What is the European What is the European Union?Union?

• EU- An organization of more than 25 European countries (28 to be exact) who joined together to encourage trade within Europe. • A multinational confederation• Creates a free-trade zone: no tariffs, no

quotas, no embargos!

EU MembersSince 2007, there are 28 members of the EU

European Union MembersAustria Belgium Bulgaria Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia

Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Italy

Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Poland Portugal

Romania Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden United Kingdom

Why Join Together?• Believe that when countries work together

they are a more powerful force in the world because they involve:–More money–More people–More land areaThis helps make small countries more

competitive in the world market…

•The US is much larger than separate European countriesWhen the EU countries combine, they have more people and a larger economy; they can compete in a global economy

EU United States

Land Area (approx.)

1,500,000 3,700,000

Population (approx.)

500,000,000 305,000,000

Gross Domestic Product

$14 Trillion $13.5 Trillion

GDP Per Capita $28,213 $43,444

Breaking it down by the #’s…

What’s the Purpose?#1- Create a peaceful, stable environment#2- Promote free trade among members#3- Ensure safety and security of member

nations#4- Assist in social issues like preserving the

environment and protecting human rights

S-C-L With your partner, brainstorm…

One BENEFIT of European countries joining together for trade.

Benefits for the MembersMembers may use a common currency

(euro) that makes trade easierEU works to improve trade, education,

farming, & industry among its membersNo tariffs (taxes) among member countries

– free trade zone

S-C-L With your partner, discuss…

How would having different currency (money) effect trade in Europe?

Euro• The euro is the currency of MOST EU countries. • Member countries can choose to give up their own

currency and exchange them for euros.– French francs and German marks have been replaced by

the euro• Why? Common currency makes trade between the

countries much easier and less expensive• 12 countries in the EU do not use the euro• United Kingdom has decided to continue to use the

British pound

EU AssignmentOption #1

Join the European UnionOption #2

European Union Political Cartoon

Directions: Directions: Create an advertisement that persuades European countries (non-EU) members to join the European Union. Use a piece of copy paper.

Here are things you must include:A catchy titleat least 3 benefits of joining the EUa colorful illustration

Directions: Directions: Create a political cartoon that shows the relationship between a non-EU members and the other countries of the European Union. Use a piece of copy paper.

The cartoon should personify one of the non-EU members below:TurkeyRussiaIcelandSwitzerlandBe sure to include why the countries listed above are NOT members of the EU.

DirectionsUsing your resources, choose your task from

your handout and complete your assignment.Resources:

NotesCoach book pages 142-143Textbook pages 328-333PartnerTeacheriPad Computer