The European Union THE EUROPEAN UNION “Nothing is possible without men; nothing is lasting without institutions” – Jean Monnet

The European Union A unique economic and political partnership between 28 European countries that together cover much of the continent. Over 50 years of providing peace, prosperity, and stability. Shared values: liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law.

The European Union What is the European Union? Largest economic body in the world. Not a super-state to replace existing countries, nor just an organization for cooperation among a community of countries million Member States Combined population of EU Member States Percent of world’s population Percent of global GDP

The European Union Current member states Recognized candidates Recognized by the EU as potential candidates which have submitted an application Recognized by the EU as potential candidates which have not yet applied for membership

The European Union Population in millions, EUChinaJapanRussiaUnited States EU Population in the World

The European Union Area of the EU compared to the rest of the world Surface area, km² EUChina Japan RussiaUnited States

The European Union Size of the EU countries Surface area in km² France Spain Sweden Germany Poland Finland Italy United Kingdom Romania Greece Bulgaria Hungary Portugal Austria Czech Republic Ireland Lithuania Latvia Slovakia Estonia Denmark Netherlands Belgium Slovenia Cyprus Luxemburg Malta

The European Union Population of the EU countries Population in millions, 500 million total in France Spain Sweden Poland Finland Italy United Kingdom Romania Greece Bulgaria Hungary Portugal Austria Czech Republic Ireland Lithuania Latvia Slovakia Estonia Denmark Netherlands Belgium SloveniaCyprus Luxemburg Malta Germany

The European Union The Schengen Area operates as a single international travel and immigration area No border controls for people travelling between Schengen countries Legally bound to join

The European Union THE EUROPEAN UNION The Creation of the European Union

The European Union 1951: In the aftermath of World War II, the aim was to secure peace among Europe’s victorious and defeated nations and bring them together as equals, cooperating within shared institutions. Based on a plan by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman. Six founding countries – Belgium, the Federal Republic of Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands – signed a treaty to run heavy industries (coal and steel) under common management. European Coal & Steel Community Jean Monnet and other leaders with the first “European” ingot of steel

The European Union Founders – International Cooperation New ideas for lasting peace and prosperity… Konrad Adenauer Robert Schuman Winston Churchill Alcide De Gasperi Jean Monnet

The European Union 1952 Founding Members Belgium France Germany Italy Luxembourg Netherlands

The European Union Treaty of Rome The six founding countries expanded cooperation to other economic sectors, creating the European Economic Community (EEC) – or “common market.” As a result, people, goods, services, and capital today move freely across the Union. 1958: Signing of the Treaty of Rome, 1957

The European Union 1973 Denmark Ireland United Kingdom

The European Union 1981 Greece

The European Union 1986 Portugal Spain

The European Union 1989 What happened in 1989 that changed the EU?

The European Union Fall of the Berlin Wall sets the stage for unifying Europe and EU enlargement Poland’s Solidarity Party gains legal status

The European Union 1995 Austria Finland Sweden

The European Union 2004 Cyprus Czech Republic Estonia Hungary Latvia Lithuania Malta Poland Slovakia Slovenia

The European Union 2007 Bulgaria Romania

The European Union Candidate Countries Iceland, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey Potential Candidate Countries Albania (applied) Bosnia & Herzegovina Kosovo *Croatia joined 2013*

The European Union Other Key Points… Before becoming a member of the European Union, what must a government have or do? –Good economy –Democratic –Respects human rights

The European Union THE EUROPEAN UNION Explained: Video

The European Union THE EUROPEAN UNION The Cultural Identity

The European Union The EU is United in Diversity EU has united the citizens of Europe – while preserving Europe’s diversity. –Many ethnicities –24 languages –The Euro: Although each bill is essentially the same currency, each country has its own design on the back

The European Union 23 Official Languages

The European Union United in Diversity - The €uro

The European Union The €uro In 1999, the euro area was established as a currency in eleven of the then fifteen EU Member States. Of the 28 EU Member States today, 19 have adopted the euro. Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain

The European Union Windows, Doorways and Bridges on EU Notes symbolize connectedness and openness.

The European Union THE EUROPEAN UNION The Benefits of the EU

The European Union What else does the EU do? 1. Peace & Security –Works for global peace and security alongside the United States and multilateral organizations (NATO and United Nations). –Humanitarian and peacekeeping missions 2. Counterterrorism & Homeland Security –Taken steps to improve intelligence sharing, enhance law enforcement and judicial cooperation, curtail terrorist financing.

The European Union 3. Democracy & Human Rights –Works globally for free elections and open democratic processes. –Fights racism and intolerance at home and abroad. –Campaigns globally against capital punishment. 4. Development Assistance & Humanitarian Relief –Provides billions of dollars in humanitarian aid to more than 100 countries in response to crises and natural disasters. What else does the EU do?

The European Union 5. Trade (obviously!) –Supports free trade and open markets to promote growth and jobs in both industrialized and developing countries. What else does the EU do?

The European Union 6. Environmental Protection –A leader in global efforts to protect the environment, maintaining rigorous and comprehensive systems at home. What else does the EU do? Source: German Information Center USA

The European Union

Pros of EU MembershipCons of EU Membership High reduction of war probability All EU nations work together toward economic goals Europeans can move around freely within the European Union and therefore seek for jobs in other countries than their own Less autonomy – EU nations are not completely independent Difficult to refuse entry of refugees or immigrants to a member nation Many rules and regulations that aim to encourage trade between European countries Culture is leveled - blended Pros of Using the EuroCons of Using the Euro Currency that reduces monetary instability, eliminates exchange rates and favors trade EU nations are stronger against other big economies A common currency means if one nation is struggling ALL EU nations are struggling Loss of national sovereignty