THE EUROPEAN UNION - A BRIEF PRESENTATION -

1. THE EUROPEAN UNION- A BRIEF PRESENTATION - The Map of Europe Schuman declaration,The European Flag, The European Anthem, The Euro; Objectives Treaties ; Institutions & Agencies; Member States; Candidate States The source of information: www.europa.eu.int

2. THE MAP OF EUROPE

3. THE EUROPEAN UNION(Schuman declaration; flag; anthem; the Euro) • The European Union (EU) = organisation of European countries dedicated to increasing economic integration and strengthening cooperation among its members. The EU’s headquarters is in Brussels, Belgium. • The European Union is based on the rule of law and democracy. It is neither a new State replacing existing ones nor is it comparable to other international organisations. Its Member States delegate sovereignty to common institutions representing the interests of the Union as a whole on questions of joint interest. All decisions and procedures are derived from the basic treaties ratified by the Member States.

4. On the 9th of May 1950, Robert Schuman (the French minister) presented his proposal on the creation of an organised Europe, indispensable to the maintenance of peaceful relations. This proposal, known as the "Schuman declaration", is considered to be the beginning of the creation of what is now the European Union. • In 1986 the European Council adopted the flag that has become the emblem of the European Union. Against the background of blue sky, twelve golden stars form a circle, representing the union of the peoples of Europe. The number of stars is fixed, twelve being the symbol of perfection and unity. • The European Anthem (Ode to Joy) - adapted from the final movement of Beethoven's 9th Symphony - was adopted by the Council of Europe in 1972 and has been used by the European Union since 1986. • On the 1st January 2002 – the introduction of the Euro On the 1st July 2002 – the Euro replaced national currencies in the Member States of the E.U. (except the U.K., Denmark and Sweden)

5. THE EUROPEAN UNIONObjectives The EU has stated explicitly that its objectives are: “to lay the foundations of an ever closer union among the people of Europe; the constant improvement of the living and working conditions of the people; the reduction of differences in wealth between regions”. The main objectives of the Union are: • Establish European citizenship (Fundamental rights; Freedom of movement; Civil and political rights); • Ensure freedom, security and justice (Cooperation in the field of Justice and Home Affairs); • Promote economic and social progress (Single market; Euro, the common currency; Job creation; Regional development; Environmental protection); • Assert Europe's role in the world (Common foreign and security; The European Union in the world).

6. THE EUROPEAN UNION • A Half Century of Change and Progress • Since the creation of the EU half a century ago, Europe has enjoyed the longest period of peace in its history. • European political integration is unprecedented in history. • EU enlargement has helped overcome the division of Europe – contributing to peace, prosperity, and stability across the continent. • A single market and a common currency conditions for companies and consumers. • EU has united the citizens of Europe – while preserving Europe’s diversity. European Union United in diversity European Union United in diversity

7. THE EUROPEAN UNION What is the European Union? • Shared values: liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. • Largest economic body in the world. • World’s most successful model for advancing peace and democracy. • A unique institution – Member States voluntarily cede national sovereignty in many areas to carry out common policies and governance. • Not a super-state to replace existing states, nor just an organization for international cooperation. • World’s most open market for goods and commodities from developing countries.

8. Home THE EUROPEAN UNIONTreaties European integration is based on fourfounding treaties: • The Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), which was signed on 18 April 1951 in Paris, entered into force on 23 July 1952 and expired on 23 July 2002; • The Treaty establishing the European Economic Community (EEC); • The Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), which was signed (along with the EEC Treaty) in Rome on 25 March 1957, and entered into force on 1 January 1958.

9. THE EUROPEAN UNIONTreaties • The Treaty on European Union, which was signed in Maastricht on 7 February 1992, entered into force on 1 November 1993. 'The Maastricht Treaty changed the name of the European Economic Community to simply "the European Community". • It also introduced new forms of co-operation between the Member State governments - for example on defense, and in the area of "justice and home affairs". • By adding this inter-governmental co-operation to the existing "Community" system, the Maastricht Treaty created a new structure with three "pillars" which is political as well economic. This is the European Union (EU).

