1. The European Union “United in Diversity”
A Brief History & How it Works

2. Brief History
Established after WWII to help end the frequent conflicts in Europe
The six founders were Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands

4. History Continued…
1960’s EU countries help boost economies by not charging custom duties when trading with each other.
1973 – Denmark, Ireland, and United Kingdom join the EU

6. History Continued… 1981 – Greece joins 1986 – Portugal, & Spain join
1993 – Single Market is completed with the 'four freedoms' of: movement of goods, services, people and money.
1995 – Austria, Finland, & Sweden join
People begin traveling through the countries with out passports

8. History Continued… 2000 – Euro becomes new currency for many Europeans
2004 – 10 new countries join the Union
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia
2007 – Romania & Bulgaria join
2013 – Croatia joins
Present – working on a Constitution for Europe, Troubles with Greece Bankruptcy

9. Current European Union Boundaries

10. Purpose of the EU Promote unity between member states
Prevent or peacefully solve conflicts between member states
Promote cooperation and coordination among member states 
Support economic growth across Europe
Increase trade between member states
Strengthen Europe’s position in the world 

11. Benefits of EU Membership
Economic stability
Free trade between countries
Currency is the same everywhere
Freedom of movement of members

12. Problems with EU Membership
Cultural friction may occur due to closeness
Religious differences between countries
Movement of people is not wanted
Economically stronger countries tied to weaker economies
Loss of some legal/political independence
Loss of culture

13. EU Website Exploration
How does a country go about becoming a member of the EU?
How did the EU go from an economic body to a political body that makes legislation?

14. Topic for the EU Explore a topic that the EU addresses.
List the topic you decided to look at
Summarize the topic as it relates to Europe.
Summarize the European Union’s role in that topic.
Discuss in 3-5 sentences how this compares to the U.S.

15. EU vs. US Government
I am a head of state who meets with fellow heads of state four times each year. Together we set overall EU policy and resolve other issues. I am a member of…
I am currently serving my first two-year term. Along with 434 members, we write the laws of the land and we also have the power to declare war. I am a member of…

16. EU vs. US Government
I am currently serving my first six-year term. Along with 27 others, I settle legal disputes and ensure all laws are being interpreted and applied uniformly. I am a member of…
I was directly elected by the citizens of my country. Along with 765 others, we share with another institution the power to adopt or reject the budget, the power to pass laws and the ability to exercise democratic supervision over certain institutions. I am a member of…

17. EU vs. US Government
I am responsible for implementing and enforcing laws written by Congress and, to that end, appoint the heads of the federal agencies, including the Cabinet. I am…
Our job is to represent the common European interest to all the EU countries. We also have the role of “guardian of the treaties” and defender of the general interest and we have the right of initiative in lawmaking process, which means we propse legislative acts for the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers to adopt. I am…

18. EU vs. US Government
As part of this very important governing body, I am given the tasks of adopting European laws, coordinating broad economic polices, and concluding international agreements. I a member of…
I am a member of a very exclusive group. Working with eight other individuals, we explain and apply the laws of the land. Some of us have been doing this for a long time, as we all have lifetime appointments. I am a member of…