How does the European Union work?

By Tom Bateman Politics Reporter in Brussels

The Conservative party leader David Cameron is facing criticism after scrapping a promise for everyone in the UK to get a vote on a controversial new agreement on Europe, the Lisbon Treaty. The deal will create a new EU top job of president. But what is the European Union and how does it work?

David Cameron had promised a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty

What is the European Union (EU)?

The European Union is made up of hundreds of ministers and politicians sent to Brussels and Strasbourg from 27 European countries, or 'member states', including the UK.

It first began life back in the 1950s, set up after the Second World War to try to bring the countries of Europe together rather than have them fighting against each other.

The British war time Prime Minister Winston Churchill thought it was a great idea.

What does it do?

The main job of the EU is to make laws and to argue Europe's corner to the world's other major countries, like the US and China.

It makes laws on all sorts of things that affect our lives every day, like the rules about football clubs buying players from abroad, or how often lorry drivers have to take breaks or how much maternity leave your boss might have to give you.

But why do so many people moan about it?

The Conservatives are opposed to Tony Blair becoming EU president

Lots of people think it's a bad idea to give up some of Britain's power and 'pool' it in Europe.

They think it waters down our own ability to make our own laws.

They also worry that we end up giving more money to Europe than we sometimes get back.

So, why is it all in the news at the moment?

Because top ministers from across Europe, including the UK's Prime Minister Gordon Brown, met last week in Brussels.

They pushed through an agreement called the Lisbon Treaty, which will make it simpler for the EU to make new rules.

The only country trying to stop the treaty going through, the Czech Republic, has now ratified it.

And what's all this about Tony Blair?

When the Lisbon Treaty comes in, it will create new 'top jobs' for the EU. One of those is a post of President, or President of the European Council to give it its full title.

Some of Tony Blair's friends have come out saying he would be great at the job, but the former PM has so far stayed silent about doing it.

Plenty of people oppose him, including the Conservative party.

They think too many people dislike Tony Blair abroad and he's unpopular because of his decision to invade Iraq.

All that's meant the odds are lengthening on a 'President Blair'.