the euro and the european union (eu)€¦ · create mutually beneficial union for its members •...
TRANSCRIPT
Why?
To develop a sense of
unity after centuries of
conflict and war.
27
7
30
500 million
Member States
Combined population of EU Member States
Percent of world’s population
Percent of global GDP
56 Percent of combined worldwide Official Development Assistance
Members of the EU
Germany
France
Italy
UK
Belgium
Netherlands
Luxembourg
Portugal
Cyprus
Slovakia
Hungary
Czech republic
Lithuania
Latvia
Estonia
Poland
Bulgaria
Romania
Austria
Ireland
Sweden
Finland
Greece
Spain
Slovenia
Denmark
Malta
Goals of the EU
• Create mutually beneficial union for its
members
• Remove trade barriers to its members
• Give the EU community the right to
live anywhere in the community and
vote in local and European elections
• Establish a single currency
Possible Benefits of the EU
• Make the European economy stronger
• Unite several small countries to create
a single powerful market
• People and companies will save on
foreign currency exchange
• Less confusion on the actual worth of
money
The Euro
EMU = European Monetary
Unit
Use began on January 1, 1999
17 EU countries have adopted it
Euro Isn’t For Everyone
• Many countries have not adopted the euro
• Don’t believe it will boost the economy
• See the euro as an assault on their sense of
community and tradition
• Think the euro will increase political
animosity and division
11
Over 50 Years of EU Integration
Growth of the EU has:
Inspired reforms and consolidated common principles of
liberty, democracy, respect for human rights, fundamental
freedoms, the rule of law, and market economy.
Enhanced the EU’s weight in the world and made it a
stronger and more attractive international partner.
1957 2009
Member States 6 27
Population 174 million 500 million
Languages 4 23