EU and Me PDF

EN EU and me  CREDITS All images, © European Union, except: An online version of this publication, containing links to online Cover page, © Patrick Sheànde...

EN EU and me  CREDITS All images, © European Union, except: An online version of this publication, containing links to online Cover page, © Patrick Sheàndell O'Carroll/PhotoAlto content, is available in PDF and HTML format at: Page 1, © iStock.com/kentarcajuan, © iStock.com/lushik Page 4, © iStock.com/kentarcajuan https://op.europa.eu/webpub/com/eu-and-me/en/ Page 10, © iStock.com/lushik https://europa.eu/learning-corner/home_en Page 14, © iStock.com/molotovcoketail, © iStock.com/TCmake_photo European Commission Page 17, © iStock.com/molotovcoketail, ©iStock/ Directorate-General for Communication Macrovector Editorial service and targeted outreach Page 18, © iStock.com/molotovcoketail 1049 Brussels Page 20, ©iStock/Macrovector, © iStock.com/lushik BELGIUM Page 21, © iStock.com/molotovcoketail, © iStock.com/in8finity Page 22, © iStock.com/macrovector Page 25, © Jacob Lund/stock.adobe.com Page 29, © iStock.com/exdez, © iStock.com/macrovector Page 31, © Hellenic Republic Ministry of Finance/Υπουργείο Οικονομικών της Ελληνικής Page 32, © iStock.com/AF-studio, © iStock.com/Askold Romanov Page 35, © iStock.com/BRO Vector Manuscript completed in November 2021. Page 36, © iStock.com/DenPotisev Page 38, © iStock.com/elenabs The text of this publication is based on the German manuscript Page 41, © iStock.com/Irina_Strelnikova of the 2010 publication Europe. A journal for young people by Page 42, © iStock.com/AF-studio, © iStock.com/appleuzr, Eckart D. Stratenschulte, European Academy Berlin. © iStock.com/vasabii For this edition, it has been revised and updated by the Page 43, © iStock.com/ADELART, © iStock.com/appleuzr, Directorate-General for Communication of the European © iStock.com/drmakkoy, © iStock.com/Jane_Kelly, Commission. © iStock.com/TCmake_photo, © iStock.com/vasabii Print ISBN 978-92-76-31188-1 Page 48, © engel.ac/stock.adobe.com, © iStock.com/da-vooda doi:10.2775/472337 Page 49, © New Africa/stock.adobe.com NA-08-21-016-EN-C Page 50, © iStock.com/Si-Gal Page 51, © Mariusz/stock.adobe.com, © iStock.com/AF-studio PDF ISBN 978-92-76-31162-1 Page 52, © iStock.com/da-vooda, © ipopba/stock.adobe.com doi:10.2775/1629 Page 53, © iStock.com/aurielaki, NA-08-21-016-EN-N © iStock.com/Yuriy Bucharskiy Page 55, © DIgilife/stock.adobe.com HTML ISBN 978-92-76-31106-5 Page 56, © iStock.com/da-vooda, doi:10.2775/439 © Travel mania/stock.adobe.com NA-08-21-016-EN-Q page 58, © iStock.com/shironosov Page 60, © pressmaster/stock.adobe.com Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2021 Page 61, © iStock.com/Varijanta, © iStock.com/AlisaRut © alisa_rut/stock.adobe.com © European Union 2021 Page 64, © iStock.com/Nastco, © luzitanija/stock.adobe.com, Reuse is authorised provided the source is acknowledged. The © iStock.com/Tom Nulens, © iStock.com/Sensvector reuse policy of European Commission documents is regulated Page 65, © Seventyfour/stock.adobe.com by Decision 2011/833/EU (OJ L 330, 14.12.2011, p. 39). For Page 68, © iStock.com/da-vooda, © BrAt82/stock.adobe.com, any use or reproduction of photos or other material that is not © sdecoret/stock.adobe.com under EU copyright, permission must be sought directly from the Page 69, © iStock.com/Irina Ku copyright holders. Page 70, © iStock.com/urbazon Page 76, Source: Wikimedia Commons, author Tangopaso, released into the public domain. EU & ME 4 If you are between 15 and 18 years old and interested in finding out more about the European Union, then this booklet is for you. It will tell you how the European Union – or ‘EU’ for short – was built. It will also tell you what values we share, who does what in the EU and how all of this is relevant to your daily life. You will also learn about how the EU deals with today’s big challenges, including climate change, the digital world and COVID-19. What the EU is doing today will shape your future tomorrow. The European Union as we know it today has been built over many years. It is a work in progress, and soon your generation will start shaping its development. So now is the time for you to form your own opinions about the EU. This booklet and the exercises it contains can help you do this: europa.eu/learning-corner/eu-me_en An online quiz accompanies this booklet. It’s a fun way to revisit some of the issues covered: europa.eu/!tY87Hn More materials about the EU can also be found in all EU official languages on the Learning Corner website: europa.eu/learning-corner/home_en If you have any remarks or suggestions about this publication, please send them to: [email protected]. 5  CHAPTER 1 CHAPTER 2 WHAT HOW DOES IS THE THE EU EUROPEAN WORK? UNION? 6 15 CONTENTS CHAPTER 3 CHAPTER 4 HOW IS THE WHAT’S ON EU RELEVANT THE EU’S TO YOUR AGENDA DAILY LIFE? 28 44 ANSWERS TO THE EXERCISES 71 FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE EU 78  SINCE ITS CREATION IN 1957, THE EU HAS GROWN FROM 6 TO 27 COUNTRIES. THESE COUNTRIES JOINED FORCES TO BUILD A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER. WHICH COUNTRIES ARE MEMBERS OF THE EU AND WHEN DID THEY JOIN? IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN HOW THE EU BECAME WHAT IT IS TODAY AND WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE. CHAPTER 1 WHAT IS THE EUROPEAN UNION? 8 EU Member States ALBANIA ANDORRA The European Union is a unique partnership between 27 European AUSTRIA countries, known as Member States, or EU countries. Together they cover BELARUS much of the European continent. The EU is home to around 447 million BELGIUM people, which is around 6 % of the world’s population. Citizens of the EU countries are also EU citizens. BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA BULGARIA CROATIA EXERCISE 1 CYPRUS WHO IS A MEMBER OF THE EU? CZECHIA DENMARK Look at the list of flags and country names on the right. They are all European but they don’t all belong to the European Union. Once you have identified the EU ESTONIA countries, locate them on the map. If you need help, take a look at this website: FINLAND europa.eu/!cW78Hk FRANCE GERMANY GREECE HUNGARY ICELAND IRELAND ITALY LATVIA LIECHTENSTEIN LITHUANIA LUXEMBOURG MALTA MOLDOVA MONTENEGRO NORTH MACEDONIA NETHERLANDS NORWAY POLAND PORTUGAL ROMANIA SERBIA SLOVAKIA SLOVENIA SPAIN SWEDEN N.B. The United Kingdom voted to leave the EU in a national referendum in SWITZERLAND June 2016, and left in 2020. TURKEY UKRAINE UNITED KINGDOM VATICAN CITY 9  EXERCISE 2 HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE VARIOUS EU COUNTRIES? Imagine you work for a national tourist board. Choose the two EU countries that you know best and write a short text about them for tourists. For example, how many people live in these two countries and what are their capital cities? What do they have to offer to visitors (food, culture, language and so on)? DID YOU KNOW? The EU has nine regions which are located far from the European continent. These overseas territories (also known as ‘outermost regions’) are: French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion and Saint Martin (France), the Azores and Madeira (Portugal) and the Canary Islands (Spain). EU official languages DOBRÓ ÚTRO / BUENOS DÍAS DOBRÉ RÁNO / GODMORGEN The European Union has 24 official languages. GUTEN MORGEN / TERE HOMMIKUST Why so many? The EU would not exist KALIMERA / GOOD MORNING without its Member States and its people. As a democratic organisation, the EU has to BONJOUR / DIA DUIT communicate with the governments of the DOBRO JUTRO / BUONGIORNO Member States and their inhabitants, companies LABAS RYTAS / LABRĪT and public bodies in their own languages. JÓ NAPOT / L-GĦODWA T-TAJBA Everyone living in the EU has the right to know GOEDEMORGEN / DZIEŃ DOBRY what is being done in their name and with their taxes, and what rules they have to follow. They BOM DIA / BUNĂ DIMINEAŢA should also be able to participate in EU affairs DOBRÉ RÁNO / DOBRO JUTRO without first having to learn another language. HYVÄÄ HUOMENTA / GOD MORGON DID YOU KNOW? You can write to the EU institutions in any of the EU’s 24 official languages and you will receive a reply in that language. 