European Union

SS6CG5 The student will explain the structure of modern European governments. Element B Describe the purpose of the European Union and the relationship between member nations.

Peace and Stability Why the European Union? The EU was set up in the aftermath of World War Two to bring peace, stability and prosperity to Europe. People who had resisted totalitarianism during World War II, were determined to put an end to international hatred and rivalry in Europe and create the conditions for lasting peace.

What is the purpose of the European Union? Its members can work together for advantages that would be out of their reach if each were working alone. When more countries work together, they involve more people, more money and more land area. This makes smaller countries of the EU more competitive in the world market. To promote trade and economic growth.

Enlargement: from six to 27 countries 1986 1981 1973 1952 1990 1995 2004 2007

Members of the EU Austria Belgium Bulgaria Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Italy Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherland Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden United Kingdom

The member countries of the European Union The EU currently has 27 member countries, which have transferred some of their sovereignty – or lawmaking authority – to the EU. Member countries Austria Belgium Bulgaria Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Italy Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden United Kingdom  

The EU symbols The European anthem The European flag Europe Day, 9 May The motto: United in diversity

The Single Market The single market is one of the EU's biggest achievements. Restrictions between member countries on trade and free competition have gradually been eliminated, with the result that standards of living have increased

European Union Currency In the establishment of the EU in the late 1990’s, the goal was to create one currency to be used by all. The euro is the single currency of the European Union. Twelve of the then 15 countries adopted it for non-cash transactions from 1999 and for all payments in 2002 when euro notes and coins were issued. Most members of the UN use the Euro. The Euro is to the EU as the Dollar is to the USA.

What specific advantages do you think members of the EU have by sharing the same currency? Trade between the countries become much easier and less expensive. Citizens do not have to exchange currency to spend money in other EU countries. Consumers and businesses can compare prices more readily, which stimulates competition.

Other Advantages of the EU Improved trade Education Farming Industry For example, there are no tariffs between countries in the EU. This make a large free-trade zone. Citizens can live and work in any other UN nation.

How has it adapted its mission and core values to the 21st century? Europe’s mission in the 21st century is to: provide peace, prosperity and stability for its peoples; overcome the divisions on the continent; ensure that its people can live in safety; promote balanced economic and social development; meet the challenges of globalization and preserve the diversity of the peoples of Europe; uphold the values that Europeans share, such as sustainable development and a sound environment, respect for human rights and the social market economy

Today’s European Union Growth and jobs are the priorities of today's EU. The EU aims to become more competitive while exercising social responsibility and promoting sustainable development It seeks to match the need for growth and competitiveness with the goals of social cohesion and sustainable development which are at the heart of the European model.

Sample Test Question The main purpose of the European Union is to A. Require all European nations to adopt a command economy. B. Promote trade and economic growth. C. Create a large standing army for use around the world. D. Solve Europe’s environmental problems.

Sample Test Question The main purpose of the European Union is to A. Require all European nations to adopt a command economy. B. Promote trade and economic growth. C. Create a large standing army for use around the world. D. Solve Europe’s environmental problems.

Sample Test Question An example of economic cooperation among European nations that occurred in the late 1900s was the A. creation of the United Nations. B. signing of the Treaty of Versailles. C. creation of the League of Nations. D. introduction of the Eurodollar.

Sample Test Question An example of economic cooperation among European nations that occurred in the late 1900s was the A. creation of the United Nations. B. signing of the Treaty of Versailles. C. creation of the League of Nations. D. introduction of the Eurodollar.

Sample Test Question The European Union (EU) was established in the 1990s. Which of the following is a goal of the EU? A. to create a single European currency B. to endorse a single European language C. to provide military aid to European countries experiencing civil war D. to protect western European countries from formerly communist countries

Sample Test Question The European Union (EU) was established in the 1990s. Which of the following is a goal of the EU? A. to create a single European currency B. to endorse a single European language C. to provide military aid to European countries experiencing civil war D. to protect western European countries from formerly communist countries

References http://europa.eu/abc/12lessons/lesson_1/index_en.htm http://europa.eu/abc/history/index_en.htm