade, agriculture, fishing, and regional development.

So far 16 out of the 27 states have adopted the common European currency- the Euro. In order for the countries to become part of the eurozone they have to meet certain criteria. Most of the remaining countries are in the process of joining the common currency. There are countries like the UK and Sweden that rejected adopting the new currency. The Schengen Agreement is a contract between 25 countries (22 of which part of the EU) for the abolition of passport control.

The three branches of power in the European Union are represented by: legislative- European Parliament; judicial- the Court of Justice of the European Union; and executive- the European Council and the European Commission.

Car rental companies that operate in Europe are National, Avis, Easy Car, Argus, Europcar, Budget, and Enterprise.