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Slide 2 European Union Brief history and working of the E.U. By George Gill Slide 3 Map of Europe showing E.U. Countries Slide 4 E.U. Flag and Anthem The 12 stars in the circle symbolise the ideas of unity, solidarity and harmony among the people of Europe. The E.U. Anthem comes from the ninth symphony compressed in 1823 by Ludwig Von Beethoven. Slide 5 E.U. Day When and Why ? E.U. Day is celebrated on the 9 th May every year. E.U. Day is celebrated because on the 9 th of May 1950 the ideas behind the European Union were first put forward by the French foreign Minister Robert Schuman. Slide 6 E.U. Motto United In Diversity The E.U. Motto is United In Diversity. It signifies how Europeans have come together in the form of the E.U. to work for peace and prosperity, while at the same time being enriched by the many different cultures, traditions and languages. Slide 7 E.U. Population The E.U. has 495 million inhabitants. The worlds third largest behind China and India. Slide 8 E.U. Brief History 1 It was created in the aftermath of the Second World War 6 countries were included Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands The idea of it was being that countries who trade with one another become economically interdependent and therefore less likely to avoid conflict. Slide 9 E.U. Brief History The E.U. has delivered half a century of peace, stability and prosperity, helped raise living standards, and launched a single European currency. Thanks to the abolition of border controls between E.U. Countries people can travel freely throughout most of the continent. With the Euro currency it makes it easier to work and live abroad. Slide 10 E.U. Budget 142 billion is spent every year. Elected representatives in the E.U. Parliament and E.U. Council decide on spending plans. The money is spent on: Training people in new skills Stimulating businesses Preserve environment Building hard infrastructure Provide emergency assistance and aid in times of crisis. Slide 11 The Euro Over 332 million use the Euro everyday. Most tangible proof of co-operation between E.U. countries.