Everything youneed to know
about the
EU
1. What is the EU?
2. History of the EU
3. How the EU works
5. EU-U.S. Relations
6. Quiz
7. Study in Europe
8. Travel to Europe
Overview
What is THE EU?
Unique political and
economic partnership among
27 European democratic
countries.
Values based: peace,
democracy, rule of law, respect
for human rights
What is the EU?
“United in
diversity”
Where in the world is the European Union?
The History
OF THE EU
In the aftermath of the WWII the European Union's founding fathers wanted to find ways to prevent future wars.
On May 9, 1950, French Foreign Minister
Robert Schuman announced a plan for controling European coal & steel, vital resources for waging war. This was the first step toward achieving a united Europe.
May 9—Europe Day—is celebrated each
year as the birth of today's European Union.
The Beginning
While contributing to postwar economic recovery, this plan
would also control the raw materials of war. The
Schuman Declaration was regarded as the first step toward
achieving a united Europe—an ideal that in the past had been
pursued only by force.
.
May 9 Europe Day
First Steps
http://europarltv.europa.eu/en/player.aspx?pid=c6db0ede-f512-4ecc-ae5d-a02801390d7b
From 6 to 27 and growing…
EU by the numbers
27
Over 500million
combined population
1.6million
Member States
Official languages
23
of global GDP
22%
of GLOBAL EXPORTS
& IMPORTS
20%Square miles total surface area<1/2 of U.S. surface area
How the EU WORKS
HOW THE EU WORKS
The European Commission- promoting the common interest
José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission
The European Council and the Council- voice of the Member StatesHerman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council
The European Parliament- voice of the people
Martin Schulz, President of of the European Parliament
3 Key Players
EU-U.S. Relations
EU – U.S. Relations
Trade & Investment
Foreign Affairs
Security & Defense
Energy & Environment
Growth & Jobs
Key Areas of Cooperation
Are you a
nEUrd?You will be tested…
1.How many official EU languages are there?
Image CreditsSpeaking My Language Infographic:
http://www.imgspark.com/image/view/4f86ec0d1f9221b704000875
Official languages
23
56%of EU citizens can
engage in a conversation in a language other than
their mother tongue
2. How many EU countries use the Euro?
The Euro is the
common currency used by
17/27 EU Member States and
benefits:
Despite the eurocrisis, the Euro
is still the 2nd most important
international currency after the
US dollar.
3. What percentage of the world’s official development assistance comes from the
EU?
EU & Member States provide 60% of the official development assistance in the world
4. Where does Europe’s name come from?
A Phoenician princess, Europa of Greek mythology, is said to have been the origin
for the continent's name.
5. In which year did the EU win the
Nobel Peace Prize?
The Nobel Peace Prize 2012 was awarded to
the European Union (EU) for 60 years of
advancing peace and reconciliation,
democracy and human rights in Europe".
5. What do the 12 stars in a circle on the EU’s flag symbolize?
The twelve stars in a circle symbolize
the ideals of perfection,
completeness, and unity. The number of stars does not
represent the number of members.
BONUS Question: Which country
will be the EU’s 28th Member State?
Croatia will join the European Union
July 1, 2013.
Stud
y In Europe
10 reasons why you should study in Europe
1. So many options: 4,000 higher institutions to choose from
2. World-famous high-quality education
3. Affordable Prices
4. Research Opportunities
5. Tradition + Innovation
6. A jumpstart for your career
7. Classmates from all over the world
8. Learn a new language
9. Great Location: Easy to travel…
10.And so much to explore!
Opportunities
330
Years
The world’s most successful student exchange program in higher education
million Students
Travel to THE EU
Traveling to the EU is easy!
Up to 90 days in the EU without a visa, you only need a
valid U.S. passport!
Border-free travel in the
Schengen area!
So many
destinations, so close to each other!
EUROPEAN CAPITALS OF CULTURE
European cities selected as European Capitals of Culture have one year to strut their cultural stuff.
This year’s winners—Marseille in France and
Košice in Slovakia—are in the spotlight!