I will:

• Know how and why the EU was created.

• Understand the benefits of being part of the EU.

Here are examples of flags from some of the EU countries. Match the flags with the country:

a. Austriab. Belgiumc. Denmarkd. Finlande. Francef. Germanyg. Greeceh. Irelandi. Italyj. Luxemburgk. Netherlandsl. Portugalm. Spainn. Swedeno. UK

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

1 j

2 o

3 h

4 l

5 k

6 b

7 c

8 g

9 f

10 m

11 e

12 d

13 I

14 a

15 n

The European Union• After the Second World War in 1945, governments throughout Europe were

anxious not to repeat the horrors of the War in which 50 million people died.

• The European Union was gradually formed during the years after the war.

• Originally there were six countries in the European Union (France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands). There are now twenty seven.

• One of the main purposes of the EU is to allow people, goods and services to move freely between member states. This is known as the creation of a single market.

• There are still other countries waiting to join.

1. Who were the six original members of the EU?2. What is the purpose of the EU?3. How many countries are now in the EU?

EU Countries• Austria• 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

There are 27 countries that are now members of the EU

Some countries brake the rules and seem to get away

with it.

There are many rules and

regulations, some of which

are not sensible.

The standard of goods is guaranteed.

People are able to move around more easily.

EU citizens have a much wider choice of goods and services, which are often

cheaper because of competition

The EU aims to protect the environment. Many areas are now cleaner because of EU

rules.

The EU helps poorer countries in Europe to develop by giving them large sums of money

The EU uses a lot of money.

The EU has a lot of power and can take away the right of the individual countries to make

their own decisions about matters.

Companies find it

easier to sell goods in the EU.

The EU provides

security for its members

Group Work

• Working in groups of 4.

• Create a campaign either for or against the EU.

• Each group will discuss their campaign with the class.

Your teacher will choose the groups.

Your teacher will tell you which side of the argument your group is campaigning

for.

Informing Others

• Decide if you are for or against the EU?

• Create a leaflet to promote your opinion of the EU.

Extension