10 UNITED IN DIVERSITY European values Have you ever heard the phrase ‘United in diversity’? It’s The EU is founded on six core the EU’s motto and encapsulates what the EU’s values values that form the basis of are all about. While each EU country has its own culture, our society: language and traditions, they all share the same common respect for human dignity values which they must comply with as members of the freedom European Union. democracy One fundamental value that unites all EU countries is equality democracy. This means that only democratic countries the rule of law can be members of the EU. Other values that are respect for human common to all EU countries are respect for human rights, including those of dignity, freedom, equality, the rule of law and respect for minorities. human rights, including the rights of people belonging to minority groups. These values have been fought for over many years and have WATCH THE VIDEO: shaped the kind of society we EU values explained in 1 minute live in today. europa.eu/!uwrcHp The EU’s values are set out in the EU treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. These are important legal texts that all EU countries have approved and must therefore respect. The EU treaties contain the rules that guide the work of the EU. They are amended from time to time, for example when new countries join or when there are changes to how the EU works. The most recent treaty is the Lisbon Treaty, which was signed in the Portuguese capital in 2007. Find out more about the EU treaties: europa.eu/!gy77mf The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union came into force with the Lisbon Treaty. It set out the rights and freedoms that all people living in the EU enjoy, such as personal, economic and social rights. To reflect modern society, the charter includes newer fundamental rights, such as data protection and guarantees on bioethics. It also includes specific 11  provisions on the rights of under-18s, ensuring that children’s rights are part of the human rights that the EU and its Member States are obliged to comply with and protect. Find out more about the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU: https://fra.europa.eu/en/eu-charter and the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child: https://ec.europa.eu/info/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/rights-child_en DID YOU KNOW? The European flag From 6 to 27 is made up of 12 golden stars in EU countries a circle on a blue background. It The EU is made up of very different countries. was adopted in 1984 by the The EU country with the largest population European Union (which was is Germany, which has around 83 million called the European Economic inhabitants, while the smallest, Malta, has Community at the time) and 500 000 inhabitants. In the EU, people speak now flies above buildings, different languages which use one of three parks and monuments all over different alphabets (Latin, Greek and Cyrillic). Europe. The number of stars There are different traditions, cultures, foods and never changes – it is always festivals in each country. 12. They symbolise unity, solidarity and harmony among the people of Europe. 12 EXERCISE 3 WHAT DO THE EU’S VALUES AND PRINCIPLES MEAN IN PRACTICE? Part 1. Put a cross in the correct column for each of the eight questions below. In small groups, discuss what you think a country can or cannot do if it wants to be part of the EU. (A) (B) A country … can join the EU can’t join the EU 1. that does not have freedom of the press 2. that applies the death penalty 3. that allows its citizens to protest against the government 4. in which the parliament is elected on a regular basis 5. in which the army determines policy and may even intervene in internal affairs with military power 6. in which people are considered innocent until their guilt has been established by a court 7. in which there is only one party which is always in government 8. which protects minorities, even when the majority is against them Part 2. In small groups, choose two of the six EU values listed below and discuss what they mean to you. Democracy, Human dignity, Freedom, Equality Rule of Law Respect for human rights. 13  How did it all begin? After two destructive world wars in the first On 9 May 1950, France’s Foreign Minister, half of the twentieth century (1914–1918 and Robert Schuman, proposed merging European 1939–1945), people were determined that production of coal and steel. At the time, these nothing like that should ever be allowed to were the raw materials used for war – coal as happen again. an energy resource, and steel for weapons and machinery. By pooling their production, no Between 1945 and 1950, some European one country could secretly arm itself against the politicians, including Robert Schuman, others. Following this proposal, the European Konrad Adenauer, Alcide De Gasperi and Coal and Steel Community came into being Winston Churchill, began the process of in 1952. It was founded by six neighbouring creating the European Union we live in today. countries – Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Their vision was to unite European countries Luxembourg and the Netherlands – and laid the economically and politically in order to secure foundations for the EU we know today. lasting peace and prosperity. You can discover more about the people and politicians who shaped the European Union over the years in our EU Pioneers series here: europa.eu/european-union/about-eu/history/eu-pioneers_en Building on the European Coal and Steel Community A few years later, the six founding countries decided to extend their cooperation to other economic sectors. The Treaty of Rome was signed in 1957, establishing the European Economic Community, and came into force in 1958. Its initial aim was to foster trade and further economic integration between the participating countries. New members membership. The first of these was Greece, which joined in 1981. Portugal and Spain In 1973, Denmark, Ireland and the United followed in 1986. In 1993, the European Union Kingdom (*) joined the European Economic was created and Austria, Finland and Sweden Community. A few years later, with the end of joined 2 years later. This brought the EU’s right-wing dictatorships in southern Europe, membership to 15. three countries became eligible to apply for (*) The United Kingdom left the EU in 2020. 