The European Union United in Diversity

European Union The European Union is a geopolitical area currently composed of 28 member States (countries). It covers a great part of European continent. It is based on certain treaties and rules that all member States must obey.

Its Origins In 1951, just after World War II, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, France, Luxembourg, and Germany became the European Coal and Steel Community. These six countries would later be known as the six original Member States of the European Union.

Its Origins In 1957, the six original Member States singed the Treaty of Rome also known as the European Economic Community.

The 1960’s In 1962, the six Member States signed the Common Agricultural Policy. In 1968, the original Member States remove custom duties on goods imported from each other and they apply the same duties on imports from outside countries.

1970’s- The First Enlargement In 1973 Ireland, Denmark, and the United Kingdom join the European Union.

The 1980’s In 1981, Greece joins the European Union. In 1986, Spain and Portugal also become Member States.

Erasmus! In 1987, the European Union launches the Erasmus program for European students. More than 2 million students have taken advantage of this program.

The 1990’s In 1990, Germany became unified and therefore former East Germany became part of the EU.

The 1990’s The single market and its four freedoms are established: the free movement of goods, services, people, and money.

The 1990’s In 1995, Austria, Finland, and Sweden join the European Union.

2000-2009 In 2007, Bulgaria and Romania join the European Union. In 2004, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia become Member States In 2007, Bulgaria and Romania join the European Union.

2010- Today In 2013, the eighth enlargement to the European Union was made when Croatia became a Member State.

Requirements for EU membership In order to join the European Union, a country needs to meet certain criteria. These basic rules are known as the 'Copenhagen criteria‘ because they were established in this city in 1993: stable institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities; a functioning market economy and the capacity to cope with competition and market forces in the EU; the ability to take on and implement effectively the obligations of membership, including adherence to the aims of political, economic and monetary union.

Requirements for EU membership The European Union can decide whether a country meets the criteria or not and whether they are willing to accept the candidate country.

Interesting Facts United in Diversity There are 24 different languages that are spoken within the European Union. Every year, the EU chooses a theme to encourage debate and dialogue between the European countries, these are called European Years. 2014 is the year of projects 2013 was the year of citizens 2012 was the year of active aging United in Diversity