THE EUROPEAN UNION

VOCABULARY: European Coal and Steel Community European Economic Community European Union Europe Day Euro

History of the EU The EU was formed to unite countries

that had been torn apart by years of war.

Battleground of Europe First half of the 20th century Europe was

a major battleground.World War I (1914): 4 years and killed over

20 million people.World War II (1939): 6 years and killed

around 50 million people.

Creation of the EU: Robert Schuman

May 9, 1950In a famous speech brought forward ideas

of peace in Europe. 1952 the European Coal and Steel

Community was formed. Common market was created

1958 creation of European Economic CommunityRemoved trade barriers for all kinds of

goods. 1993-formation of the European Union.

12 common market countries.

Goals of the EU:

MAIN: Encourage peace and prosperity, or economic well being.

Works to create jobs, protect citizen’s rights, and preserve the environment.

Promotes freedom, security, and justice. MOTTO:

United in Diversity

Economics in the EU Before the EU was formed crossing

country lines to work or live was difficult. Rules about living and workingDifferent currenciesCharged taxes

Economic forces the UNITE the EU:

Creation of the common market:United the EUMore choices in productNo tariffs/taxes Freely cross country linesCommon currency (Euro)Trading force

○ Size of its market has made the EU an important force in the global economy.

Economic forces that DIVIDE the EU:

Do not always agree on issues or money.

Western Europeans are wealthier.Paid higher wages; higher cost of living.Factories moved to Eastern/Central Europe.Large amounts of money are spent on

Central/Eastern Europe.Resent immigrants.

Time for a Laugh

Political Cooperation in the EU:

Prior to EU:Many political division.Each nation was independentOwn policiesDidn’t have to work together

Encourages political cooperation:Common governmentWorks above the EU country’s governments

EU Government Unites Europe:

Brings members together.Work on issues they all share.Common approaches

Citizen of EuropeAddition to citizen of home country. Live and work anywhereVote in EU electionsRights of citizens

EU Government: Council of the European Union

Main decision making body.National leadersSets goals

European CommisionExecutive bodyCommissioners appointed by member

governemntsMakes sure EU decisions are carried out.

European ParliamentLargest EU body700 elected membersWatches over works of the EUApproves or blocks budgets

European CouncilComprised of all member country leaders and

the president of the EU. Resolve issues and set policies

Unites EuropeSpeaking with 1 voiceOutside Europe=strengthen role in the worldInside Europe=focus on issues

(transportation/environment)

EU Government Divides Europe

Individual country governments have to give up some power.Some countries still want to make their own

decisions.Have to carry out decisions about the EU.

Growing size of the EU European Citizenship

Maintaining a Cultural Identity:

Motto Cultural Symbols

FlagAnthem: “Ode to Joy” by BeethovenEurope Day on May 9

Cultural ProgramsSupporting youth eventsCapital cultureTraveling encouraged

Activity:Create a poster promoting why you and partner think the EU is a positive or a negative thing for Europe.

POSITIVE Arham, Safwan, Saad, Saraf, Arlina, Raisa Aritra, Alavi Alifya, Fiza Catherine, Ramisa

NEGATIVE Isabella, Arshiya Aiyyad, Jonathan Eunbi, Zahra Ruslan R., Tamjid Taher, Shaun Adib, John Sikkim, Ruslan Y.