14 Soon after the Second World War, Europe was countries. The European neighbourhood policy split into east and west by the ‘iron curtain’ supports the security, stability and prosperity of as the 40-year-long Cold War began. The the countries to the immediate east and south Berlin Wall was a symbol of this division as it of the EU. In addition, the EU’s enlargement split the city of Berlin in two. After the fall of policy covers potential new members. Beyond communism in 1989, the formerly communist the ‘neighbourhood’ region, the EU’s global central and eastern European countries started relations are usually based on trade deals, a process of democratisation and applied to join partnerships and multilateral cooperation. the EU. In 2004, eight countries from central and eastern Europe joined the EU: Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. In the same year, the DID YOU KNOW? Mediterranean islands of Cyprus and Malta The current candidate also became members. In 2007, Bulgaria and countries for EU membership Romania joined, followed by Croatia in 2013. are: Albania, Montenegro, The addition of new EU members has expanded North Macedonia, Serbia the common market and helped maintain peace and Turkey. Bosnia and and prosperity in Europe. Any new member Herzegovina and Kosovo (*) must be prepared to sign up to the treaties and are potential candidates. take on board the full body of EU law. It must respect the EU’s values, such as the principles (*) This designation is without prejudice of democracy, the rule of law and respect for to positions on status, and is in line human rights and fundamental freedoms. with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of Beyond its own borders, the EU also maintains independence. strong relationships with neighbouring 15  Nobel Peace Prize The EU was set up to secure lasting peace among its members. Since its establishment, violent internal conflicts and opportunities for war to break out between Europeans have been greatly reduced. In recognition of its work for peace, democracy and human rights in Europe and around the world, the European Union was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012. It decided to donate the EUR 930 000 prize money – plus a further EUR 930 000 from the EU itself – to children who are denied the chance to grow up in peace. THE EU THROUGH THE AGES From a continent at war to a peaceful union, follow the EU’s journey with our EU timeline: europa.eu/learning-corner/ eu‑timeline/overview_en EXERCISE 4 WHAT DOES THE EUROPEAN UNION MEAN TO YOU? As we have seen, the European Union’s origins date back to the early 1950s, when it was founded by people who had experienced the atrocities of one, or even two, world wars. These wars resulted in tens of millions of deaths across the continent. At the time, the ambition to unite countries and people that had so recently been in conflict was visionary. By the time you and your friends were born, the EU had already enjoyed more than 50 years of peace and prosperity, although you may have heard or read stories about difficult experiences in other parts of the world during this time. As young people, what do you think about this long- lasting peace in Europe? Do you take it for granted or do you sometimes worry about the future? Is democracy alone enough to guarantee peace? Discuss this with your classmates. Visit our online version of this chapter europa.eu/!p7xfYR 16  YOU OFTEN HEAR IN THE NEWS THAT ‘BRUSSELS’ HAS DECIDED THIS AND THAT. BUT WHAT DOES THAT ACTUALLY MEAN? EXACTLY WHO OR WHAT IS ‘BRUSSELS’? THIS CHAPTER WILL PROVIDE A SHORT OVERVIEW OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE EU. YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT THE MAIN EU INSTITUTIONS, WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES THEY HAVE AND WHAT THEY ARE ALLOWED TO DO. YOU WILL ALSO LEARN HOW YOU CAN INFLUENCE THEIR WORK CHAPTER 2 HOW DOES THE EU WORK? 17  Who decides what in the EU? When you hear discussions about politics, it is often people who are mentioned: the prime minister of your country, for example, or an opposition leader. This is because it is people who take decisions and shape policies. And the same is true for the EU. The European institutions are simply places where politicians from all EU countries can meet to work together towards concrete results. Let’s take a look at the institutions where most of the decisions are made. europarl.europa.eu The European Parliament As the EU’s only directly elected institution, the European DID YOU KNOW? Parliament is the collective voice of ordinary people. Members are directly elected by European citizens every 5 years. Anyone with Young people– EU citizenship is eligible to vote in these elections. In some EU between 15 and countries where non-citizens can sometimes vote in sub-national 30 years old – are the most pro-European of elections, people who fulfil other residency conditions (such as all the generations. In non-citizens legally living in the country) can also vote in European 2019, over 70 % of Parliamentary elections. them said they had a The last European elections were held in 2019. The next ones will positive view of the EU. be held in 2024. You have the right to vote from the age of 18 in all Source: Flash Eurobarometer 478 EU countries except Austria and Malta, where you can vote at 16, and Greece, where you can vote when you are 17. 18 The main meetings of the European Parliament, also known as ‘plenary +18 +17 +16 sessions’, take place 12 times a year in Strasbourg, France, and up to 6 times a year in Brussels, Belgium. The European Parliament has 705 members, also called MEPs, from all EU countries. The number of members per country varies: more populous countries have more members than smaller, less populous ones. Members from across the EU with similar political views work together in political groups just as in national parliaments, instead of forming groups according European citizens to their nationality. directly elect the The European Parliament takes decisions on EU laws together with the Members of the Council of the European Union. If the Parliament and the Council cannot European Parliament. agree on a piece of legislation, there will be no new law. The Parliament elects the President of the European Commission and has the right to approve or to dismiss the whole European Commission. It also approves the budget of the European Union. EXERCISE 5 YOUR REPRESENTATIVES IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT The next European Parliamentary elections will be held are eight political groups in the Parliament. Members in 2024, and you might be eligible to vote by then. cannot belong to more than one political group at Your representatives work with other Members of the the same time. Other members do not belong to any European Parliament in political groups. To form a political group at all and are known as non-attached political group, 25 members are needed, from at least members. one quarter of the 27 EU countries. At present, there In small groups, have a look at the map available at the following link and see which parties from your country were successful at the last European elections and which groups they belong to: europa.eu/!mP79pm Here you can see how members are seated in the plenary: europa.eu/!qp74Dm Do you recognise some of the members from your own country? 19  consilium.europa.eu/en/european-council The European Council The European Council brings together the elected leaders of EU countries, i.e. the heads of state or heads of government. These leaders meet at least four times per year. Their meetings are often referred to as ‘European summits’. The European Council sets the EU’s main political priorities and overall policy direction. It is chaired by a president who is elected every 2½ years. The European Council does not pass EU laws. That is the job of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union – don’t mix them up! EU and national leaders attend a European summit, chaired by the President of the European Council. consilium.europa.eu/en The Council of the European Union The Council of the European Union – also known as ‘the Council’ for short – represents the governments of the EU countries. In the Council, ministers from all EU countries meet to discuss and take decisions on EU policies and laws. Which ministers attend depends on the topic under discussion. For example, if the meeting is about air pollution, then the environment ministers will meet. If the focus is on unemployment, then ministers responsible for employment and social affairs will attend. 