The European Union

1
The European Union What is it?

• The E.U. is a political and economic union that
  seeks to ensure the free movement of people,
  goods, services, and capital, and seeks to
  maintain common policies on trade, agriculture,
  and fishing amongst member nations.
• In 1999, the Eurozone was created establishing a
  common currency called the Euro amongst many
  member nations to promote trade and increase
  standard of living
• It also focuses on human rights issues within
  Europe and around the world and promotes
  democracy within member nations
• So Whos in? Whos Out?

2
Why would these nations NOT be members of the EU?

• The Balkan Peninsula (Croatia, Serbia, Albania,
  Montenegro)
• Since the collapse of Yugoslavia, ethnic tensions
  have ravaged the area
• Currently, Croatia is an acceding member, if
  their accession treaty is ratified in July, 2013
  they will be a member nation
• Montenegro, Serbia, and Macedonia are candidates
  for accession
• Kosovo, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina are
  potential candidates

3
Why would these nations NOT be members of the EU?

• The Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia
• The Ukraine and Belarus are part of the EUs
  European Neighborhood Policy and the Eastern
  Partnership
• The program works with nations to the east and
  south of the EU nations to offer economic aid to
  developing countries that promote democracy and
  economic reform
• The Ukraine has reached an association agreement
  with the EU increasing the trade between the
  Ukraine and EU nations
• Relations between the EU and Belarus have stalled
  in response to the undemocratic nature of the
  government and potential human rights violations
• Russia and the EU have a trade partnership but
  Russia does not want EU membership, and the EU
  has questioned Russia on human rights violations
  recently

4
How the EU Works

• Why was the European Economic Community (name
  changed to the European Union in 1993) founded?
  What was its original goal?
• To create a climate of economic cooperation
  amongst European nations devastated by WWII
• The hope was that this would help these nations
  rebuild and help avoid future conflicts
• Today it promotes trade but also focuses on
  environmental concerns, democratic reform, and
  human rights issues