The European Union. What is it? * What is the European Union?A unique economic and political partnership between 28 democratic European countries. * What are its aims?Peace, prosperity and freedom for its 500 million citizens — in a fairer, safer world. * What results so far?Frontier-free travel and trade, the euro (the single European currency), safer food and a greener environment, better living standards in poorer regions, joint action on crime and terror, cheaper phone calls, millions of opportunities to study abroad … and much more besides. * How does it work?To make these things happen, EU countries set up bodies to run the EU and adopt its legislation. The main ones are:

- the European Parliament (representing the people of Europe); - the Council of the European Union (representing national governments); - the European Commission (representing the common EU interest).

The European Union. What is it?

The European Union. Why?

• Peace and stability• Bringing Europe together again• Safety and security• Economic and social solidarity• Identity and diversity in the globalised world• Values

The European Union: More then 500 million people – 28 countries

Member states of the European UnionCandidate countries

Members: Austria,Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia,Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom

Founding fathers

New ideas for peace and prosperity…

Konrad Adenauer

Robert Schuman

Winston Churchill

Alcide De Gasperi

Jean Monnet

The European Union - Symbols

The European flagThe European anthem

Europe Day, 9 MayThe motto: United in diversity

Euro Passport

The European Union - Symbols

The flag and its history

The flag of the European Union: a circle of twelve golden stars on the site hours on a clock face on an azure background. The number of stars is unchanged.                                                         The stars symbolise the ideals of unity, solidarity and harmony among the peoples of Europe.             The originators of the flag are: the Spanish diplomat Salvador de Madariagay Rojo and the French artist Arsene Heitz. The flag was acquired in 1986 from the Council of Europe, which approved the project in 1955.

The European Union - Symbols

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Ludwik van Beethoven

Fryderyk Schiller

The anthem of the European Union is a piece of the Ninth Symphony composed by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1823, the text of Friedrich Schiller's poem "Ode to Joy” of 1785.

An instrumental version of the anthem reflects the European ideas of freedom, peace and solidarity.

In 1972, the Council of Europe adopted a fragment of Beethoven's IX "Ode to Joy" as the anthem.

The Anthem - Ode to Joy

In 1985, the Heads of State and Government decided that this tune will be the official anthem of the European Union.

The European Union - Symbols

The EU motto - "United in diversity"

The message of this slogan is that through the European Union, Europeans are united in efforts to promote peace and prosperity, and that the multiplicity of cultures, traditions and languages in Europe is its major asset.

For the first time the motto was used in 2000.

The European Union - Symbols

9 May - Europe Day

On 9 May 1950, Robert Schuman - French foreign minister, proposed the creation of an organized Europe, as a prerequisite for the maintenance of peaceful relations.

This proposal, known as the "Schuman declaration", is considered to be the beginning of the creation of the present European Union.

To commemorate this day, he is celebrated as the Day of the European Union, in which we celebrate the peace and unity in Europe

The European Union - Symbols

Common currency – The EURO

The euro is the official currency of 18 out of 28 member states of the European Union (EU). The euro was introduced to world financial markets as an accounting currency on 1 January 1999, replacing the former European Currency Unit (ECU)

The euro coins and banknotes entered circulation on 1 January 2002.The euro can be used everywere in the euro area.

* Coins – one side with national symbols, one side common

* Notes – no national side

The following members of the European Union do not use the euro:Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Croatia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

The European Union - Symbols

Passport

The European Union does not issue passports, but ordinary passports issue by its 28 member states share a common design.  

Common features include the burgundy coloured cover, the use of the words "European Union" in the country's official language or languages on the cover, as well as common security features and biometrics.

24 official languages

hravatski

Nine enlargements

1952 1973 1981 1986

1990 1995 2004 2007

2013  Member statesCandidates: Iceland, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey Application submitted: AlbaniaRecognised by the EU as potential candidates which have not yet applied for membership: Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo (status disputed).

six countries; France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg

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Denmark, Ireland, the United Kingdom

Greece Spain, Portugal

Austria, Finland, Sweden Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia.