10. THE EUROPEAN UNIONTreaties Other treaties: • The Merger Treaty, signed in Brussels on 8 April 1965 and in force since 1 July 1967, provided for a Single Commission and a Single Council of the then three European Communities; • The Single European Act (SEA), signed in Luxembourg and the Hague, and entered into force on 1 July 1987, provided for the adaptations required for the achievement of the Internal Market;

11. THE EUROPEAN UNIONTreaties • The Treaty of Amsterdam, signed on 2 October 1997, entered into force on 1 May 1999: it amended and renumbered the EU and EC Treaties. Consolidated versions of the EU and EC Treaties are attached to it. The Treaty of Amsterdam changed the articles of the Treaty on European Union, identified by letters A to S, into numerical form; • The Treaty of Nice, signed on 26 February 2001, entered into force on 1 February 2003. The Treaty of Nice, the former Treaty of the EU and the Treaty of the EC have been merged into one consolidated version.

12. THE EUROPEAN UNIONInstitutions & Agencies The EU is run by five institutions, each playing a specific role: • European Parliament (elected by the peoples of the Member States); • Council of the Union (composed of the governments of the Member States); • European Commission (driving force and executive body); • Court of Justice (compliance with the law); • Court of Auditors (sound and lawful management of the EU budget).

13. THE EUROPEAN UNIONInstitutions European Parliament • Voice of European citizens – members elected for five-year terms. • With the Council, passes EU laws and adopts EU budgets. • Approves EU Commissioners.

14. THE EUROPEAN UNIONInstitutions European Commission • 27 Commissioners, representing the European perspective, each responsible for a specific policy area. • EU’s executive branch proposes legislation, manages Union’s day-to-day business and budget, and enforces rules. • Negotiates trade agreements and manages Europe’s multilateral development cooperation.

15. THE EUROPEAN UNIONInstitutions Council of the European Union • EU’s main decision-making body, comprised of ministers of 27 Member States, representing Member State’s point of view. • Decides on foreign policy issues. • Council presidency rotates among Member States every six months.

16. THE EUROPEAN UNIONInstitutions European Court of Justice • Highest EU judicial authority. • Ensures all EU laws are interpreted and applied correctly and uniformly. • Can act as an independent policy maker but unlike the U.S. Supreme Court, the ECJ can only deal with matters covered by the Treaties.

17. THE EUROPEAN UNIONInstitutions European Court of Auditors • The main role of the Court of Auditors is to monitor the correct implementation of the EU budget • It also ensures sound financial management and contributes to the effectiveness and transparency of the Community system.

18. THE EUROPEAN UNIONInstitutions & Agencies

19. THE EUROPEAN UNIONInstitutions & Agencies

20. THE EUROPEAN UNIONInstitutions & Agencies Five further bodies are part of the institutional system: • European Economic and Social Committee (expresses the opinions of organised civil society on economic and social issues); • Committee of the Regions (expresses the opinions of regional and local authorities on regional policy, environment, and education); • European Ombudsman (deals with complaints from citizens concerning maladministration by an EU institution or body); • European Investment Bank (contributes to EU objectives by financing public and private long-term investments); • European Central Bank (responsible for monetary policy and foreign exchange operations).

21. THE EUROPEAN UNIONInstitutions European Economic and Social Committee • It is an advisory body ensuring that the various economic and social interest groups (employers, trade unions, farmers, consumers, etc.) are represented in the institutional framework of the European Union.

22. THE EUROPEAN UNIONInstitutions Committee of the Regions • The Committee of the Regions is an advisory body which ensures that local and regional authorities are represented at the heart of the European Union. • The seat of the Committee of the Regions is in Brussels.

23. THE EUROPEAN UNIONInstitutions European Ombudsman • The Ombudsman is appointed after each European Parliament election for a renewable term of five years, corresponding to Parliament's legislative term. • His seat is that of the European Parliament, in Strasbourg. • is assisted by a secretariat, whose principal administrator he also appoints. • The Ombudsman operates completely independently and impartially. • He does not request or accept instructions from any government or organisation. • During his term of office, he may not exercise any other professional activity, either paid or unpaid.

