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General Facts

The document provides an overview of the European Union, including its history, institutions, policies, economy, and challenges. It establishes that the EU was formed in 1993 and currently has 27 member states with over 450 million people. Key institutions of the EU are described such as the European Parliament, European Council, and European Commission.

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13 views

General Facts

The document provides an overview of the European Union, including its history, institutions, policies, economy, and challenges. It establishes that the EU was formed in 1993 and currently has 27 member states with over 450 million people. Key institutions of the EU are described such as the European Parliament, European Council, and European Commission.

Uploaded by

smejalenka
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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General Facts

1. Foundation: The EU was established with the signing of the Maastricht Treaty
on November 1, 1993.
2. Member States: As of 2024, the EU consists of 27 member countries.
3. Population: The EU has a population of about 450 million people, making it
the third most populous entity after China and India.
4. Official Languages: There are 24 official languages in the EU, including
English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian.
5. Symbols: The EU flag consists of a circle of 12 gold stars on a blue
background, symbolizing unity and harmony. The EU's anthem is "Ode to Joy"
from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.

Institutions

1. European Parliament: This is the only directly elected EU institution. It


represents EU citizens and is involved in the legislative process. Members are
elected every five years.
2. European Council: Comprises the heads of state or government of the
member states, along with its President and the President of the European
Commission. It sets the EU's overall political direction.
3. Council of the European Union: Also known as the Council of Ministers, it
represents the governments of the member states and, together with the
European Parliament, makes decisions on EU legislation.
4. European Commission: The executive branch responsible for proposing
legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the EU treaties, and managing
day-to-day operations.
5. Court of Justice of the European Union: Ensures EU law is interpreted and
applied uniformly across member states and settles legal disputes between
national governments and EU institutions.

Economic Facts

1. Single Market: The EU operates a single market which allows for the free
movement of goods, capital, services, and people within the member states.
2. Eurozone: Nineteen of the member states use the euro (€) as their official
currency. The euro is managed by the European Central Bank (ECB).
3. GDP: The EU has one of the largest economies in the world, with a combined
GDP of over €15 trillion.
4. Trade: The EU is a major global trading power, with significant trade
agreements with countries and regions around the world.
Policies and Achievements

1. Schengen Area: A zone where 26 European countries abolished their internal


borders for the free and unrestricted movement of people. Not all EU member
states are part of the Schengen Area.
2. Environmental Policy: The EU is a leader in environmental policy and climate
change mitigation, with ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas
emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy.
3. Human Rights: The EU places a strong emphasis on human rights, democracy,
and the rule of law. The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union
enshrines these values.
4. Research and Innovation: The EU invests significantly in research and
innovation through programs like Horizon Europe, aiming to boost scientific
research and technological advancements.

Historical Milestones

1. Treaty of Rome (1957): Established the European Economic Community (EEC)


and the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM).
2. Single European Act (1986): Set the groundwork for the single market.
3. Maastricht Treaty (1993): Formed the European Union and introduced EU
citizenship.
4. Amsterdam Treaty (1999): Reformed EU institutions and expanded the EU's
powers in areas such as environmental protection and employment.
5. Lisbon Treaty (2009): Further reformed EU institutions, increased the power
of the European Parliament, and introduced a more permanent President of
the European Council.

Cultural and Social Aspects

1. Cultural Heritage: The EU promotes cultural heritage and diversity through


various programs and initiatives, such as the European Capital of Culture.
2. Erasmus Program: An exchange program that allows students to study in
different EU countries, promoting education and cultural exchange.
3. Public Health: The EU works to coordinate member states' policies and
responses to health threats, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Challenges and Issues

1. Brexit: The United Kingdom left the EU on January 31, 2020, following a 2016
referendum. This was a significant event in the EU's history.
2. Economic Disparities: There are notable economic disparities between
different regions and member states, posing challenges for cohesion.
3. Migration: The EU faces challenges related to migration and asylum,
particularly during crises that cause large movements of people.
4. Populism and Euroscepticism: Various political movements within member
states question the EU's policies and seek to reclaim national sovereignty.

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