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

2. 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.

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.