©2012, TESCCC The European Union World Geography Unit 6, Lesson 5

Vocabulary to KNOW Euro- Concerning economics, accounting & finance/currencies) the official currency unit, of the member countries of the European Union Supranationalism- Dealing with government, politics & diplomacy beyond the authority or jurisdiction of one national government; concerning or belonging to all or at least two or more nations Common market- An economic unit, typically formed of nations, intended to eliminate or markedly reduce trade barriers among its members. ©2012, TESCCC

What is the European Union? An economic and political partnership or unification of 27 European countries Created after WWII to encourage economic cooperation, but now, the EU makes policies/laws, helps with aid and regulates pollution, environment… Single currency called the Euro. Countries no longer have individual monies to convert ©2012, TESCCC

Rule of Law The EU is based on the rule of law- everything the entity does is founded on formal treaties, democratically agreed by all EU members EU goals include: –Human rights –Free trade amongst each member –Governing institutions (making all more democratic) –Most recently due to the global recession, repairing their economy ©2012, TESCCC

Joining the EU Once an applicant country meets the conditions for membership, it must implement EU rules and regulations in all areas. Any country that satisfies the conditions for membership can apply. These conditions are known as the “Copenhagen criteria” –free-market economy –a stable democracy and the rule of law – acceptance of all EU legislation, including of the euro. ©2012, TESCCC

WWI Alliances (Europe) ©2012, TESCCC

WWII Alliances (Europe) Blue: Axis Powers & Red: Allies ©2012, TESCCC

Cold War Alliances NATO (Democracies) vs. Warsaw Pact (Communists) ©2012, TESCCC

Original European Union Members Western Europe –France –Italy –Netherlands –Belgium ©2012, TESCCC