1. European Union

2. SS6CG5 The student will explain the structure of modern European governments.
Element B
Describe the purpose of the European Union and the relationship between member nations.

3. Peace and Stability Why the European Union?
The EU was set up in the aftermath of World War Two to bring peace, stability and prosperity to Europe.
People who had resisted totalitarianism during World War II, were determined to put an end to international hatred and rivalry in Europe and create the conditions for lasting peace.

4. What is the purpose of the European Union?
Its members can work together for advantages that would be out of their reach if each were working alone.
When more countries work together, they involve more people, more money and more land area.
This makes smaller countries of the EU more competitive in the world market.
To promote trade and economic growth.

5. Members of the EU Austria Belgium Bulgaria Cyprus Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherland
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
United Kingdom

6. The member countries of the European Union
The EU currently has 27 member countries, which have transferred some of their sovereignty – or lawmaking authority – to the EU.
Member countries
Austria Belgium
Bulgaria 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

7. The EU symbols The European anthem The European flag Europe Day, 9 May
The motto: United in diversity

8. European Union Currency
The euro is the single currency of the European Union.
Most members of the UN use the Euro.
The Euro is to the EU as the Dollar is to the USA.

9. What specific advantages do you think members of the EU have by sharing the same currency?
Trade between the countries become much easier and less expensive.
Citizens do not have to exchange currency to spend money in other EU countries.
Consumers and businesses can compare prices more readily, which stimulates competition.

10. Other Advantages of the EU
Improved trade
Education
Farming
Industry
For example, there are no tariffs between countries in the EU. This make a large free-trade zone.
Citizens can live and work in any other UN nation.

11. Limitations of EU
The EU does not handle all the government business for the member countries.
Each country makes its own laws, has its own military, and elects its own leaders.

12. Sample Test Question The main purpose of the European Union is to
A. Require all European nations to adopt a command economy.
B. Promote trade and economic growth.
C. Create a large standing army for use around the world.
D. Solve Europe’s environmental problems.

13. Sample Test Question The main purpose of the European Union is to
A. Require all European nations to adopt a command economy.
B. Promote trade and economic growth.
C. Create a large standing army for use around the world.
D. Solve Europe’s environmental problems.

14. Sample Test Question
An example of economic cooperation among European nations that occurred in the late 1900s was the
A. creation of the United Nations.
B. signing of the Treaty of Versailles.
C. creation of the League of Nations.
D. introduction of the Eurodollar.

15. Sample Test Question
An example of economic cooperation among European nations that occurred in the late 1900s was the
A. creation of the United Nations.
B. signing of the Treaty of Versailles.
C. creation of the League of Nations.
D. introduction of the Eurodollar.

16. Sample Test Question Which of the following is a goal of the EU?
A. to create a single European currency
B. to endorse a single European language
C. to provide military aid to European countries experiencing civil war
D. to protect western European countries from formerly communist countries

17. Sample Test Question Which of the following is a goal of the EU?
A. to create a single European currency
B. to endorse a single European language
C. to provide military aid to European countries experiencing civil war
D. to protect western European countries from formerly communist countries

18. References http://europa.eu/abc/12lessons/lesson_1/index_en.htm