Standard Grade Modern Studies: International Relations: Alliances The European Union

What is the EU? A group of 25 European countries whose governments work together. Aims to change and improve the way people live and do business in Europe.

Who is in the EU? Began in 1957 as European Economic Community. Initially contained 6 member countries.

By 2005, that number has increased to 25 member countries: Belgium 1957 France 1957 Netherlands 1957 Germany 1957 Italy 1957 Luxembourg 1957 Denmark 1973 Ireland 1973 UK 1973 Greece 1981 Portugal 1986 Spain 1986 Austria 1995 Finland 1995 Sweden 1995 Hungary 2004 Poland 2004 Czech Republic 2004 Slovak Republic 2004 Slovenia 2004 Estonia 2004 Latvia 2004 Lithuania 2004 Malta 2004 Cyprus 2004

What does the EU do? Brings people closer together Makes it easier for Europeans to buy and sell things to each other Allows people from EU countries to move freely inside the Union

What does a country have to do to join? They must show that they treat their people fairly, respect their human rights and allow them to vote in elections They must show that their economies are properly run Countries may have to make changes to their laws so that they don't clash with the laws of the EU

Where is the EU run from? Based in Brussels, Frankfurt and Strasbourg Each country gets presidency of EU for 6 months MEPs are elected every five years

How do we benefit- what are our EU rights? Freedom to move between countries of the EU and to live in any nation in the Union. The right to vote and stand in local government and European Parliament elections in the country you live in. If you are travelling outside the EU, and your own country does not have an embassy, you can go to the embassy of any other EU country. The right to put your side of the story to the European Ombudsman if you think the EU has not acted fairly.