Monika Dušková & Michal Mojžíš The Europe Union Monika Dušková & Michal Mojžíš

Basics about the EU Economic and political union of 28 member states that are located primarily in Europe. Operates through a system of supranational independent institutions and intergovernmental negotiated decisions by the member states. Politacal centres: Brussels („Capital“) Luxembourg Strasbourg The largest city – London The area – 4 381 376 km2 The population – 507 890 191 (2012 estimate) 24 official languages President of the Commission – José Manuel Barroso President of the European Council – Herman Van Rompuy

History of the EU the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) 1952 Inner Six countries: France, Germany, Italy, Benelux (Belgium, Netherland, Luxemburg) the European Economic Community (EEC) & EUROATOM 1958 the European Community (EC) ECSC + EEC + EUROATOM 1967 the European Union (EU) the Maastricht Treaty in 1993 the Treaty of Lisbon 2009  The latest major amendment to the constitutional basis of the EU

Members of the EU Austria (1995) Belgium (1952) Bulgaria (2007) Croatia (2013) Cyprus (2004) Czech Republic (2004) Denmark (1973) Estonia (2004) Finland (1995) France (1952) Germany (1952) Greece (1981) Hungary (2004) Ireland (1973)

Members of the EU Italy (1952) Latvia (2004) Lithuania (2004) Luxembourg (1952) Malta (2004) Netherlands (1952) Poland (2004) Portugal (1986) Romania (2007) Slovakia (2004) Slovenia (2004) Spain (1986) Sweden (1995) United Kingdom (1973)

The main goals of the European Union Monetary Union - a single currency for Europe Freedom of movement Education development Peace keeping Relaxed border check Environmental care More job opportunities

Symbols of the EU the European Union flag: A circle of 12 golden stars on a blue background (symbolizing perfection and unity) the anthem of the European Union: Ode to Joy by Ludwig van Beethoven (since1972)

The Monetary Union The Euro is the monetary unit of the European Union. It has been in circulation since 1st January 2002. The Euro is issued by the European Central Bank (located in Frankfurt, Germany). Currently, 16 countries use the euro:  Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Portugal,Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain These countries are called The Euro zone (= the area where the euro is used). The remaining EU members keep thein old currency: Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Denmark, Sweden and the UK. Advantages: citizens don't have to change money every time they cross the border when travelling within the Eurozone it's easier to compare pricesr with one currency the Euro is an international currency - it's widely accepted in many places outside the Euro area

Structure of the EU - its bodies The European Commision the highest administrative body in the EU propose policy and law for the Council responsible for day-to-day running of the community members chosen by the Community governments for 5 years The Council of the EU the council of Ministers; represents national govermnets the most powerful EU body; primary decision - making authority of the EU The European Parliament 785 members, elected by citizens of the EU for 5 years little real power apart from checking the work of the council and the commision corrections, suggestions, changes to laws before passsed by Council Other EU bodies: The European Court of Justice The European Central Bank

Benefits of the EU each Czech resident becomes a EU member = the right to travel, stay or work in any member state official EU documents are translated also into Czech languages traffic regulations and health insurance remain the same

Thanks for your atention. Tento projekt byl spolufinancován Evropskou Unií.