The European Union Notes
c. Analyze the importance of Europe’s coastal location, climatic characteristics, and river systems regarding population, economic development, and world influence.
Quick Facts
• The EU is a confederation in Europe that allows the individual countries to retain their own governments while cooperating on other issues.
• There are currently 27 member nations in the EU
• The EU was primarily a western European organization prior to 1989 because of communism in the Soviet Union.
• The EU often tries to work together when dealing with world affairs.
How many member nations are currently in the EU?
A.) 20
B.) 14
C.) 27
D.) 35
Enlargement: from six to 27 countries
1952 1973 1981 1986
1990 1995 2004 2007
Which one of these countries has always been part of the European Union?
A.) Sweden
B.) Spain
C.) Italy
D.) Greece
Recent History of the EU
Criteria set for a country to join the EU:• democracy and rule of law• functioning market economy• ability to implement EU laws
Formal negotiations on enlargement begin
Copenhagen summit agrees enlargement
10 new EU members: Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia
1992
1998
2002 2004
2007 Bulgaria and Romania join the EU
CandidatesCroatia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey
© R
eude
rs
Why do you think there were a lot of new members joining after 1992?
A.) The United States told them to
B.) The original members finally extended an invitation
C.) The United Nations became involved
D.) The Soviet Union had broken up, ending Communism
Current EU Info
•The Lisbon Treaty=most recent treaty
•The intention of this treaty is to make the EU: •More efficient •More democratic •More transparent•More united on the world stage•More secure
•Challenges facing the EU now•Globalization•Demographics•Climate change
Benefit 1: The Euro
EU countries using the euroEU countries not using the euro
Can be used everywhere in the euro area
Coins: one side with national symbols, one side common Notes: no national side
The Euro is
A.) the official language of Europe
B.) a form of money used in the EU
C.) the name of the parliament in the EU
D.) a term that has to do with the population of Europe
Benefit 2: Single Economy
Four freedoms of movement:
goods
services
people
capital
© G
etty
Im
ages
The single market has led to:
significant reductions in the price of many products and services, including internet access and airfares.
40% drop in price of phone calls from 2000-2006
2.8 million new jobs
How has a single market economy been beneficial to the EU? (Hint: there are 2 answers)
A.) Creation of jobs
B.) Increase in prices
C.) Increase in internet usage
D.) Allowed more freedom of movement
E.) Decline in economic growth
Benefit 3: Free to move
“Schengen”:
No police or customs checks at borders between most EU countries
Controls strengthened at EU external borders
More cooperation between police from different EU countries
You can buy and bring back any goods for personal use when you travel between EU countries
© C
orbi
s
Because of the EU, people do not have as many restrictions when traveling through member countries.
A.) True
B.) False
Benefit 4: Expanded education
Over 2 million young people have studied or pursued personal development in other European countries with support from EU programmes:
Comenius: school education
Erasmus: higher education
Leonardo da Vinci: vocational training
Grundtvig: adult education
Youth in Action: voluntary work and
non-formal education
© G
etty
Im
ages
Benefit 5: Environmental Action
Pollution knows no borders – joint action needed
EU action has helped bring:
Cleaner bathing waterMuch less acid rain Lead-free petrol Free and safe disposal of old electronic equipmentStrict rules on food safety from farm to fork More organic and quality farming More effective health warnings on cigarettesRegistration and control of all chemicals (REACH)
© V
an P
arys
Med
ia
Which one of these shows ways the EU has tried to improve the environment? (Hint: choose 2 answers)
A.) Shut down all nuclear plants
B.) Invent new hydroelectric cars
C.) Improve water quality
D.) Put health warnings on super fatty foods
E.) Created strict food safety rules
Top Related