1. The United States of Europe
The Rise of the EU

2. Europe and the EU
The European Union (EU) plays an integral role in the political and economic affairs of its member states
European Integration is seen by many as the way of the future: progress
More competitive in global economy
Economies of scale
Expanded markets
Free trade and worker mobility
Promotes peaceful relationships in post world war and post Cold War world
Europe as influential world region politically

3. Drive to Unity
1957 Treaty of Rome: France, Belgium, Luxembourg Netherlands, Italy and West Germany formed the European Economic Community (EEC).
1973 Denmark, Britain, Ireland joined
1981 Greece joined
1986 Spain and Portugal joined
1992 EEC changed to EU in Maastricht Treaty
new forms of co-operation between the member state governments - defence, "justice and home affairs".
1995 Austria, Sweden and Finland joined
2002 Euro € (common currency) introduced
2004 Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia joined

5. Royal Mint 50 Pence piece 1973 50p
Commemorating Britain
joining the EEC

6. Continued Expansion
Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey are applicant states