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European Union interesting facts and institutions
- 1. The European Union: 500 million people 28 countries Member States of the European Union Candidate countries and potential candidates
- 2. Konrad Adenauer Robert Schuman Winston Churchill Alcide De Gasperi Jean Monnet New ideas for lasting peace and prosperity Founders
- 3. The EU symbols The European flag The European anthem The euro Europe Day, 9 May The motto: United in diversity
- 4. 24 official languages 仍亞舒从亳 e邸tina dansk Deutsch eesti keel 了了侶僚旅虜略 English espa単ol fran巽ais Gaeilge hrvatski Italiano latvie邸u valoda lietuvi迭 kalba magyar Malti Nederlands polski portugu棚s Rom但n slovenina sloven邸ina suomi svenska
- 5. Enlargement: from six to 28 countries
- 6. The big enlargement: uniting east and west Fall of Berlin Wall end of Communism EU economic help begins: Phare programme Criteria set for a country to join the EU: democracy and rule of law functioning market economy ability to implement EU laws Formal negotiations on enlargement begin Copenhagen summit agrees to a big enlargement of 10 new countries Ten new EU members: Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia 1989 1992 1998 2002 2004 2007 Bulgaria and Romania join the EU 2013 Croatia joins on 1 July
- 7. Candidate countries and potential candidates Country Area (x 1000 km族) Population (millions) Wealth (gross domestic product per person) Bosnia and Herzegovina 51 3.8 7 800 Montenegro 14 0.6 10 600 Kosovo under UN Security Resolution 1244 11 1.8 : The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 25 2.1 10 000 Albania 28 2.9 7 800 Serbia 77 7.2 9 600 Turkey 783 77.7 14 400 The 28 EU countries together 4 272 508.2 27 400
- 8. The treaties basis for democratic cooperation built on law The European Coal and Steel Community The treaties of Rome: The European Economic Community The European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) The European Single Act: the Single Market Treaty on European Union - Maastricht Treaty of Amsterdam 1952 1958 1987 1993 1999 2003 Treaty of Nice 2009 Treaty of Lisbon
- 9. The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights Binding for all the EU's activities 54 articles under 6 titles: Freedoms Equality Solidarity Citizens rights Justice Dignity
- 10. EU population compared to the rest of the world Population in millions (2015)
- 11. EU surface area compared to the rest of the world Surface area (x 1000 km族)
- 12. How big are the EU countries? Surface area (x 1000 km族)
- 13. How many people live in the EU? Population in millions (2015) 508 million in total
- 14. The European economy: stronger together 2008: Worldwide financial crisis starts in the United States. Coordinated response from European leaders: Commitment to the euro and to financial stability New crisis management tools and reforms of rules: European Stability Mechanism: fund to help countries in extraordinary economic difficulties New laws for stability of banks Banking Union: EU-wide supervision of banks and a mechanism to close down failing banks Better economic governance: European Semester: annual procedure to coordinate public budgets Euro+ pact, Fiscal compact treaty: mutual commitments to sound public finances
- 15. Ten priorities for Europe The European Commission of President Jean-Claude Juncker focuses on: The investment plan: a new boost for jobs, growth and investment A reasonable and balanced free trade agreement with the United States A connected digital single market A resilient energy union with a forward-looking climate change policy A deeper and fairer internal market with stronger industries A deeper and fairer economic and monetary union A European Union of democratic change An area of justice and fundamental rights based on mutual trust A new policy on migration Europe as a stronger global actor
- 16. An investment plan for Europe The European Fund for Strategic Investments 2015: Europes economy begins to recover after the crisis, but the level of investment is still low. Investors have money, but little confidence New EU fund from mid-2015 The fund starts with 21 billion from EU sources Investments are made in viable business projects, for example in digital and energy infrastructure, transport, small businesses, green projects and innovation Multiplier effect: public money will trigger private investors to follow suit, with up to 315 billion Could create 1.3 million new jobs over three years
- 17. Banking union: safe and reliable banks The EUs response to the financial crisis: Rulebook: New laws to ensure that banks have adequate capital and better risk control Supervision: The European Central Bank supervises the +/- 130 of the most important banks National bank supervisors work closely together Resolution: A Europe-wide Single Resolution Board can decide to wind down a failing bank This is backed by a fund that banks themselves pay into, thus ensuring that taxpayers do not have to pick up the bill.
- 18. How does the EU spend its money? 2017 EU budget: 157.9 billion = 1.05 % of gross national income
- 19. Climate change a global challenge reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 % by 2030, compared to 1990 raise the share of renewable energy to 27 % by 2030 (wind, solar, hydro power, biomass) increase energy efficiency by 27 % by 2030 To stop global warming, EU leaders decided in 2014 to:
- 20. Solidarity in practice: the EU cohesion policy Regional fund Social fund Cohesion fund Less-developed regions: GDP per capita under 75 % of the EU average Transition regions: GDP per capita between 75 % and 90 % of the EU average More-developed regions: GDP per capita over 90 % of the EU average 2014-2020: 352 billion invested in infrastructure, business, environment and training of workers for the benefit of poorer regions and citizens
- 21. The euro a single currency for Europeans EU countries using the euro EU countries not using the euro Why the euro? No fluctuation risk and foreign exchange cost More choice and stable prices for consumers Closer economic cooperation between EU countries Can be used everywhere in the euro area Coins: one side with national symbols, one side common Notes: no national side
- 22. The single market: freedom of choice The single market has led to: significant reductions in the price of many products and services, including airfares and phone calls more choice for consumers 2.8 million new jobs Four freedoms of movement: goods services people capital
- 23. Free to move Schengen No police or customs checks at borders between most EU countries Controls strengthened at the EUs external borders More cooperation between police from different EU countries Buy and bring back any goods for personal use when you travel between EU countries
- 24. Going abroad to learn Erasmus+ Every year, more than 400 000 young people study or pursue personal development in other European countries with the support of the EUs Erasmus+ programme for education, training, youth and sport.
