The European Union

The European Union

Major Themes:What does the EU help us teach?Interdependence and CooperationNationalism, Language and IdentityDiversity, Multiculturalism and ImmigrationEnlargement of countries who are members to the EU and political unification; much like that of the US)

Major Themes:What does the EU help us teach?Interdependence- mutually dependent; depending on each other

Multiculturalism- the policy or practice of giving equal attention or representation to the cultural needs and contributions of all the groups in a society

Interdependence and CooperationEuropean Union is the most successful example in world history of countries working together to solve common problems

EU countries are interdependent. They face common challenges that none can solve alone such as: Environmental issuesEconomic GlobalizationDefense and SecurityNationalism, Language, IdentityNationalism was discredited by WWII after the abuses witnessed

But languages and identities still remain nationalNationalism, Language, Identity

23 Official LanguagesMajor EU AchievementsPeaceEnlargementInternal marketThe EuroEnvironmental Policy

..and many moreFrom war to peace

From the rubble of Dresden to the Love Parade in BerlinFrom warCenturies of warfare culminating in:WWI over 15 million casualtiesWWII over 50 million casualties, including 6 million Jews killed in the Holocaust

to peaceOn Bastille Day 1994, a German battalion marched down the Champs-Elyses and they were invited!

War between France and Germany is now unthinkable

EU is moving toward a common defense policy

EU Enlargement: Membership in the EU went from 6 countries to 28

EnlargementEnlargement of the EU helped spread and stabilize democracy across Europe

And brought prosperity to ailing economies

Internal Market

TravelCommunicationsInvestmentEducationRetirement in the sun

Free TradeInternal MarketMarket power: The EU has the worlds largest market and is Americas biggest trading partner

Businesses benefit

Consumers benefit

Economic performance improves

From many currencies.

to one: the Euro

Environmental PolicyEU has become world leader on environmental policy

EU has spread high environmental standards across Europe- Climate Change Policy- REACH Chemicals lawAutomobile recyclingEurope as model?We mostly hear bad news about EuropeBut European Model is attractive to many around the worldLess militaristic foreign policyStronger support for environmental protectionMore social securityCan it be sustained?