EUROPEAN UNION

SS6CG5 The student will explain the structure of modern European governments.

Element BDescribe the purpose of the European Union and the relationship between member nations.

Why the European Union?

• The EU was set up in the aftermath of World War Two to bring peace, stability and prosperity to Europe.

Peace and Stability

People who had resisted totalitarianism during World War II, were determined to put an end to international hatred and rivalry in Europe and create the conditions for lasting peace.

What is the purpose of the European Union?

• To promote trade and economic growth.

• Its members can work together for advantages that would be out of their reach if each were working alone.• When more countries work together, they involve

more people, more money and more land area.• This makes smaller countries of the EU more

competitive in the world market.

Enlargement: from six to 27 countries

1952 19731981

1986

1990 1995 2004 2007

Members of the EUAustriaBelgiumBulgariaCyprusCzech RepublicDenmarkEstoniaFinlandFrance

GermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyLatviaLithuaniaLuxembourgMalta

NetherlandPolandPortugalRomaniaSlovakiaSloveniaSpainSwedenUnited Kingdom

The member countries of the European Union

• The EU currently has 27 member countries, which have transferred some of their sovereignty – or lawmaking authority – to the EU.

• Member countries• Austria Belgium • Bulgaria Cyprus • Czech Republic Denmark • Estonia Finland• France Germany • Greece Hungary • Ireland Italy • Latvia Lithuania • Luxembourg Malta • Netherlands Poland • Portugal Romania • Slovakia Slovenia • Spain Sweden • United Kingdom

The EU symbols

The European flagThe European anthem

Europe Day, 9 MayThe motto: United in diversity

The Single Market• The single market is

one of the EU's biggest achievements.

• Restrictions between member countries on trade and free competition have gradually been eliminated, with the result that standards of living have increased

European Union Currency• In the establishment of the EU in the late

1990’s, the goal was to create one currency to be used by all.

• The euro is the single currency of the European Union. Twelve of the then 15 countries adopted it for non-cash transactions from 1999 and for all payments in 2002 when euro notes and coins were issued.

• Most members of the UN use the Euro.

• The Euro is to the EU as the Dollar is to the USA.

What specific advantages do you think members of the EU have by sharing the

same currency?• Trade between the countries become much

easier and less expensive.• Citizens do not have to exchange currency

to spend money in other EU countries.• Consumers and businesses can compare

prices more readily, which stimulates competition.

Other Advantages of the EU

• Improved trade• Education• Farming• Industry• For example, there are no tariffs between

countries in the EU. This make a large free-trade zone.

• Citizens can live and work in any other UN nation.

How has it adapted its mission and core values to the 21st century?

Europe’s mission in the 21st century is to:

• provide peace, prosperity and stability for its peoples;

• overcome the divisions on the continent;

• ensure that its people can live in safety; • promote balanced economic and social

development; • meet the challenges of globalization and

preserve the diversity of the peoples of Europe;

• uphold the values that Europeans share, such as sustainable development and a sound environment, respect for human rights and the social market economy

Today’s European Union

• Growth and jobs are the priorities of today's EU.

• The EU aims to become more competitive while exercising social responsibility and promoting sustainable development

• It seeks to match the need for growth and competitiveness with the goals of social cohesion and sustainable development which are at the heart of the European model.

Sample Test Question

• The main purpose of the European Union is to A. Require all European nations to adopt a command economy. B. Promote trade and economic growth. C. Create a large standing army for use around the world. D. Solve Europe’s environmental problems.

Sample Test Question

• The main purpose of the European Union is to A. Require all European nations to adopt a command economy. B. Promote trade and economic growth.C. Create a large standing army for use around the world. D. Solve Europe’s environmental problems.

Sample Test Question

• An example of economic cooperation among European nations that occurred in the late 1900s was the A. creation of the United Nations. B. signing of the Treaty of Versailles. C. creation of the League of Nations. D. introduction of the Eurodollar.

Sample Test Question

• An example of economic cooperation among European nations that occurred in the late 1900s was the A. creation of the United Nations. B. signing of the Treaty of Versailles. C. creation of the League of Nations. D. introduction of the Eurodollar.

Sample Test Question

• The European Union (EU) was established in the 1990s. Which of the following is a goal of the EU? A. to create a single European currency B. to endorse a single European language C. to provide military aid to European countries experiencing civil war D. to protect western European countries from formerly communist countries

Sample Test Question

• The European Union (EU) was established in the 1990s. Which of the following is a goal of the EU? A. to create a single European currencyB. to endorse a single European language C. to provide military aid to European countries experiencing civil war D. to protect western European countries from formerly communist countries

References

• http://europa.eu/abc/12lessons/lesson_1/index_en.htm

• http://europa.eu/abc/history/index_en.htm