1. European Union

2. European Union
Compare the distances North to South and East to West. Are they similar? What about number of states compared to the number of countries? Imagine traveling from Los Angeles to New York and having the language, currency, prices of goods, and basic laws change every time you went through a different state. What problems might result?

3. European Union
After centuries of competition and frequent wars, the nations of Europe came together in a spirit of unity and cooperation and formed the European Union, commonly referred to as the EU.

4. European Union
1951 – The European Coal and Steel Community is established by six founding members – The Treaty of Rome establishes a common market (Britain, Denmark, and Ireland joined in 1973.) 1980s and 1990s – The group expanded and took on the name EU – New currency known as the Euro was introduced

5. European Union
A family of democratic countries committed to working together for peace and prosperity
Sometimes referred to as the United States of Europe
It does not replace existing countries
Initial countries were Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands

6. European Union
EU: 2007

7. European Union Requirements
Stability of institutions to guarantee democracy, the rule of law, basic human rights, and the respect for and protection of minorities.
The existence of a functioning market economy as well as the capacity to cope with competitive pressure and market forces within the Union.
The ability to take on the obligations of membership including adherence to the aims of political, economic, and monetary union.

8. European Union
The European Union promotes cooperation among its 28 members and over 450 million people in the areas of:
Economics and trade
Social issues
Foreign policy
Security and defense
Judicial matters
Monetary policy
Single unified market

9. European Union Benefits…
Fair competition practices among the countries
Easier to cross borders – no passports required
Strengthens trade (no tariffs, export taxes, etc.)
Democracy, freedom, and social justice
Saves on exchange costs (billions annually)
Single currency known as the EURO
Environmentally Conscious
Kyota Protocol – Reduce global warming
Strict rules for waste disposal
Rivers and lakes are cleaner
Strict emissions policies on vehicles

10. Education and Equality
Creates educational opportunities for studies in other countries
Bans discrimination of any kind
Equal pay for equal work
Pioneer for women's rights

11. Jobs and Prosperity
Goal is to be the have the most knowledgeable and skilled workers in the world
One third of budget is used to stimulate the economy and add jobs
Training for unemployed and under qualified
Focusing on high tech jobs for the future

12. Freedom, Security, and Justice
Work together to battle terrorism
Battle of cross border drug trafficking
European arrest warrants
Makes it easier to solve border legal conflicts, like marriage and divorce

13. Peace and Stability
War between the countries is almost unthinkable due their unity
Trying to spread peace and prosperity
Provide more humanitarian aid than anyone in Europe helping poor countries
Protects other countries
Desire to be a model for the rest of the world

14. A Place in the Union
Any European country can join, provided it has a stable democracy that guarantees the rule of law, human rights, and the protection of minorities
Must also have a functioning market economy and civil service capable of applying EU laws
It can take up to 10 years to become a member
They have a flag, national anthem, and European Union day

15. Countries in the European Union
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
United Kingdom

16. Brexit
Brexit is the words “Britain” and “exit,” and it is the nickname for a British exit of the European Union