The European Union By Alex Thistlethwaite And James Tolson

A Region Divided Europe’s economy was crippled after WWI During the 1920’s authoritarian government was put to and end in many European countries. Europe’s economy suffered even more in WWII. After WWII, Europe was divided into three groups. -Western Europe -Soviet Controlled & Central Europe -Communist Yugoslavia Afterwards, the E.U. was formed.

The Beginning 1950 –P–Proposals for economic integrated Europe Right after WWII – Europe had economic problems F-France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxemburg formed the European Economic Community (EEC). 1) Later called European community

Goal of the EEC Goal was to combine each country’s economy into a single market. – Would make trading easier between the countries – Similar to N.A.F.T.A. (the trade agreement between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada) Eventually more countries joined

1973 Britain, Denmark, and Ireland joined. 1980’s Greece, Spain, and Portugal joined. 1990’s Meeting was held in Maastricht, Netherlands. Discussed the future of EC Resulted in the Maastricht Treaty Officially changed the EC to the European Union (E.U.) The Maastricht Treaty

The European Union Members Austria Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Czech Republic Cyprus Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Great Britain Greece Hungary Ireland Italy Latvia Lithuania Luxemburg Malta Morocco The Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Republic of Macedonia Romania Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey Has 33 countries

Will soon have… Albania (possibly by 2020) Montenegro (currently in candidate status) Serbia (currently in candidate status) Bosnia Herzegovina Capitol is Brussels The EU has no official capital, and no plans to declare one, but Brussels hosts the official seats of the European Commission, Council of the European Union, and European Council, as well as a seat (officially the second seat but de facto the most important one) of the European Parliament. Largest City is London, England

Formation of the E.U.

Currency Issues When the EU was first established, each country had its own form of money. On January 1, 2002, the Euro became the common form of money for most EU countries. – With the exception of Denmark, Sweden, and the UK

Goals Extended membership to other countries

Positive Changes Helped establish a more unified Europe – Cooperation between members has increased – Trade is increased – EU members have also adopted a common currency – Adopted common economic laws – Unified the coal and steel production of some countries

Traveling The Chunnel – Made for the Euro Star train It can travel from London to Paris (over 200 miles) – 31 mile tunnel – Runs under the English Channel – “Chunnel” = Channel + Tunnel

The Future Member nations are working together to make, enforce, and interpret the laws of the EU

Predictions Some believe that it will lead to the “United States of Europe”

The End SONGS “We Still Kill the Old Way” Lost Prophets “Last Train Home” Lost Prophets “Earthquakes and Sharks” Brandston “Mexican Radio” Authority Zero “Hey Mama” Black Eyed Peas “Gone Going” Black Eyed Peas Feat. Jack Johnson “I Will Follow You Into the Dark” Death Cab for Cutie “Wish You Were Here” Incubus “Snap Yo Fingas” Lil Jon “Welcome To the Black Parade” My Chemical Romance “Drive” Incubus “The Future Freaks Me Out” Motion City Soundtrack “99 Red Balloons” Goldfinger”