The document provides an overview of the key institutions and treaties of the European Union (EU). It describes the EU's origins in 1993 with the Maastricht Treaty and lists its five major institutions: the European Commission, Council, Parliament, Court of Justice, and Court of Auditors. It also summarizes several important founding treaties, including the Treaty of Paris (1951), Treaty of Rome (1957), and Treaty of Maastricht (1993). Finally, it provides resources for researching EU law and treaties.