20 The Council is one of the EU’s two law-making bodies. So without the ministers from all EU countries, nothing can get done in the European Union. The rules of voting in the Council are decided by the EU countries. The Council takes most of its decisions by a majority vote, and in some cases unanimously. For the areas where the EU countries have agreed that decisions must be taken by unanimity – for instance for taxation or security issues – this means that all ministers must be in agreement for a decision to be taken. In many other areas, ministers take decisions by majority vote, for example when passing an EU law on consumer rights, on issues such as the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic or on environmental issues such as how to treat urban waste. The presidency of the Council is held by a different EU country every 6 months. Following the Presidencies of Portugal and Slovenia in 2021, France and Czechia will hold it in 2022, and Sweden and Spain in 2023. DID YOU KNOW? The Council votes unanimously on: most common foreign and security policy issues; citizenship (the granting of new rights to EU citizens); EU membership; harmonisation of national legislation on indirect taxation; EU finances; certain justice and home affairs issues (e.g. family law, police cooperation); harmonisation of national legislation on social security and social protection. Under unanimous voting, abstention does not prevent a decision from being taken. Find out more about the Council in this short documentary: europa.eu/!Xm48xu 21  EXERCISE 6 VOTING IN THE COUNCIL In Council meetings, about 80 % of law proposals are decided by qualified majority vote, also called a ‘double majority’. Under qualified-majority voting, each minister casts one vote for or against a proposal, or abstains. As the number of people represented by each minister varies according to the population of their country, a ‘double majority’ is required to adopt a decision fairly: at least 55 % of EU countries (15 out of 27) representing at least 65 % of the total EU population (around 447 million) must vote in favour for a law to pass. See here for more details: europa.eu/!fh76Jm QUALIFIED MAJORITY Try out the voting calculator on the Council’s website 27 Member States to see how this system works with the exercise below: 27 Minimum ‘yes’ required for adoption: europa.eu/!rM38Ru 55 % = 15 Imagine your class has collected money for a school trip and you now need to agree on a destination. Someone suggests putting the proposed destination to a vote by qualified majority. Are you all of the same opinion or do you need to take a qualified-majority vote? TOTAL SIMPLE Choose someone to represent the European MAJORITY = Commission – they have 1 minute to argue in favour of a certain destination. Pick another student to take Population % charge of the Council’s voting calculator. Assign each of Minimum ‘yes’ required your classmates the role of a minister from each of the for adoption: 65 % 27 EU countries. use the voting calculator Each ‘minister’ should then vote for or against the proposed destination – or they can abstain. Check the result on the Council’s calculator. What was the outcome? Were you able to agree on the proposed destination? Discuss your thoughts about this type of voting process with the group. 22  ec.europa.eu The European Commission The European Commission is made up of 27 Commissioners – one per EU country. Together with the President of the European Commission, the Commissioners are the EU’s executive branch, responsible for the daily running of the EU. Their mandate lasts 5 years. The European Commission president is nominated by the Member States via the European Council and is formally appointed by the European Parliament. The other Commissioners are proposed by their country’s government and approved by the European Parliament. Commissioners do not represent the views of their country of origin but rather the common interest of the EU. Each member of the Commission is assigned responsibility for a specific policy area by the president, such as energy, the economy or the environment. The European Commission proposes new laws The European Commission is the and programmes in the general interest of the ‘executive body’ of the EU. EU. Before making a proposal, the Commission seeks the opinions of national parliaments, governments, interest groups, experts and the general public, by inviting them to make comments online. For more information about how you can make your voice heard in EU policymaking, see section: Your voice in the EU decision-making (p.25). The Commission’s proposals are scrutinised in detail by the European Parliament and the Council. These two institutions take the final decision on all EU laws. They can amend proposals or reject them altogether. The European Commission also manages EU policies and the budget, and ensures that EU countries apply EU law correctly. 23  DID YOU KNOW? The day-to-day work of the Commission is carried out by its administrative staff, experts, translators, interpreters and assistants. Commission officials – like the staff of other EU institutions – are recruited via the European Personnel Selection Office (epso.europa.eu). These officials are citizens of the EU countries, selected by recruitment competitions. Around 32 000 people work for the Commission. That may sound like a lot, but it is in fact fewer than the number of staff employed by most large city councils in the EU. If this sounds like a career you might be interested in, you can apply for an EU traineeship with any of the EU institutions. Find out more here: europa.eu/!tu37Kg DID YOU KNOW? You can visit the European institutions! visiting.europarl.europa.eu/en Take a tour around the European Parliament, the Council, the European Council and the European Commission in person or online. consilium.europa.eu/en/contact/visits europa.eu/!x79j4w 24 The Court of Justice of the European Union Over the last 70 years, EU countries have drawn up many EU laws together. The Court of Justice ensures that these laws are interpreted and applied uniformly. If a national court is in doubt about interpreting any of these laws, it can ask the Court of Justice for clarification. Individual EU countries do not always apply EU laws fully. In this case, the Commission or another EU country can bring the matter before the Court. The Court is based in Luxembourg and consists of one judge per EU country. For more information, see: curia.europa.eu EXERCISE 7 WHO DOES WHAT IN THE EU? That was a lot of information to take in! However, it is important to understand what ‘Brussels’ really is and who is responsible for what in the EU. Take the test below to see how much you remember. Put a cross in the box against the institution or institutions that match the description. Who …? European European Council of European European Parliament Council the European Commission Court of Union Justice 1. makes proposals for EU laws 2. approves EU laws 3. consists of (only) one representative/member per EU country 4. is directly elected 5. manages the budget 6. represents the interests of the people 7. represents the interests of EU countries/their governments 