The European Union
Free Trade Zones Can you think of any we have already discussed this year for Europe? One example: Benelux- Economic union between the Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxemburg European Union
What is the EU? Union of 28 countries Economic and Political Union Determines agricultural, customs and immigration policies (freedom of movement of goods and people)
The EU Requirements to join: Must have stable political system Must be a market economy Must protect minorities Must be able to take on obligations of the union Must be in Europe- except for territories of European countries
EU GOALS: allow people to live and work in any member country remove trade barriers set common economic goals
Eurozone Why don’t all 28 countries use the Euro? Common currency- Euro Eurozone- 18 countries that use the Euro (eliminates borders) Why don’t all 28 countries use the Euro? Some countries choose not to b/c their currency is worth more than the Euro Other countries are not allowed to b/c their economy is weak and it would hurt the value of the Euro EU Video Eurozone