Bulgaria, Romania

Croatia

Croatia

Germany is unified, and the Länder of the former East Germany become part of the EU

The big enlargement - healing the division of Europe

Fall of Berlin Wall – end of CommunismEU 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 enlargement

10 new EU members: Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia

1989

1992

1998

2002 2004

2007 Bulgaria and Romania join the EU

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rs2013 Croatia joins on the 1st of July

The treaties – basis for democratic cooperation built on law

1952The European Steel and Coal

Community

1958The treaties of Rome:

The European Economic Community

The European Atomic Energy Community(EURATOM)

1987The European Single

Act: the Single Market

1993Treaty of European

Union – Maastricht

1999Treaty of

Amsterdam

2003Treaty of Nice

2007Treaty of Lisbon (signed)

The European Union is based on the rule of law. This means that the foundation of all its activities are treaties adopted voluntary not democratically by all Member - States. For example, if a given policy area is not mentioned in the Treaty, the Com-mission cannot propose legislation on this area.

The treaty is a binding agreement between the Member States of the EU. It sets out the objectives of the EU, the principles of the functioning of EU institutions, decision making and the relationship between the EU and its Member States

Treaties - the basis of democratic cooperation based on law

1952Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)

An international agreement on the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community. It was signed in Paris on 18 April 1951, six countries France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. The Treaty entered into force on 23 July 1952

It was - concluded for a period of 50 years. Expired on 23 July 2002roku.

1958 Treaty of Rome:The European

Communities (EEC)The European

Community Atomic Energy Community

(EURATOM) Two treaties signed in Rome March 25, 1957 by the member states of the ECSC indefinitely. On the basis of the process of creating a common market in the economy and the system of controlling the development and marketing of nuclear technologies. Both treaties entered into force on 1 January 1958. More important in its effect to the Treaty of the EEC was to contribute to the strengthening of economic cooperation and economic performance through the combination of factors: the elimination of duties on domestic service, to create a level of rates for goods from third countries which are not signatories to the treaty, the introduction of solutions enabling free movement of goods, labor, services and capital. Organizations formed the basis of the Treaties of Rome and the Treaty of Paris were the foundation for the creation of the European Union.

Treaties - the basis of democratic cooperation based on law

1987 The Single European Act (SEA)

The Single European Act (SEA) is a revision of the Treaties of Rome in order to revive European integration and implementation of the internal market. Changing the rules of the European institutions and extends the powers of the Community, in particular in the research, development, the environment and foreign policy.

The Single European Act introduced the four freedoms relating to free movement: * people,

* capital, * goods, * services that underpin the functioning of the

Single Market

1993 The Treaty on European Union

The Treaty on European Union marks a new stage of European integration as it allows political integration. Creates the European Union is based on 3 pillars:  * The European Community (economic union) - common market, a common agricultural policy and structural, monetary union and regional development  * Common foreign and security (political union) in external relations EU acts as one entity,  * Police and judicial cooperation in criminal

matters. - solving common problems, immigration, organized crime, terrorism and social pathology.  the Treaty: establishes European citizenship, increases the powers of the European Parliament and gives rise economic and monetary union (EMU). Furthermore, the European Economic Community becomes the European Community.

Treaties - the basis of democratic cooperation based on law

1999 Treaty of z Amsterdam

The Amsterdam Treaty - Treaty amending the Treaty on European Union European Union, the Treaties establishing the European Communities and certain related acts, was signed on 2 October 1997 and entered into force on 1 May 1999 year. It signed the 15 countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Finland, Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Germany, Sweden, United Kingdom and Italy.

One of the main objectives of the document was to strengthen the federal character of the European Union. The Treaty also introduced institutional changes: strengthened the European Parliament and predicted the establishment of joint it representative of foreign policy.