24. THE EUROPEAN UNIONInstitutions European Investment Bank • The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the financial institution of the European Union. • Both "bank" and "European institution", it aids the achievement of the Union's objectives by funding projects that promote: • European integration, • balanced development, • economic and social cohesion and • the development of an innovative knowledge-based economy

25. THE EUROPEAN UNIONInstitutions European Central Bank • The European Central Bank (ECB) is the central bank for Europe's single currency, the euro. • The ECB’s main task is to maintain the euro's purchasing power and thus price stability in the euro area. • The euro area comprises the 13 European Union countries that have introduced the euro since 1999. • The ECB operates independently from Member State governments.

26. 18 April 1951 Based on the Schuman plan, six countries sign a treaty to run their heavy industries – coal and steel – under a common management. In this way, none can on its own make the weapons of war to turn against the other, as in the past. The six are Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.  Founding Member States: Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. ENLARGEMENTS

27. 1 January 1973 The six become nine when Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom formally enter the EU.  Member States: Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. New Member States: Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom. ENLARGEMENTS

28. 1 January 1981 Membership of the EU reaches double figures when Greece joins. It has been eligible to join since its military regime was overthrown and democracy restored in 1974.  Member States: Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom. New Member State: Greece. ENLARGEMENTS

29. 1 January 1986 Spain and Portugal enter the EU, bringing membership to 12.  Member States: Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Ireland, United Kingdom and Greece. New Member States: Spain and Portugal. ENLARGEMENTS

30. 1 January 1995 Austria, Finland and Sweden join the EU. The 15 members now cover almost the whole of western Europe. In October 1990, Germany was unified and therefore former East Germany became part of the EU.  Member States: Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Ireland, United Kingdom, Greece, Spain and Portugal. New Member States: Austria, Finland and Sweden. ENLARGEMENTS

31. 1 May 2004 Eight countries of central and eastern Europe — the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia — join the EU, finally ending the division of Europe decided by the Great Powers 60 years earlier at Yalta. Cyprus and Malta also become members.  Member States: Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Ireland, United Kingdom, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Finland and Sweden. New Member States: Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia. Candidate Countries: Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey. ENLARGEMENTS

32. 1 January 2007 Two more countries from eastern Europe, Bulgaria and Romania, now join the EU, brining the number of member states to 27 countries. Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey are also candidates for future membership. Member States: Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Ireland, United Kingdom, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia. New Member States: Bulgaria and Romania. Candidate Countries: Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey. ENLARGEMENTS

33. COMMON POLICIES • The EU aims to their members being able to feed their own populations • It was intended to stabilize agricultural markets, improve productivity, and ensure a fair deal for both farmers and consumers • It imposed controls on access to fish stocks and attempted to preserve the fisheries.

34. REDUCING ECONOMIC DIFFERENCES • The signatories pledged to standardize policies regarding working conditions, social insurance, and similar matters • They count on three different instruments: • European Regional Development Fund and European Social Fund • Cohesion Fund • European Investment Bank (EIB)

35. MONETARY SYSTEM • The European Monetary System (EMS) is the exchange rate structure of the EU • The role of the EMS has remained essentially unchanged with the introduction of the euro • It regulates exchange rates between the euro and those EU states that did not join the single currency.

36. MONETARY SYSTEM

37. MONETARY SYSTEM • The €uro • In 1999, the euro area was established as a currency in eleven of the then fifteen EU Member States. • Of the 27 EU Member States today, thirteen have adopted the euro. • One of the striking benefits of a single European currency are low interest rates due to a high degree of price stability. • The euro is as stable and credible as the best-performing currencies previously used in the euro area countries.

38. ECONOMIC AND MONETARY UNION • EMU requires an intense degree of economic coordination among its members. • Participating nations must • integrate their budgetary policies, • establish common interest rates, and • use a single currency. • It is the logical step forward to a single market.

