Everything youneed to know

about the

EU

1. What is the EU?2. History of the EU3. How the EU works5. EU-U.S. Relations6. Quiz7. Study in Europe8. Travel to Europe

Overview

What is THE EU?

Unique political and economic partnership among 28 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 controlling 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

From 6 to 28 and growing…

EU by the numbers

28Over 500millioncombined population

1.7million

Member States

Official languages

24

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?

A. 24 B. 28

C. 7 D. 10?

Image CreditsSpeaking My Language Infographic: 

http://www.imgspark.com/image/view/4f86ec0d1f9221b704000875

Official languages

24

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?

A. 28 B. 14

C. 8 D. 18?

The Euro is the common currency used by 18/28 EU Member States and benefits:

The Euro is the 2nd most important international currency after the US dollar.

3. What percentage of the world’s official development assistance comes from the

EU? A. 60 B. 90

C. 40 D. 10?

EU & Member States provide 60% of the official development assistance in the world

4. Where does Europe’s name come from?

A. A Princess from Greek Mythology

B. A Mountain in Central Europe

C. An Animal D. A Roman Emperor

?

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?

A. 1980 B. 1994

C. 2000 D. 2012?

The Nobel Peace Prize 2012 was awarded to the European Union (EU)  for 60 years of

advancing peace, reconciliation, democracy and human rights in

Europe".

5. What do the 12 stars in a circle on the EU’s flag symbolize?

A. The number of Member States

B. The number of months in a calendar

year

C. The number of monarchies in Europe

D. The ideals of perfection,

completeness and unity

?

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

became the EU’s 28th Member State in 2013?

Croatia joined the European Union July 1, 2013.

Study 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 Prices4. Research Opportunities5. Tradition + Innovation6. A jumpstart for your career7. Classmates from all over

the world8. Learn a new language 9. Great Location: Easy to

travel…10.And so much to explore!

Opportunities

3 30

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—Riga in Latvia and Umeå in Sweden—are in the

spotlight!