- 25. Improving health and the environment EU action has helped bring about: cleaner bathing water much less acid rain lead-free petrol easy and safe disposal of old electronic equipment strict rules on food safety from farm to fork more organic and quality farming more effective health warnings on cigarettes registration and control of all chemicals (REACH) Pollution knows no borders joint action needed
- 26. An area of freedom, security and justice EU Charter of Fundamental Rights Joint fight against terrorism Cooperation between police and law- enforcers in different EU countries Coordinated asylum and immigration policies Civil law cooperation
- 27. The EU: an exporter of peace and prosperity World trade rules Common foreign and security policy Development assistance and humanitarian aid
- 28. Protecting consumers' rights Clear labelling Health and safety standards Unfair practice in contracts prohibited Passengers rights, such as compensation for long delays Help to resolve problems As a consumer you are protected by basic laws all over the EU, even when you travel or shop online
- 29. Three key players The European Parliament - voice of the people Antonio Tajani, President of the European Parliament The European Council and the Council - voice of the Member States Donald Tusk, President of the European Council The European Commission - promoting the common interest Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission
- 30. The EU institutions European Parliament Court of Justice Court of Auditors Economic and Social Committee Committee of the Regions Council of Ministers (The Council) European Commission European Investment Bank European Central Bank Agencies European Council (summit)
- 31. How EU laws are made Citizens, interest groups, experts: discuss, consult Commission: makes formal proposal Parliament and Council of Ministers: decide jointly National or local authorities: implement Commission and Court of Justice: monitor implementation
- 32. The European Parliament voice of the people Number of members elected in each country Decides EU laws and budget together with the Council of Ministers Democratic supervision of all the EUs work Austria - 18 Belgium - 21 Bulgaria - 17 Croatia - 11 Cyprus - 6 Czech Republic - 21 Denmark - 13 Estonia - 6 Finland - 13 France - 74 Germany - 96 Greece - 21 Hungary - 21 Ireland - 11 Italy - 73 Latvia - 8 Lithuania - 11 Luxembourg - 6 Malta - 6 Total - 751 Netherlands - 26 Poland - 51 Portugal - 21 Romania - 32 Slovakia - 13 Slovenia - 8 Spain - 54 Sweden - 20 United Kingdom - 73
- 33. The European political parties Number of seats in the European Parliament per political group (December 2016) Total: 751
- 34. Council of Ministers voice of the Member States One minister from each EU country Presidency: rotates every six months Decides EU laws and budget together with Parliament Manages the common foreign and security policy
- 35. Council of Ministers how they vote Most decisions in the Council are taken by double majority. A decision must have the support of at least: 55 % of Member States (16 countries) Member States that represent 65 % of the EUs population
- 36. Summit at the European Council Held at least 4 times a year Sets the overall guidelines for EU policies President: Donald Tusk Summit of heads of state and government of all EU countries
- 37. A high representative for foreign affairs and security Double role: chairs meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council Vice-President of the European Commission Manages the common foreign affairs and security policy Head of the European External Action Service Federica Mogherini
- 38. The European Commission promoting the common interest 28 independent members, one from each EU country Proposes new legislation Executive organ Guardian of the treaties Represents the EU on the international stage
- 39. The Court of Justice upholding the law 28 independent judges, one from each EU country Rules on how to interpret EU law Ensures EU countries apply EU laws in the same way
- 40. The European Ombudsman Emily OReilly The European Ombudsman Investigates complaints about poor or failed administration by the EU institutions For example: unfairness, discrimination, abuse of power, unnecessary delay, failure to reply or incorrect procedures Anyone in the EU can make a complaint
- 41. The European Court of Auditors: getting value for your money 28 independent members Checks that EU funds are used properly Can audit any person or organisation dealing with EU funds
- 42. Ensures price stability Controls money supply and decides interest rates Supervises that banks are safe Works independently from governments The European Central Bank: managing the euro Mario Draghi President of the Central Bank
- 43. The European Economic and Social Committee: voice of civil society Represents trade unions, employers, farmers, consumers and so on Advises on new EU laws and policies Promotes the involvement of civil society in EU matters 353 members
- 44. The Committee of the Regions: voice of local government Represents cities and regions Advises on new EU laws and policies Promotes the involvement of local government in EU matters 353 members
- 45. Getting in touch with the EU Questions about the EU? Europe Direct can help By phone, email or webchat Over 500 regional information centres europa.eu/europedirect