The purpose of the European Union is for its member countries to work together to gain advantages that would be difficult to achieve individually, such as increased economic power and influence on the global stage. While the EU coordinates policies on issues like trade, education, and agriculture, each country maintains independent control over its own laws, military, and government. Key benefits of EU membership include free trade, an common currency (the euro) that facilitates commerce, and freedom of movement and rights to live and work across member nations. The EU currently has 27 member countries, though some European nations have opted to remain outside the bloc.