GPS and E.Q.

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

b. Describe the purpose of the European Union and the relationship between member nations.

E. Q.: How and why do members of the EU work together?

The European Union

Motto:http://europa.eu/kids-corner/index_en.htm

• When WWII ended, Europe’s leaders decided to work together to solve their problems.

• They wanted to put an end to fighting so people could rebuild their lives and create new, better ways to support themselves and trade with each other.

We want coal! We want bread! (Germany)

• One way to do this, leaders thought, was to control how much coal and steel each country could receive.

• This was important because coal is needed to power factories that make things people need.

• Steel is necessary for building machines.

• Coal and steel also are necessary for building war machines like tanks and guns.

• With all the European countries deciding together what to do with Europe’s coal and steel, no single nation could build these weapons without other nations knowing about it.

• The leaders also hoped that countries which depended on each other like this would have no reason to fight because – the economy would be stronger. – people would have good jobs, food, and

security.

• So far, it has worked.

• It has been over 50 years since the last war in Europe.

• There are 27 nations in the EU.

• Each nation has its own culture, laws, and military.

Common Goals for all EU Countries:

• Good living conditions

• Peace and security

• All citizens have the same rights and liberties

• EU Parliament: meets in Belgium and makes laws

• Common currency: Euro (used in 17 countries)

• 23 official languages

• The Single Market: people, products, and services move freely through all EU countries

CRCT Test Prep pp. 142-145

368. The European Union was created to

make Europe more competitive in world markets.

369. Which problem is handled by individual EU member countries instead of the EU government?

Training the country’s military

370. What is the currency for most EU countries?

euro

371. Which statement is a correct comparison between the EU and the United States?

The EU has more people and a higher total GDP than the U.S.

EU United States

Land Area (mi2) 1,500,000 3,700,000

Population 500,000,000 305,000,000

GDP $14 trillion 13.5 trillion

GDP per capita $28,213 $43,444

372. Which part of Europe has the most EU territory?

Western

373. Which is the largest country trying to gain membership in the EU?

Turkey

374. How many countries have applied for EU membership and are waiting for approval?

3, according to the workbook, but actually 6