1. Politics in the Age of Global Competitiveness The European Union and the Lisbon Agenda

2. EU: Key dates Bulgarian and Romania bring membership to 27 countries 2007 Ten more countries join the Union 2004 The Euro is introduced as a common currency (but not for UK) 2002 The Lisbon Agenda sets the goal of global competitiveness 2000 Single market completed, Treaty of Maastricht establishes the European Union 1993 Single European Act 1986 First direct elections to the European Parliament 1979 The Community expands to nine members (including UK) and develops its common policies 1973 The Treaty of Rome establishes the common market 1957 The European coal and Steel Community is established by the six founding members 1951

3. EU Members Bulgaria, Romania 2007 Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia 2004 Austria, Finland, Sweden 1995 Portugal, Spain 1986 Greece 1981 Denmark, Ireland, United Kingdom 1973 Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands 1952