The European Union.pdf

The European Union

INPUT 1

The birthday of the European Union

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INPUT 2

The European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)

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INPUT 3

The EEC & The EAEC

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INPUT 4

1973 Enlargement

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INPUT 5

The European Flag

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INPUT 6

The Site of the European Commission

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INPUT 7

First Direct Elections to the European Parliament

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INPUT 8

The Erasmus’Programme

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INPUT 9

Treaty of Schengen

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INPUT 10

Treaty of Maastricht

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INPUT 11

Ode to Joy

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INPUT 12

Launch of the Single Currency

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INPUT 13

Number of european countries and Brexit

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INPUT 14

United in Diversity

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INPUT 15

European Year and its purpouse

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INPUT 16

The fundemental rights of E.U.

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The END

Ode to joy

The European Anthem is based on Ludwig van Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, which features the "Ode to Joy" written by German poet Friedrich Schiller. It symbolizes the European Union's values of unity, peace, and solidarity. The anthem is not meant to replace national anthems but to represent the shared ideals of the EU while respecting the individuality of each member state.

United in Diversity

"United in diversity," the motto of the European Union (EU), symbolizes the core values and aspirations of the Union. Adopted in 2000, it reflects the idea that while the EU is made up of countries with different languages, cultures, and traditions, they are united in their shared commitment to peace, democracy, and prosperity. The phrase emphasizes that diversity is not a weakness but a strength, as it enriches the collective experience and fosters mutual understanding. By working together while respecting differences, the EU strives to create a stronger, more cohesive community that benefits all its members.

The Flag of the European Union

Adopted: 7 December 1955

The EU flag features 12 golden stars arranged in a circle on a blue background, symbolizing unity, solidarity, and harmony among the peoples of Europe. The design remains unchanged, emphasizing the ideals of cohesion and stability.

Key Features:

• Represents unity among European nations.
• The number of stars is fixed at 12, symbolizing completeness.
• Widely recognized as a symbol of the EU's identity.

Threaty of Shengen

The Schengen Agreement(1985) derives its name from the small village of Schengen in Luxembourg, where the agreement was signed. This location was chosen for its proximity to the borders of Luxembourg, France, and Germany, symbolizing cross-border cooperation. This treaty aimed to remove internal border checks between participating European countries, allowing for the free movement of people. Initially agreed by five EU nations, it laid the groundwork for what is now the Schengen Area, which includes most EU states and some non-EU countries. The agreement aims cooperation on immigration, asylum, and law enforcement across borders, making travel and trade easier within the region.

Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union

The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union was first proclaimed on December 7, 2000. However, it officially came into force on December 1, 2009, along with the Treaty of Lisbon. This marked an important step in ensuring that the rights enshrined in the Charter became legally binding across EU member states. The Charter consolidates a wide array of fundamental rights, including those related to dignity, freedoms, equality, solidarity, citizens' rights, and justice, and applies to EU institutions and national governments when implementing EU law.

Launch of the Single Currency

The euro was introduced for electronic transactions in 1999, and euro notes and coins entered circulation on January 1, 2002, replacing national currencies in Eurozone countries. Not all EU member countries use the euro. While 20 out of 27 EU nations have adopted the euro, several, like Denmark and Sweden, have opted out, and others, such as Poland and Hungary, have not yet met the criteria for joining the Eurozone.

The European Commission

Established: 1 January 1958

The European Commission, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, plays a crucial role in the European Union. It is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and ensuring that EU treaties are upheld.

Key Roles:

• Proposes new legislation.
• Manages day-to-day operations of the EU.
• Represents the EU internationally.

The current President of the European Commission is Ursula von der Leyen (as of 2024).

European Year

The European Years are EU initiatives aimed at promoting awareness and action on key societal issues. The European Year of Volunteering (2011) celebrated the role of volunteers in strengthening communities and encouraging civic participation. The European Year of Citizens (2013) raised awareness of EU citizenship rights, focusing on the freedom to live, work, and vote across the EU. The European Year for Development (2015) highlighted the EU’s global role in fighting poverty and promoting sustainable development. The European Year for Active Ageing (2012) encouraged older adults to stay active and engaged, emphasizing intergenerational solidarity and healthier, longer lives.

ECSC

The Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), signed on April 18, 1951 in Paris by Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, aimed to pool the coal and steel production of these countries. These materials were crucial for the economy and the war industry, and shared control was intended to prevent future conflicts, especially between France and Germany.The treaty created a common market for these resources and introduced a supranational authority to manage it. It was a fundamental step toward European cooperation, laying the foundation for the economic and political integration that would lead to the creation of the European Union.

1973 Enlargement

In 1973, three countries joined the European Economic Community (EEC), which was the precursor to the European Union. These countries were Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. This marked the first enlargement of the Community, expanding its membership beyond the original six founding nations.

The EEC & The EAEC

On 25 March 1957, six European countries signed two key treaties in Rome: the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community (EEC) and the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom). The EEC aimed to create a common market by promoting economic integration and removing trade barriers, while the Euratom Treaty focused on developing and sharing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. These treaties laid the foundation for European cooperation and integration in both economic and energy sectors.

First Direct Elections to the European Parliament

Date: 7 and 10 June 1979

The first direct elections to the European Parliament marked a significant step towards a more democratic EU, allowing citizens to elect their representatives. This process strengthened the Parliament's role in the EU's legislative framework.

Key Aspects:

• MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) are elected every five years.
• The Parliament's main functions include legislation, supervision, and budget approval.
• Operates mainly in Brussels, Strasbourg, and Luxembourg.

The birth of the European Union

On 9 May 1950, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman made a historic declaration proposing the creation of a supranational organization to regulate the coal and steel industries of France and Germany. This proposal, known as the Schuman Declaration, aimed to foster economic cooperation and prevent future wars between European nations. It led to the formation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), the precursor to the European Union (EU). This date is now celebrated as Europe Day, marking the birth of European integration.

The Erasmus Programme

Launched: 15 June 1987

The Erasmus programme promotes educational exchange among students, teachers, and young people across Europe. It allows participants to study or gain work experience in different EU countries, fostering cultural understanding and personal growth.

Key Features:

• Open to higher education students and trainees.
• Enhances skills and employability through international experiences.
• Encourages language learning and cultural exchange.

Treaty of Maastricht

The Maastricht Treaty, signed in 1992, established the European Union (EU). Key points include: Creation of the EU: It transformed the European Economic Community into the European Union, promoting political, social, economic, and security cooperation. Introduction of the Euro: It set the foundation for the Economic and Monetary Union, eventually leading to the Euro currency in 2002. Three-Pillar Structure: It organized the EU into three main areas: the European Community(market, transport, agricolture), Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), and Justice and Home Affairs.

Brexit

As of 2024, 27 countries are members of the European Union (EU). The country that voted to leave the EU is the United Kingdom. The process of its departure is called Brexit (a combination of "Britain" and "exit"). The United Kingdom held a referendum on June 23, 2016, in which 51.9% of voters chose to leave the EU. The formal exit occurred on January 31, 2020.