The European Union
What do EU stand for? What is it?
The European Union (EU) is an economic, political and social association of 28 European countries.
What do the countries of the EU have in common?
The countries of the European Union have a common government and institutions.
Why did the EU begin?
Because the Second World War destroyed Europe and the European leaders decided to stop wars from ever happening again and to work together for the future development of Europe in peace.
When your nationality in that of a country that belongs to the EU, then you are also...
Where does most of Europe's population live?
Most of Europe's population lives in the cities.
How many times does the European Council meet a year? Who is it formed by?
The European Council meets four times a year. It is formed by the heads of government of every member state.
How many countries signed the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) treaty in 1951? Could you name, at least, three?
Six countries signed the ECSC treaty in 1951.
Founding countries: Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.
Can you name a right related to languages that you have because of your EU nacionality?
EU institutions should use any official language of its member countries.
What type of growth rate has the EU? Why?
The EU has a negative growth rate, because the fertility rate is low and the life expectancy is high.
Which is the only institution elected by the EU citizens?
The European Parliament.
Can you name, at least, two goals of the EU?
- To represent democracy, peace and human rights throughout the world.
- To help developing countries.
- To promote the single market and the free movement of people, goods, services and money.
- To improve work and living conditions for its citizens.
- To defend EU citizens' rights.
- To achieve equality between the member states.
- To preserve nature.
- To promote unity and peace between the European countries.
- To oversee the safety of goods and food within the EU market.
Why could your teacher María work in the United Kingdom in 2016?
Because EU citizens can work and study in any member country.
Can you name the capitals of the Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom and Denmark? What do they have in common?
The capital of the Repulic of Ireland is Dublin; the capital of the United Kingdom is London and the capital of Denmark is Copenhagen.
What are the symbols of the EU? Describe them briefly.
- The European flag - It is blue with twelve yellow stars in a circle.
- The European anthem - It is from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. It represents peace, solidarity and liberty.
- Its motto - 'United in diversity'.
- Europe Day - Celebrates peace and unity on the continent every 9th of May.
When was the first time that EU citizens could directly elect the members of the European Parliament?
For the first time, EU citizens directly elected the members of the European Parliament in 1979.
Can you name all the rights you have as an EU citizen? And the EU institutions duties?
EU citizens can:
- Travel freely and live in any member country.
- Work and study in any member country.
- Vote in European elections.
Also, EU institutions:
- Protect EU citizens.
- Should use any official language of its member countries.
What are the names of the countries which long time ago formed the Benelux? And their capital cities?
The Benelux was formed by Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg, and their capital cities are Brussels, Amsterdam and Luxembourg.
Can you explain all the EU institutions? Remember to talk about:
- Who form it.
- What are their functions.
- European Council - Fromed by the heads of governmetn of every member state. They elect their president. They sign European treaties.
- European Comission - Formed by one comissioner per member state. Proposes laws and badgets, implements the laws and ensures that the treaties are upheld.
- Council of Ministers of the EU - Formed by ministers from every member state. Decides laws and budgets.
- European parliament - Elected by EU citizens. Decides laws and budgets together with the Parliament and controls the EU institutions.
- Court of Justice of the EU - Formed by one judge per member state. Ensures the application of EU laws.
What important event happened in 1986? And in 1992? When did the euro become the common currency for the most of the EU?
- 1986: Spain and Portugal joined the EEC.
- 1992: The EEC member states signed the Treaty of Maastricht to create the European Union.
2002: The euro became the common currency for most of the EU.
What does the cultural heritage of the EU member countries refer to? Give, at least, three examples, only one per country.
The cultural heritage of the EU member countries refers to the different customs a country has passed down from generation to generation like traditions, cuisine, landscapes or art.
Examples:
- The Eiffel Tower (Paris, France).
- The Big Ben (London, UK).
- The Coliseum/Colosseum (Rome, Italy).
- Flamenco (Spain).