8. represents the interest of the EU as a whole 9. decides on the interpretation of EU laws 10. defines the general political direction of the EU 25  Apart from the institutions discussed the European Economic and Social here, you may have heard of these Committee: eesc.europa.eu other EU institutions and bodies: the European Committee of For more the European Central Bank: the Regions: cor.europa.eu information see: ecb.europa.eu europa.eu/!NX37Dd the European Investment Bank: the European Court of Auditors: eib.europa.eu eca.europa.eu the European Ombudsman: the European External Action ombudsman.europa.eu Service: eeas.europa.eu the European Data Protection Supervisor: edps.europa.eu EXERCISE 8 LAW-MAKING IN THE EU The most common procedure for making laws in the EU is called the ‘ordinary legislative procedure’. With this procedure, proposals for a new law are examined up to three times (in so-called readings). If no agreement can be reached, the proposal is withdrawn. The EU treaties specify who can pass laws in what areas: the EU, national governments or both. EU countries are responsible for making their own decisions and laws in certain areas of national policy like industry, health and education. In these areas, the EU only provides support to national governments. In areas where the EU or national governments can act, the EU may only take action if it can do so more effectively. Find out more about EU competences: europa.eu/!Nm66pq The readings mainly involve three institutions: the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission. Please put each institution in the correct box in the image. 26 EXERCISE 9 WHO IS WHO? You now know a lot about the European institutions, but do you know the names and faces of the people leading them? Do you know who is the current: 1. President of the European Parliament? 2. President of the European Council? 3. President of the European Commission? 4. High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy? Your voice in EU decision-making As a European citizen, you can influence EU policies in several ways. WATCH THE VIDEO: How do you shape the EU institutions? europa.eu/!gwKXmw 27  Vote in your country Voting for your Member of the European Parliament in Brussels and Strasbourg makes a huge impact, as does voting for your national government. This is because your head of state and national government both influence the work of the EU. Your vote in the European Parliament elections Your vote in your country’s general election helps choose helps choose the government of your country. your representative in the European Parliament, who works in a political group together with members from other EU countries. The head of state or Your country’s ministers for The largest group in the government of your country education, environment, etc. European Parliament influences is a member of take decisions the choice of President of the the European Council. at Council meetings. European Commission. Participate in online Debate the EU consultations You can also have your say about what is happening in You can make your voice heard the EU during the many debates that take place both by taking part in online public physically and online across the EU. consultations. Before making EU youth dialogue: europa.eu/!J3PfDR proposals for new EU laws, and Citizens’ dialogues: throughout the whole decision- ec.europa.eu/info/events/citizens-dialogues making process, the European Together.eu: together.eu Commission seeks the opinions of ordinary people, as well as the public and private sector. Take part here: europa.eu/!Tk33yq You can read more about how you can get involved in EU policymaking here: europa.eu/!nhTNBf 28 Ask the European Commission to propose a new law which the EU is responsible, such as the environment, agriculture or transport. A group of at least seven EU citizens living in seven different EU countries can launch an initiative and collect supporting signatures. Once an initiative has been signed by 1 million people, or slightly over WATCH THE VIDEO: 0.2 % of the EU population, it What is the European Citizens' Initiative? Take the initiative can be submitted to the European europa.eu/!kpmXmn Commission for examination. EU citizens can launch or support a European The first-ever European citizens’ citizens’ initiative (europa.eu/!JC69Xw). These initiative, ‘Right2Water’, gathered 1.6 million initiatives ask the European Commission signatures. It led to a proposal for new rules on to propose legislation on a specific issue for drinking water. DID YOU KNOW? The European Commission has small offices Visit our online version (the offices are called ‘representations’) in all EU of this chapter countries, with staff who speak the language(s) of europa.eu/!vt4PG7 the country. You can talk to them or ask for written information about the EU in your language. There are also local information offices of the Europe Direct network in all EU countries. You can find their contact details at the end of this booklet. EXERCISE 10 PRIORITIES FOR YOUR REPRESENTATIVE IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT 1. In small groups, make a list of the five main topics that you 2. would like your representative to defend in the European Parliament. As an example, 3. you can read about the Parliament’s resolution to reduce 4. plastic bag use in Europe here: europa.eu/!Bt79yQ. 5. 29  AS EUROPEAN CITIZENS WE BENEFIT FROM BASIC THINGS THAT WE OFTEN TAKE FOR GRANTED. THESE INCLUDE A REGION AT PEACE, BEING PART OF ONE OF THE WORLD’S BIGGEST ECONOMIES AND THE FREEDOM TO LIVE, STUDY, WORK AND TRAVEL IN OTHER EU COUNTRIES. WE ALSO BENEFIT FROM LESS OBVIOUS ADVANTAGES – EVERYDAY THINGS THAT MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE. THIS CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS SOME CONCRETE EXAMPLES OF WHAT THE EU DOES FOR ITS CITIZENS. CHAPTER 3 HOW IS THE EU RELEVANT TO YOUR DAILY LIFE? 30 Everything that the EU does is based on In this chapter, you will find information treaties that contain the rules for how the EU on what has already been implemented works. These have been agreed voluntarily and and enacted by the EU (and in democratically by all EU countries. Chapter 4 ‘What’s on the EU’s agenda’ you will find information on what is being done to The EU acts in those areas where the EU countries continue this work). Here are just a few of the have authorised it and where it makes sense to act EU’s achievements so far. together, like on climate change or trading across the world. Safe and easy travel Travelling has temporarily become more difficult due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, under normal circumstances, travelling in Europe is much easier today than it used to be. That’s because most EU countries, and some non-EU countries, have removed border controls between each other. This removal of border controls is thanks to the Schengen Agreement, named after the village in Luxembourg where it was signed by European countries in 1985. As a European citizen, you can travel without needing a passport within the 26 ‘Schengen countries’: 22 EU countries (Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden) plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania are not currently part of the Schengen area. When travelling to or returning from countries that are outside the Schengen area, you will need to present a valid passport or ID card. If you find yourself in danger in any EU country, you can call the European Emergency number 112, from any DID YOU KNOW? phone, free of charge. During the coronavirus pandemic, the Re‑open EU website and app have provided information on the various restrictions in place, such as national rules on quarantine and testing, to help you plan your journey 112 in Europe (europa.eu/!xr69Ub). The EU digital COVID certificate became available to all travellers in 2021. It allows EU citizens and residents to have their certificates issued and verified across the EU, with no language or administrative obstacles in another country. 