1. European Union *Single Currency *Enlargement *Constitution

2. Over to you  What are the benefits of having a European Currency?  Talk to the person next to you and try to note down 5 points.

3. Why do we have a single currency?  Citizens can travel more easily.  Travelling outside is also easier, as it is accepted in many tourist destinations.  Eliminates exchange rate fluctuations – businesses able to plan investments more easily.  Easier to compare prices across countries – enhanced competition.  Boosted trade.  More attractive to foreign investors.  Enhanced Europe’s role internationally.

6. EU Enlargement  Which 10 countries have joined?

7. New member states  The that joined on 1 May 2004 are: Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia & Slovenia.

8. Over to you  Why has it happened?

9. Why has it happened?  Historic opportunity to unite Europe peacefully after generations of division & conflict. Make Europe safer.  Extend stability and prosperity of current members.  Boost Eu economy and increase jobs.  Increase the influence of the EU in the wider world.

10. Over to you  What will the effects of this enlargement be?

11. Effects  It will be less easy for France & Germany to dominate.  Decisions hard to make with 25 countries round the table.  Migration east to west.  Shift in spending towards the eastern countries.

14. Quick guide to Eu Constitution  It is a rule book setting out what the EU can and cannot do.  Lays down EU values & objectives.  Lays down deeper EU integration, of which some argue will turn the Union into a superstate.

15. Changes under the Constitution  Full time president ( Force or figurehead?) instead of rotating every 6 months.  Reduced majority needed on decisions.  Re commits to foreign policy – believes in setting up a common defence policy with EU foreign minister.  National Parliaments can still object to EU laws, though they have no power to overturn them.  States can still opt in & out of initiatives.  States still have the right to veto over tax, defence & foreign policies.  Arguments are mainly over forming a United States of Europe.

16. Over to you  Why do you think some member states have voted against the new constitution?  What do you think is the main reason for the EU enlarging & why?  Why do you think the UK opted out of the Single Currency?  What is most important benefit of the Single Currency?