History of European Union

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Study Notes

History of European Union

In the 1970s, new countries started to join the European Economic Community (EEC).
Spain and Portugal joined the EEC in 1986.
The European Union (EU) was formed to bring together European countries and address issues such as trade, security, and citizen rights.
In 1952, six countries (France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg) formed the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), which was a success.
In 1957, the Treaty of Rome created the European Economic Community (EEC) with the same six founding countries.
The Maastricht Treaty in 1993 transformed the EEC into the European Union (EU).
The EU has a single currency, the euro, introduced in 1999 and adopted by some European citizens in 2002.
By 2016, the EU had 28 members, but the United Kingdom voted to leave the EU (Brexit), reducing the number of members to 27.

EU Symbols and Values

The European anthem is "Ode to Joy", based on Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.
Europe Day is celebrated on May 9 to promote peace and unity in Europe.
The EU motto is "United in Diversity".
The main values of the European Union are: human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, and human rights.

Institutions of European Union

European Parliament: located in Brussels, Belgium, with 705 members elected by citizens, passes laws and shares powers with the Council of EU.
European Commission: located in Brussels, Belgium, exercises executive power, with one commissioner from each member state.
Council of EU: located in Brussels, Belgium, composed of one minister from each member country, discusses and approves laws.
European Council: located in Brussels, Belgium, composed of the presidents of each member state, makes the most important decisions.
Court of Justice: located in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, ensures that all institutions and citizens observe EU laws.
European Court of Auditors: located in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, ensures that EU money is used correctly and without corruption.

Economic Objectives of the European Union

The EU has a system called the Four Freedoms: free movement of goods, capital, services, and people.
All member states must follow the same EU laws to protect these freedoms.
Free movement of goods: the EU has created a single market where goods can be transported and sold without custom duties or equivalent measures.
Free movement of capital: citizens can open bank accounts, buy real estate, invest in companies, or own businesses in any EU country without restrictions.
Free movement of services: citizens can provide services in any EU country and make money doing it, with certain professionals requiring equal qualifications across the EU.
Free movement of people: citizens can live, work, study, or travel to any other EU country without restrictions, with often no border checks between EU countries.

The Euro Area

The Euro Area is the group of 19 European countries that use the euro as a currency.
Not all EU countries have adopted the euro due to economic or political reasons.
Spain joined the Euro Area in 2002.
The European Central Bank, located in Frankfurt, Germany, issues euro banknotes and controls the price of the euro.

Description

Test your knowledge on the formation and expansion of the European Union, from the European Coal and Steel Community to the accession of countries like Spain and Portugal. Learn about the objectives and functions of the EU.