2003Treaty of Nice

The Treaty of Nice - amending the Treaty on European Union, the Treaty establishing the European Community and certain related acts, signed on 26 February 2001 15 EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Finland, Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Germany, Sweden, United Kingdom and Italy. Entered into force on 1 February 2003 after ratification by all Member States The Treaty of Nice was to prepare the European Union for the planned enlargement and reform of the EU institutions. Previous treaties require changes in the following areas: the size and composition of the European Commission, the method of counting votes in the EU Council, the further extension of qualified majority voting and the strengthening of cooperation between Member States.

The Lisbon treaty - taking Europe into the 21st century

The Treaty will make the European Union:

More efficient Simpler processes, full-time president for the Council, etc.

More democratic Stronger role for the European Parliament and national parliaments, "Citizens initiative", Charter of Fundamental Rights, etc.

More transparent Clarifies who does what, greater public access to documents and meetings, etc.

More united on High Representative for Foreign Policy, etc. the world stage

More secure New possibilities to fight climate change and terrorism, secure energy supplies, etc.

Signed in December 2007 – enter into force when ratified by all 27 EU countries.

The Treaty of Lisbon -amending the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty establishing the European Community, was signed in the Portuguese capital on 13 December 2007 by representatives of the twenty-seven Member States. Entered into force on 1 December 2009, when all Member States to ratify etc.The primary objective of the Lisbon Treaty is to improve the operation of the European Union

European Parliament

The European Union Institutions

Court of Justice

Court of Auditors

Economic and Social Committee Committee of the Regions

Council of Ministers(Council of the EU) European Commission

European Investment Bank European Central BankAgencies

European Council (summit)

The European Union - Structure

European Parliament

Is made up of Elected Members of the European Parliament (MEP’s). Elections are held every 5 years.

Council of the European Union

The council is made up of national ministers who with the European Parliament, adopt EU law..

European Commission

Is made up of appointed Commissioners and the EU’s civil service. The Commission is responsible for the day-to-day running of the the EU and ensures EU treaties are being complied with. The Commission is also responsible for proposing legislation and carrying out decisions made by the European Council and Parliament

The European Union - Structure

Court of Justice of the European Communities

* EU law courts. * Is responsible for interpreting the EU law and ensuring it

is carried out. European Court of Auditors

* Reviews and audits the financing of the EU’s institutions activities. * Is composed of one member from each EU member state.

European Ombudsman

* Investigates complaints made by a citizen or resident of the Union about maladministration by EU institutions and bodies

European Data Protection Supervisor

* It’s duty is to uphold data protection standards in EU institutions and bodies and plays advising role on data protection legislation.

Summit at the European Council

Summit of heads of state and government of all EU countries

Heldat least 3 times a year Sets the overall guidelines for EU policies

The European Parliament

MEPs (Members of Parliament) representing the citizens. They are elected in direct elections, which are held every five years. Parliament is, together with the Council of the European Union (the "Council"), one of the main institutions responsible for lawmaking in the EU.

The European Parliament has three offices in: Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg.The main meetings of the Parliament, called the plenary sessions are held in Strasbourg and committees in Brussels. Luxembourg became an administrative seat of the Parliament.The Parliament has three main functions:* debating the acts of the European law, and resolves them with the Council * exercising supervision over the other EU institutions particularly the Commission to ensure that operate in a

democratic manner* debating the EU budget and adopting it with the Council.

The Council of Ministers - (Council of the EU ) - voice of the member states (Council of the EU

As a part of this institution, informally also called the Council of the EU, ministers from all EU countries meet and adopt laws and coordinate policies in particular areas.

Rotating presidency

- 6 months.

What does the Council of the EU do? Enacting the EU legislation. Coordinating the broad economic policies of the Member States of the EU. Signing agreements between the EU and other countries. Approving the annual budget of the EU. Specifing the direction of foreign policy and defense policy of the EU. Coordinating cooperation between the courts and the police authorities of the Member States

The European Commission – promoting the common interest

The European Commission is one of the main institutions of the European Union. Its mission is to represent and protect the interests of the whole Union. It drafts proposals for new European laws. It manages current issues related to the implementation of EU policies in particular areas and spending EU funds.

