The European Union 1 THE EUROPEAN UNION The Pros and Cons of being a member country

The European Union 2 Where in the world is the EU?

The European Union million Member States Combined population of EU Member States Percent of world’s population

The European Union 4 * Countries shaded gray are candidates for EU membership 500 million people 27 countries

The European Union Population in millions, EUChinaJapanRussiaUnited States EU Population in the World

The European Union Area of the EU compared to the rest of the world Surface area, km² EUChina Japan RussiaUnited States

The European Union Size of the EU countries Surface area in km² France Spain Sweden Germany Poland Finland Italy United Kingdom Romania Greece Bulgaria Hungary Portugal Austria Czech Republic Ireland Lithuania Latvia Slovakia Estonia Denmark Netherlands Belgium Slovenia Cyprus Luxemburg Malta

The European Union Population of the EU countries Population in millions, 500 million total in France Spain Sweden Poland Finland Italy United Kingdom Romania Greece Bulgaria Hungary Portugal Austria Czech Republic Ireland Lithuania Latvia Slovakia Estonia Denmark Netherlands Belgium Slovenia Luxemburg Malta Germany

The European Union The Birth of the Euro 9 The Euro is the shared currency of all EU member countries.

The European Union Positives of using the Euro Because the common market got rid of tariffs 1.EU members now can buy goods and services at cheaper prices 2.There is more variety in the goods and services that are available 3. It’s now easier to travel to other European countries to find work. 10

The European Union Positives of using the Euro 4. Because money no longer has to be exchanged, it is also now easier to travel and move in Europe. 5.It has created a strong trade bloc that allows Europe to compete economically with countries like the U.S. Countries are now economically united instead of competing individually and against each other. 6. It allows EU member countries to use the Euro on shared economic goals such as modernizing operations and upgrading highways. 11

The European Union Negatives of using the Euro 1. Western countries resent eastern countries. The west feels that more of the shared money is spent in the east trying to bring them up. 2. Westerners worry about losing jobs to people in the east. Eastern workers will work for less money. 3. Some European Union countries refuse to use the Euro. 4. Not all European countries can be a member of the EU. 12

The European Union Pro of EU membership Culturally –The EU helps to promote a united European identity. EU Day in May EU flag-12 stars that represent the original 12 countries EU anthem 13

The European Union Con of EU membership Culturally –Communication is difficult-each EU document and conversation has to be translated into 20 different languages. –Conflicting cultural values and traditions Ex: In Spain bull fighting is the national sport, however, other EU countries find this to be cruelty to animals. 14

The European Union Pro of EU membership Politically –Countries are working together on shared issues i.e. terrorism, pollution, Syrian refugee crisis –Residents from member countries can live and work anywhere in the EU easily –They can participate in all EU elections –Strengthens Europe’s voice in world affairs. Gives them more power and a larger say in what happens. 15

The European Union Cons of EU membership Politically –Some countries want to make their own decisions. –The more countries that become members, the more problems the EU will have to face. 16