1. Everything you need to know about the EU

2.  1. What is the EU?  2. History of the EU  3. How the EU works  5. EU-U.S. Relations  6. Quiz  7. Study in Europe  8. Travel to Europe Overview

3. What is THE EU?

4.  Unique political and economic partnership among 27 European democratic countries.  Values based: peace, democracy, rule of law, respect for human rights What is the EU? “United in diversity”

5. Where in the world is the European Union?

6. The History OF THE EU

7. In the aftermath of the WWII the European Union's founding fathers wanted to find ways to prevent future wars. On May 9, 1950, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman announced a plan for controling European coal & steel, vital resources for waging war. This was the first step toward achieving a united Europe. May 9—Europe Day—is celebrated each year as the birth of today's European Union. The Beginning

8.  While contributing to postwar economic recovery, this plan would also control the raw materials of war. The Schuman Declaration was regarded as the first step toward achieving a united Europe—an ideal that in the past had been pursued only by force.Schuman Declaration . May 9 Europe Day

9. First Steps

10. http://europarltv.europa.eu/en/player.aspx?pid=c6db0ede-f512-4ecc-ae5d- a02801390d7b From 6 to 27 and growing…

11. EU by the numbers 27 Over 500 million combined population 1.6 million Member States Official languages 23 of global GDP 22% of GLOBAL EXPORTS & IMPORTS 20% Square miles total surface area <1/2 of U.S. surface area

12. How the EU WORKS

13. HOW THE EU WORKS

14. The European Commission - promoting the common interest José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission The European Council and the Council - voice of the Member States Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council The European Parliament - voice of the people Martin Schulz, President of of the European Parliament 3 Key Players

15. EU-U.S. Relations

16. EU – U.S. Relations

17.  Trade & Investment  Foreign Affairs  Security & Defense  Energy & Environment  Growth & Jobs Key Areas of Cooperation

18. Are you a n EU rd? You will be tested…

19. 1.How many official EU languages are there?

20. Image Credits Speaking My Language Infographic: http://www.imgspark.com/image/view/4f86ec0d1f9221b704000875http://www.imgspark.com/image/view/4f86ec0d1f9221b704000875 Official languages 23 56% of EU citizens can engage in a conversation in a language other than their mother tongue

21. 2. How many EU countries use the Euro?

22. The Euro is the common currency used by 17/27 EU Member States and benefits: Despite the eurocrisis, the Euro is still the 2 nd most important international currency after the US dollar.

23. 3. What percentage of the world’s official development assistance comes from the EU?

24. EU & Member States provide 60% of the official development assistance in the world

25. 4. Where does Europe’s name come from?

26. A Phoenician princess, Europa of Greek mythology, is said to have been the origin for the continent's name.

27. 5. In which year did the EU win the Nobel Peace Prize?

28. The Nobel Peace Prize 2012 was awarded to the European Union (EU) for 60 years of advancing peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe".

29. 5. What do the 12 stars in a circle on the EU’s flag symbolize?

30. The twelve stars in a circle symbolize the ideals of perfection, completeness, and unity. The number of stars does not represent the number of members.

31. BONUS Question: Which country will be the EU’s 28th Member State?

32. Croatia will join the European Union July 1, 2013.

33. Study In Europe

34. 10 reasons why you should study in Europe 1.So many options: 4,000 higher institutions to choose from 2.World-famous high-quality education 3.Affordable Prices 4.Research Opportunities 5.Tradition + Innovation 6.A jumpstart for your career 7.Classmates from all over the world 8.Learn a new language 9.Great Location: Easy to travel… 10.And so much to explore!

35. Opportunities 3 30 Years The world’s most successful student exchange program in higher education million Students

36. Travel to THE EU

37. Traveling to the EU is easy! Up to 90 days in the EU without a visa, you only need a valid U.S. passport! Border-free travel in the Schengen area! So many destinations, so close to each other!

38. EUROPEAN CAPITALS OF CULTURE European cities selected as European Capitals of Culture have one year to strut their cultural stuff. This year’s winners—Marseille in France and Košice in Slovakia—are in the spotlight!