31  EXERCISE 11 FRANCE THE SCHENGEN AREA GERMANY Is your country part of the Schengen area? Have you or a member of your family recently travelled to another EU country? Did you have to go through border controls? In 2020, around 2 million Europeans commuted to another EU country every day for work. What do you think Schengen means to them and to the economy in those areas? Divide yourselves up into small groups and discuss this with your classmates. LUXEMBOURG Everyone travelling through the EU is: protected by a full set of passenger rights when DID YOU KNOW? travelling by air, rail, ship, bus or coach (for When travelling to a instance, in certain circumstances they can get country outside the compensation if their flight is cancelled); European Union, EU protected when buying package holidays, meaning citizens can get help from that the company that sold them the holiday must the consulate or embassy deal with their complaint (for example if they end of any other EU country if up in a substandard hotel); their home country is not represented. protected if a tour operator or airline goes bust. You can check your EU passenger rights anytime, anywhere. Simply download the app: europa.eu/!Fk66KJ Health and safety while travelling DID YOU KNOW? If you fall ill or have an The EU, together with the countries that make it up, is the world’s leading donor of humanitarian accident during a visit to aid. It provides and coordinates relief assistance another EU country, Iceland, to people in areas hit by disasters in Europe Liechtenstein, Norway or and around the globe. This includes assistance Switzerland, as an EU citizen following environmental disasters such as you have the right to receive earthquakes, floods, and forest fires. In 2021, the public healthcare under the rescEU firefighting fleet included planes and same conditions and at the helicopters from Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, same cost as people in the host Spain and Sweden. The fleet was made available country. Ask your national to other EU countries and to neighbouring healthcare provider for your countries in the event of emergency. The European Health Insurance rescEU medical team also acts during health Card (europa.eu/!JH73NV) emergencies and during chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents. before you go abroad. For more information about rescEU: europa.eu/!jqmtwn 32  WATCH THE VIDEO: European Health Insurance Card europa.eu/!JH73NV A common currency in 19 EU countries: the euro Euro banknotes and coins were introduced in 12 EU countries in 2002, and a total of 19 have now replaced their national currencies with the euro. More than 75 % of people in the EU – 340 million of us – use the euro every day. There are many advantages of using a common currency DID YOU KNOW? in a single market where people from different countries Euro coins have a common trade together. Consumers can compare prices more side – used for all coins no easily at home, abroad and online. Companies can matter what euro-area country calculate and charge customers in one currency and they were made in – that portrays are not at risk of exchange rate fluctuations. This keeps a map of Europe. However, on the prices stable. other side, each country has its own design. Do you recognise the Find out more about the euro: europa.eu/!DJ38wd symbol on this EUR 2 coin? Can you guess where it comes from? EXERCISE 12 WHICH COUNTRIES ARE IN THE EURO AREA? The table below lists all 27 EU countries. Tick the 19 countries that use the euro as their currency. Austria France Malta Belgium Germany Netherlands Bulgaria Greece Poland Croatia Hungary Portugal Cyprus Ireland Romania Czechia Italy Slovakia Denmark Latvia Slovenia Estonia Lithuania Spain Finland Luxembourg Sweden 33  Study, train, work and volunteer Thanks to the EU, anyone can take advantage DID YOU KNOW? of the freedom of movement between EU countries. On the EURES website you can find thousands of job Freedom of movement doesn’t just apply to announcements from across travel and holidays. It also means you can: the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, train and study anywhere in the EU under the Norway and Switzerland. It also same conditions as nationals; helps employers find candidates from other EU countries to work anywhere in the EU and benefit from fill their vacancies the opportunities offered by an EU-wide job (ec.europa.eu/eures). market. Europass offers an easy-to-use Find out more here: template for your CV along with europa.eu/!tK96XW other tools to communicate your skills to employers across the EU (www.europa.eu/europass/en). The youth guarantee scheme Many young people do not have certain skills and qualifications that employers are looking DID YOU KNOW? for. Thanks to the youth guarantee scheme, the Since it was set up in 2013, EU can help young people gain new and useful the European Alliance for skills. This may be in the form of on-the-job Apprenticeships has made training or individual career guidance. available over 900 000 apprenticeships. For more information and to enrol, check with your national contact point: europa.eu/!hD3XR9 For more information see: europa.eu/!DG98WG Over 24 million young people who registered on youth guarantee schemes have received an offer of employment, continued education, apprenticeships or traineeships since 2014. Younger children are also supported through the European child guarantee, which is a programme designed for under 18s to fight social exclusion and poverty through education, healthcare, nutrition and housing. For more information, see Chapter 4 ‘What’s on the EU’s agenda?’. 34 Erasmus+ You may have already heard about the Erasmus+ programme. This EU initiative helps people to spend a period of time abroad. It is open to young people, students, trainees, teachers and staff working in education, and volunteers from WATCH THE VIDEO: around the world. Students in What is Erasmus+? both university and vocational europa.eu/!rFGPhX training can get Erasmus+ financial and organisational support for their stay in 33 countries across Europe and around the world. A European points system ensures that grades earned abroad are credited to your studies at home. Schools can cooperate with other schools or organisations in other EU countries. Ask your teacher or head teacher to help you check out the opportunities that Erasmus+ provides. You might also opt for some on-the-job training abroad. Every year, many young Europeans complete part of their apprenticeship in another EU country. The Erasmus+ programme works in partnership with companies and institutions that advertise projects for young people. Find out more about Erasmus+ opportunities here: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu You can also listen to the experiences of young people who have taken part in an Erasmus+ youth exchange: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-112392 And do check out the dedicated Erasmus+ app: https://erasmusapp.eu DID YOU KNOW? Since the launch of the first Erasmus programme in 1987, more than 10 million young people have benefited from the opportunities it offers. 