27 independent members, one from each EU country

Proposes new legislationExecutive organ Guardian of the treatiesRepresents the EU on the international stage

Three key players

The European Parliament- voice of the peopleMartin Schulz , President of the European Parliament

The European Council and the Council - voice of the Member States Herman Van Rompuy , Presidentl of the European Council

The European Commission- promoting the common interestJosé Manuel Barroso, Presidentof the European Commission

The Court of Justice – upholding the law

27 independent judges, one from each EU country

Rules on how to interpret EU lawEnsures EU laws are used in the same way in all EU countries

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

A high representative for foreign affairs and security

Catherine Ashton

Double hat: chairs the Foreign Affairs Council meetings + Vice-president of the European Commission

Manages the common foreign and security policy

Head of European External Action Service

The European Central Bank - managing the euro

• The European Central Bank (ECB, based in Frankfurt, Germany) manages the euro – the EU's single currency –

and safeguards price stability in the EU.• The ECB is also responsible for framing and implementing the EU’s economic and monetary policy.

Mario DraghiPresident of the Central Bank

• The Bank works with the central banks in all 28 EU countries. Together they form the European System of Central Banks (ESCB).

• It also leads the close cooperation between central banks in the euro- area  – the 18 EU countries that have adopted the euro, also known as the eurozone. The cooperation between this smaller, tighter group of banks is referred to as the ‘Eurosystem’.

The European Economic and Social Committee:voice of civil society

344 members

Represents trade unions, employers, farmers, consumers etc

Advises on new EU laws and policies

Promotes the involvement of civil society in EU matters

The Committee of the Regions:voice of local government

344 members

Represents cities, regions

Advises on new EU laws and policies

Promotes the involvement of local government in EU matters

Going abroad to learn

Every year, more than 400 000 young people study or pursue personal development in other European countries with support from EU programmes:

Comenius: school education

Erasmus: higher education

Leonardo da Vinci: vocational training

Grundtvig: adult education

Youth in Action: voluntary work and

non-formal education

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Free to move

“Schengen”:

No police or customs checks at borders between most EU countries

Controls strengthened at EU external borders

More cooperation between the police from different EU countries

You can buy and bring back any goods for personal use when you travel between EU countries

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How EU laws are made

Citizens, interests groups, experts: discuss, consult

Commission: makes formal proposals

Parliament and Council of Ministers: decide jointly

Commission and Court of Justice: monitor the implementation

National or local authorities: implement

Improving health and the environment

Pollution knows no borders – joint action needed

The EU action has helped to bring:

4 Cleaner bathing water4 Much less acid rain 4 Lead-free petrol 4 Free and safe disposal of old electronic equipment4 Strict rules on food safety from farm to fork 4 More organic and quality farming 4 More effective health warnings on cigarettes4 Registration and control of all chemicals (REACH)

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An area of freedom, security and justice

Charter of Fundamental Rights

Joint fight against terrorism

Police and law-enforcers from different countries cooperate

Coordinated asylum and immigration policies

Civil law cooperation

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The European Union - an exporter of peace and prosperity

World trade rules

Common foreign and security policy

Development assistance and humanitarian aid

EU runs the peacekeeping operations and the rebuilding of society in war-torn countries like Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The European Year of Citizens 2013

Focus on the right that comes with EU citizenship

Dialogue at all levels on this right and on the future the EU

http://europa.eu/citizens-2013/

The five targets for the EU in 2020

Agreed in the Europe 2020 strategy:

Employment 75% of 20-64 year-olds to be employed

Research and innovation 3% of the EU's GDP to be invested in research

Climate change/energy Greenhouse gas emissions 20% lower than 1990 20% of energy from renewables 20% increase in energy efficiency

Education School drop-out rates below 10% 40% of 30-34–year-olds completing third-level education

Poverty 20 million fewer people in, or at risk of, poverty and social exclusion

Presentation of the European Union

Created by Polish Students