This report provides a brief overview of the European Union (EU), an economic and political partnership between 27 sovereign member states. The report describes the formation of the EU, the three main institutions of the EU, and the EU's relationship with the United States.

Letter from [Ludwig] Huth to his sons, [Ferdinand] Louis and Albert Huth. Contains a transcribed copy of a letter from D'Hanis & Co. dated July 15, 1847 from Antwerp. He inquires about Louis' legal action involving Castro and hopes that Albert will be able to live in harmony with Castro, despite Castro's inconsiderate actions. Signed Father Huth and dated July 24, 1847 in Neufreystaedt.

According to the most recent National Threat Assessment, the global financial crisis and its geopolitical implications pose the primary near-term security concern of the United States. Over the short run, both the EU and the United States are attempting to resolve the financial crisis while stimulating domestic demand to stem the economic downturn. These efforts have born little progress so far as the economic recession and the financial crisis have become reinforcing events, causing EU governments to forge policy responses to both crises. This report discusses this situation in detail and also discusses individual efforts by both the U.S. and EU to combat the effects of the crisis.