10 million more are expected to benefit from the new Erasmus+ between 2021 and 2027. The budget is EUR 28 billion, more than double the sum that was previously allocated to the programme. 35  The European Solidarity Corps If you want to make a meaningful contribution Interested? Read more about to society and show solidarity with your the European Solidarity Corps here: community, then the European Solidarity Corps europa.eu/youth/solidarity_en might be an ideal opportunity. It allows young Find out about other opportunities people aged 18–30 to participate in a wide range for volunteering in the EU here: https://europa.eu/ of activities, either by volunteering or by taking learning-corner/work-and-study_en up a work placement. This could also prove to be a stepping stone into employment for many young people. WATCH THE VIDEO: European Solidarity Corps 2020 europa.eu/!7pHQTg DiscoverEU Thanks to the European Union’s DiscoverEU initiative, you could have the chance to explore Europe with a free travel pass. If you are 18 years old and a citizen of an EU Member State, you can apply for one of the free travel passes and explore the EU for up to 1 month. More information about DiscoverEU: europa.eu/youth/discovereu_en DID YOU KNOW? In the first four rounds of the DiscoverEU programme, around 70 000 young people received a travel pass. 36  DID YOU KNOW? The European Youth Portal is your gateway to everything you need to know to flourish as a young person living in Europe. Alongside information on EU-funded programmes like Erasmus+, the portal also provides news and opportunities on volunteering, employment, education, travelling, environmental issues, sports and culture. Check it out here: europa.eu/youth/home_en EXERCISE 13 VOLUNTEERING OR STUDYING ABROAD Can you imagine volunteering abroad or spending part of your studies at a university in another country? In pairs, make a list of four arguments in favour, and four against. Which argument comes out on top? Compare your results with your classmates and discuss them. Arguments in favour Arguments against 37  Free movement of goods, DID YOU KNOW? services and capital The Your Europe Thanks to the EU’s single market, it is not only people who website offers you can move around freely in the EU, but also goods, services practical help and and capital. People, goods, services and capital are sometimes advice about life, work and travel in other referred to as the four ‘pillars’ of free movement in the EU. EU countries: Remember that ‘capital’ does not only mean ‘money’. It also includes europa.eu/ investments and loans. This makes it easier for EU businesses to youreurope/#en operate in more than one country, and to compete globally. Whatever their size, companies in the EU have access to the national markets of all EU countries and to around 447 million potential customers. Why does this matter? Greater competition leads to lower prices and a wider choice of products and services for the end consumer – and that’s you! EXERCISE 14 WHAT DOES FREE MOVEMENT MEAN FOR YOU IN PRACTICE? Match the examples to the four aspects of the single market (free movement of people, goods, services and capital) and tick the appropriate box. Free Free Free Free Examples movement movement movement movement of people of goods of services of capital 1. I can buy a second-hand car abroad and take it back home without paying customs duties. 2. I can travel anywhere I like within the EU. 3. I can study in another EU country. 4. My parents can have their bathroom renovated by a tiler from another EU country. 5. My parents can send money to me, without any extra charges, in the country where I am studying. 6. I can work in another EU country. 7. I can buy goods online from another EU country without paying customs duties. 38 Product and food safety Throughout the EU, people benefit from high-quality and safe food and goods. The EU has some of the highest food-safety standards in the world. It has put in place compulsory checks throughout the agri-food chain to ensure that plants and animals are healthy, that food and animal feed are safe and that products are correctly labelled. The EU has also introduced strict safety requirements for a wide range of products, such as toys and electronic appliances. Manufacturers must meet these requirements to sell their products in EU countries. If faulty or dangerous products are being sold across Europe, the EU’s Rapid Alert System makes it easy for national authorities to sound the alarm, share the latest information with each other and keep consumers safe. EXERCISE 15 EUROPEAN LABELS EU laws have put strict rules in place for the labelling of food, drinks, cosmetic products and electronic appliances. Some labels help protect consumers, while others let them know about certain characteristics of the product. For example, there are labels to indicate which products are organic or energy efficient. Without proper labelling, a product will not be allowed onto the market. Do you recognise the labels below? Where can you find them? What do they mean? Insert here product QR code A SUPPLIER’S NAME MODEL IDENTIFIER A B B C D C E F D G E XYZ kWh/annum F G XYZ L XYZ L XY dB 2019/2016 AB CD Find out more about energy with this series of short videos: europa.eu/learning-corner/eu-energy-policy_en 39  Consumer rights Staying safe online When you go shopping in the EU, you are Anyone who spends time online knows how easy protected by all sorts of laws. For instance, you it is to come across inappropriate, misleading or have a guarantee of at least 2 years for products even extremist content on the internet. bought in the EU. This means that if your To keep us safe, the EU code of conduct mobile phone breaks down after a year, it will fights illegal hate speech online by ensuring have to be repaired or replaced free of charge, that requests to remove racist and xenophobic irrespective of where in the EU you originally content are dealt with speedily. The code of bought it. practice on disinformation brings together More and more of us are shopping online, and social networks and the advertising industry, EU consumers are now better protected thanks which have agreed to a set of commitments to EU laws that: covering everything from transparency to fake allow you 14 days to return goods bought at a accounts. Facebook, Microsoft, Twitter, YouTube distance, whether online or by phone; and other online platforms now assess 90 % of flagged content within 24 hours. The European prohibit hidden charges and costs online; strategy for a better internet for children has ban pre-ticked boxes on websites so that you set a gold standard for the protection and do not unintentionally pay for unwanted empowerment of younger children online. travel insurance or car rental, for example. Check out the map to find resources in your country: betterinternetforkids.eu/sic Keeping your individual data protected and ensuring your privacy online is also a huge Quality priority and the EU considers these part of telecommunications your fundamental rights. The general data protection regulation is an EU law which Many of us use smartphones and tablets. As an helps enforce this by setting a legal framework EU citizen, you can: for the collection and processing of personal benefit from a guaranteed, reasonable-quality, information from individuals who live fixed telecoms service at an affordable price, in the EU. regardless of where you live in the EU; shop around and compare prices easily, as Are you concerned about fake news? operators have to provide transparent, up-to- With this toolkit and the help of your teacher, date information on