1. European Union (EU) By Sarah Csenki Period 3

2. What is it? It is an international organization of European countries to reduce trade barriers and increase cooperation among its members. The idea being that countries who trade with one another become economically interdependent and more likely to avoid conflict. Started out with six countries: Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. A single market has been created and continues to develop towards its full potential.

3. Participants. So far there are 27 countries that are apart of EU. Austria (1995) Belgium (1952) Bulgaria (2007) Cyprus (2004) Czech Republic (2004) Denmark (1973) Estonia (2004) Finland (1995) France (1952) Germany (1952) Greece (1981) Hungary (2004) Ireland (1973) Italy (1952) Latvia (2004) Lithuania (2004) Luxembourg (1952) Malta (2004) Netherlands (1952) Poland (2004) Portugal (1986) Romania (2007) Slovakia (2004) Slovenia (2004) Spain (1986) Sweden (1995) United Kingdom (1973) Acceding Country: Croatia. Candidate Countries: Iceland, Montenegro, Serbia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey Potential Candidates: Albania Bosnia and Herzegovina Kosovo

4. How/When/Why it was formed? It was created by 11 founding fathers: Konrad Adenauer, Sicco Mansholt, Joseph Bech, Jean Monnet, Johan Beven, Tobert Schuman, Winston Churchill, Paul-henri Spaak, Alcide De Gasperi, Altiero Spinelli, and Walter Hallstein. It was formed after World War II (1957). It was created to help economic cooperation, countries who trade with one another to become economically interdependent and to help avoid conflict.

5. Agreement/Organization’s Role Today. Ireland takes over six month rotating presidency. Its aim is stability, jobs and growth. Practical rights and advantages people gain from EU citizenship. Strengthen fiscal discipline in the euro area through the 'balanced budget rule' and a correction mechanism. 11 euro area countries introducing a financial transaction tax. 'Youth Guarantee' scheme for the under 25-year olds. This will ensure that they are offered employment, training, further education or an apprenticeship within four months of leaving school or of becoming unemployed.

6. What issues are they currently dealing with internationally? Weak economic growth. Several of the union’s member states such as Spain and Italy have fallen back into recession. 2012 is the fifth straight year of recession for Greece, where unemployment frequently hit new records, causing serious social problems. Low tariffs between EU and US. New reforms and political turmoil in Italy. Greek political instability. Changes to EU governance. A core euro area. Escalating conflict between EU states with and without the euro.

7. How or is Canada part of this organization/agreement? Canada is considered one of EU’s oldest and closest partners. The partnership started in the 1950s as an economic relationship, and over the years became a close strategic partnership. They both work closely together on global challenges such as the environment, climate change, energy security and regional stability throughout the world. This varies from research into alternative energy sources to providing police training in Afghanistan. The two meet regularly to exchange views, from yearly bilateral summits of leaders to meetings between officials on specific issues.

8. Video www.youtube.com/water?v=wPX1y-ItVXg

9. For More Information: http://europa.eu/index_en.htm References: http://eeas.europa.eu/canada/ http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90777/7818613.html http://acta.ffii.org/?p=1773 http://www.businessinsider.com/major-issues-europe-2011-11-9?op=1