AO1 The African Union (motto: A united and strong Africa) brings together 55 states and the European Union (motto: United in diversity) brings together 27 states into a union of states with common aims and purpose. AO2 The importance of this is that previously sovereign states see sufficient benefit and shared common purpose to make a commitment to a sizeable united political body, representing the majority of states in their geographical region, which represents their interests at a global level which indicates a similar role, aim and development. AO1 The European Union was formed in the 1990s following the transformation of the ECSC, European Economic Community and EC. The African Union was launched in 2002 with stated aims including economic integration. AO2 This is significant because it implies that both organisations have origins which are partly focused on an economic role and development, and that individual states see a benefit in working together economically for future collective growth. AO1 The African Union has established a Pan-African Parliament with legislative powers, and the EU has a range of bodies involved in legislative creation and implementation, including the Commission, Parliament and Council. AO2 This is important because it suggests that the organisations are similar in that their member states are willing to develop a joint legislation role as they develop which will impact on all member states and which may, potentially, conflict with existing individual state legislation. AO1The EU has developed a Common Foreign and Security Policy for limited, mainly security and defence diplomacy and action, whilst the African Union has developed a Peace and Security Council to assist with collective security and to prevent, manage and resolve conflict in region. AO2 This is significant because it shows that both organisations are similar in that they see the organisations as playing an important role with similar aims in security, peace and stability as they develop. AO1 The European Union established the ECJ as the supreme court of the European Union in matters of European Union law and a Charter of Fundamental Rights whilst also supporting the ECHR, and the African Union has committed to the development and support of judicial bodies including the African Court of Justice and Human Rights. AO2 These examples are important because they show that both regional organisations have a commitment to aiming to establishing, developing and supporting judicial institutions, processes and roles including in the protection of human rights.