their prices and tariffs; you can discover how to spot and fight change your telecoms operator without disinformation and start conversations about changing your phone number within 1 day. the important topics raised by the threat of bad information. Among these are issues affecting public health, democracy, and the cultural and legal norms underpinning our societies. DID YOU KNOW? Thanks to EU rules, you can use your https://europa.eu/ phone without any extra charges while learning-corner/spot-and- travelling in the EU. Also, you won’t fight-disinformation_en have to miss your favourite music or TV shows, and can stream the same content you’ve subscribed to at home, wherever you are in the EU. 40 Equality and human rights A range of fundamental rights is guaranteed for However, progress starts at home. So far, the everyone living in the EU. Respect for human EU has taken wide-ranging action against most rights and dignity is enshrined in the treaties major forms of discrimination. For example, and consolidated by the Charter of Fundamental action in the area of disability policy ranges from Rights of the European Union. This prohibits laws (the EU Accessibility Act came into law in any discrimination based on gender, sexual 2019) to initiatives promoting accessible cities orientation, race, ethnicity, nationality, language, (the EU access city awards). religion, age or disability. europa.eu/!KQ76GT The EU works hand in hand with Member Despite such concrete steps, people continue States to promote respect for others, enforce to suffer discriminatory treatment, harassment non-discrimination laws and uphold human and abuse across Europe and the world. rights across the EU and beyond. Human To combat the various forms of hatred and rights considerations are also included in the discrimination, the EU has launched a plan to EU’s international trade agreements with other increase equality. countries. See more details in Chapter 4 ‘What’s on the EU’s agenda?’. Work–life balance and quality of life The EU is committed to creating a fairer, more socially just society, and a big part of that is ensuring a balance between our lives at work and our lives away from work. In 2019, new EU rules came into force to improve working life for parents and carers. The rules aim to encourage a more equal sharing of parental leave, introduce carers’ leave and address women’s under-representation in the labour market. When fully applied by all EU countries, the rules should also extend the right to flexible working arrangements to all workers. 41  Protecting the environment europa.eu/!tDnjbx and fighting climate change The EU has always been at the forefront of the fight against climate change. It leads international agreements DID YOU KNOW? on reducing carbon emissions and lowering global New rules banning 10 temperatures in line with the Paris Agreement. The EU single-use plastic items has some of the world’s highest environmental standards. most commonly found These standards protect our natural habitats, biodiversity, on Europe’s beaches drinking water, bathing waters and air quality. The – from cotton buds to balloon sticks and EU’s Natura 2000 network of protected natural areas straws – came into has created spaces where sustainable human activity can force in July 2021. coexist with vulnerable and rare species and habitats. europa.eu/!vC49dj However, the fight against climate change has taken on a new urgency. We now need to step up our efforts to protect people, ensure food security, limit water shortages and address the other consequences of WATCH THE VIDEO: extreme temperature changes. Green Deal Proposal The EU has committed to europa.eu/!7F6NCB a European Green Deal, an extensive package of measures to fight climate change, pledging to become the first climate- neutral continent by 2050. See more details in Chapter 4 ‘What’s on the EU’s agenda?’. EU funding in your region The countries and regions of the EU are not they live. However, projects supported by just different sizes; they also have different levels EU funding have benefited them by creating of wealth. Thousands of projects have received millions of new jobs, developing strategic EU funding over the years. These projects have transport links, upgrading energy infrastructure, benefited both EU countries individually and rolling out broadband, investing in research and the EU as a whole, by creating jobs, boosting innovation and protecting cultural heritage and economic growth and improving citizens’ quality areas of natural beauty. of life. People are not always aware that the EU has financed or is financing projects close to where 42 Have a look at these websites and check out some examples of projects that have received EU funding in your country. You will see that the EU is much closer to your home than you might have thought: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/projects and https://what-europe-does-for-me.eu/en/portal/1 Thanks to EU funding, you can connect to the internet for free in libraries, parks, museums and other public areas across Europe wherever you see this sign. DID YOU KNOW? The Creative Europe programme aims to foster Europe’s cultural diversity. The European Heritage Label, the European Capitals of Culture and the European Heritage Days encourage more people to discover Europe’s shared cultural roots. Find out more about culture and creativity in the EU: https://ec.europa.eu/culture EU investment in research Science has the power to transform the way we accelerate the development of vaccines, invested live. That’s why the EU is investing billions of in projects to protect biodiversity, and used the euro in research and innovation to fight climate Galileo satellite to give us more accurate GPS change, boost growth and jobs and tackle the systems and maps. Reflecting its importance for other challenges we face. The EU’s key funding the EU’s future, Horizon Europe has been programme in this area is called Horizon Europe. allocated a budget of EUR 95.5 billion for Horizon Europe’s previous funding cycle helped 2021–2027. The focus will be on green technologies, artificial intelligence and much more. Find out more about Horizon Europe: europa.eu/!Xf47NRP See more details about the EU budget in Chapter 4 ‘What’s on the EU’s agenda?’ 43  EXERCISE 16 THE EU IN YOUR DAILY LIFE Here are 10 examples of how the EU works for you in your daily live. Pick the three that are most important to you, compare your answers with those of your classmates and explain the reasons for your choices. France 3 The Schengen Agreement has removed border controls between most EU countries. You can now cross most borders within the EU without 1 showing your passport. You can travel, study, work and live in any EU country. Free movement of people is possible thanks to the EU’s single market. 4 When travelling in another EU country you might fall ill or have an accident. With the European Health Insurance Card you are entitled to any medical treatment that cannot wait until you get home. You will receive state-provided healthcare abroad and pay the same fees as locals. 2 The EU has removed barriers to free trade between its members. This means that you can produce, sell and buy goods wherever you want in the EU. It also means that consumers have a larger choice of products and lower prices. 5 Air travel has become much cheaper. The EU has broken up national monopolies and has permitted competition in the aviation sector. More cities now have their own airports and there are more direct flights between them. Passenger rights have also been strengthened. 44  6 9 Bra nd A B