39. 1957 2007 Member States 6 27 Population 174 million 493 million Languages 4 23 50 Years of European Integration Enlargement 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.

40. RELATIONS WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD • Bilateral and multilateral trade agreements have been signed between the EU and most developing countries. • By 1995 all the former Communist countries of Eastern Europe had applied for EU membership. • Relations between the EU and the non-European industrialized countries, especially the United States and Japan, have been both rewarding and frustrating. • They want to expand the relations to other countries too.

41. The European Union in the World • The EU is a global player. • Its soft power promotes stability, prosperity, democracy and human rights, delivers concrete results in the fight to eradicate poverty, and in achieving sustainable development.

42. Addressing Global Challenges • Peace & Security • Works for global peace and security alongside the United States and multilateral organizations – including NATO and the United Nations. • Undertakes humanitarian and peacekeeping missions and has provided military forces for crisis management around the globe. • Counterterrorism & Homeland Security • Taken steps to improve intelligence sharing, enhance law enforcement and judicial cooperation, curtail terrorist financing. • Boosts trade and transport security to support the struggle against terrorism.

43. Addressing Global Challenges • Democracy & Human Rights • Works globally for free elections and open democratic processes. • Fights racism and intolerance at home and abroad. • Campaigns globally against capital punishment. • Development Assistance & Humanitarian Relief • The EU and its Member States are the world’s largest aid donor, providing 55% of total official development assistance. • Provides billions of dollars in humanitarian aid to more than 100 countries in response to crises and natural disasters.

44. Addressing Global Challenges • Trade • European Commission represents all 27 EU Member States before the World Trade Organization. • Supports free trade and open markets, within the rules-based structure of the WTO, to promote growth and jobs in both industrialized and developing countries. • The world's most open market for products and commodities from developing countries – 40% of all EU imports are from developing countries.

45. Addressing Global Challenges • Environmental Protection • A leader in global efforts to protect the environment, maintaining rigorous and comprehensive systems at home. • Plays a key role in developing and implementing international agreements, such as the Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change. • Executing a “cap and trade” system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions • Takes the lead in the fight against global warming with the adoption of binding energy targets (cutting 20% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2020).

46. Partners in Global Leadership • EU and U.S. work together to develop international standards: • Fighting terrorism and trans-national crime • Advancing global trade liberalization • Combating piracy and intellectual property violations • Spreading benefits of globalization • EU and its Member States are helping restore peace and stability in Afghanistan. • EU and U.S. work together in the Middle East Quartet to advance the peace process. • When the EU and U.S. agree, others tend to follow.

47. Shared Values and Responsibilities • Freedom & Democracy Support free elections, good governance, human rights, and the rule of law around the world. • Security Cooperate to fight terrorism, limit the spread of nuclear weapons, and work for global peace. • Development Together, EU and U.S. provide 80% of global development assistance and an even larger share of global humanitarian aid in times of disaster and conflict.

48. A Dynamic Transatlantic Economy • EU and U.S. together account for 40% of total global trade (more than $1.5 billion in transatlantic trade every day). • The $3 trillion EU-U.S. transatlantic economy employs 14 million workers on both sides of the Atlantic. • In 2005, Europe accounted for roughly two-thirds of total global investment flows into the U.S. – by far the most significant source of foreign investment in the U.S. economy.

49. A Dynamic Transatlantic Economy • European companies are the leading foreign investors in the U.S. • The UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands – top four sources of jobs created by foreign investment in the United States. • American companies invest far more in EU countries than in Asia. • U.S. businesses make 5 times the profit in the Netherlands - alone - as they make in China. • In 2005, EU investments in Texas alone surpassed all U.S. investments in China and Japan, combined.

50. A Dynamic Transatlantic Economy • EU and U.S. face common challenges that are global in origin and impact. With global challenges, come global responsibilities. • EU and U.S., with our shared values and common interests, are natural partners to give a lead in four key areas: • Promote peace, human rights and democracy worldwide. • Confront global challenges, including security and non-proliferation. • Foster prosperity and opportunity. • Advance strategic cooperation on energy security, climate change and sustainable development.