EUROPEAN-UNION

EUROPEAN UNION

The European Union is a unique organisation of 28 member states.
The European Union is pictured as a temple – a structure with common foundations three pillars and a common roof.
Building of a Europian Union temple started after the Second World War.
Politicians realized that Europe could develope and become an economic power again only if there was peace.

The first pillar was built in 1951 when France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Italy agreed to co-operate in the produciton and trade of coal and steel.
In 1957 these countries extended the co-operation to the areas of trade, economy and nuclear energy.
The goal was to create a common market with four freedoms – free movement of goods, free movement of workers, free movement of services and free movement of capital.

In 1992 the second and the third pillars of co-operation were built. The co-operation in these pillars is political, not economic.

The second pillar is built on co-operation in security and foreign policy and the third pillar is built on co-operation in justice and home affairs.

The roof of the temle is made by institutions whose roles are described in treates.
- Amsterdam treaty – 1997
- Maastrich treaty – 1992

INSTITUTIONS OF EU

There are five imortant institutions of the EU: The European Parliament, the Council of the European Union, the European Commission, the European Court of Justice and the European Court of Auditors.

The European Parliament represents the peoples of the EU.

The Council of the European Union represents the interests of the individual member states and makes political decisions.

There is one more Council – the European Council which consist of the Heads of states and governments.

The European Commission makes legislative proposals and manages the European Unions money.
And the Court of Auditors is there to check if the money was spent according to the rules.

SYMBOLS OF EU

Flag – the European Union started using the flag that has become the emblem of the European Union – twelve golden stars on a background of blue sky. The stars are in a circle and they represents the union of the peoples in Europe. The number of states is fixed and the number twelve is the symbole of perfection and unity.

Anthem – The European Union anthem is the final part of the Ode to Joy from Beethovens Ninth Symphony.

Europe Day – is celebrated on 9 May.

Euro – it is name of Euroepan money. From 1 January 2002 , 12 of the European Union countries use euro notes and coins. The euro makes it easier to travel and do business and the compare prices.