Transcript European Union notes

European Union





A family of democratic countries
committed to working together for peace
and prosperity
Sometimes called the United States of
Europe
It does not replace existing countries
They do have a lot of things in common
and they make decisions as a group
Initial countries were Belgium, France,
Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands
History of the European Union






Formed after World War II
Europeans did not want that kind of killing
and destruction again
Started with six countries and it was mainly
concerned with trade and commerce
27 countries now and 450 million people
Europe is diverse, but it shares the values of
democracy, freedom and social justice
Come together with other countries as well
Fewer borders,more opportunities




No passports needed to travel among EU
countries
Shop in other countries for cheaper goods
without paying extra taxes
One single currency, the Euro, allows
shoppers to purchase merchandise
throughout Europe
Air travel, internet access, phone, and
power are also cheaper due to fair
competition among all the countries in the
union
Greener Europe





Environmentally conscious and they are
working hard to protect the environment
Strict rules for waste disposal
Rivers and lakes are cleaner
Kyota protocol works to reduce emissions
Strict emissions on vehicles
Education and equal opportunites
for all




EU has opportunities for studies in other
countries
Bans discrimination of any kind
Men and women have equal pay for equal
work
EU is a pioneer for women's rights
Euros



This is the currency used by 12 of the
countries in the union. 2/3 of the
population
This can be used in all the countries
where the Euro is accepted
Common design on one side and home
country on the other
Jobs and prosperity




Goal is to be the most knowledgeable
and skilled in the world
One third of budget is used to stimulate
the economy and add jobs
Training for unemployed and under
qualified people
Focusing on high tech jobs for the future
Freedom, security and justice




Work together to battle terrorism
Battle of cross border drug trafficking
European arrest warrants
EU makes it easier to solve border legal
conflicts, like marriage and divorce
Peace and Stability





War between the EU countries now is
almost unthinkable due to the unity they
developed
They are trying to spread peace and
prosperity
They provide more humanitarian aid than
anyone in Europe helping poor countries
Protects other countries
Wants to be a model for the rest of the
world
A place in the Union




Any European country can join, provided it
has a stable democracy that guarantees the
rule of law, human rights and the protection
of minorities
Must also have a functioning market
economy and civil service capable of
applying EU laws
It sometimes takes up to 10 years to
become a member
They have a flag, national anthem, and EU
day