This document provides an overview of the European Union and European citizenship. It discusses the founding and current member countries of the EU. It outlines some of the objectives of the EU, including promoting political and economic unity in Europe. The document also discusses Portugal's accession to the EU in 1986. It defines European citizenship, established in 1992 by the Maastricht Treaty, and some key rights of EU citizens, such as freedom of movement. Finally, it briefly describes the Erasmus+ program for education and cultural exchange across Europe.

1. European
citizenship
Margarida Alves
Class 9B

2. Index
1. European Union
2. How many and which countries exist in Europe?
3. Accession of Portugal to the European Union
4. What is ’European citizenship’ and when was it established?
5. What are the rights of European citizens?
6. Erasmus +
7. Conclusion

3. European union
 The European Union was born in 25 of March of 1957 after the signature of the Treaty of Rome and
became official in January 1st of 1958.
 Initially the European Union was designated by European Economic Community and it was
constituted by 6 countries: France, Holland, Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, Belgium and
Luxembourg. But now the European Union is constituted by 28 countries.
 Some of the objectives of the European Union are:
• To promote the political and economical unit of Europe;
• To improve the life and work conditions of the European citizens;
• To improve the free trade conditions among its members;
• To reduce the social and economic inequalities;
• To stimulate the economic development of the countries;
• To provide a peaceful atmosphere, harmony and balance in Europe.

4. How many and which countries exist in
Europe
 Europe has 28 countries and here are
some of them:
• Portugal
• Spain
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• Italy
• France
• Czech Republic
• Austria
• Slovenia
• Finland
• Lithuania
• Netherlands
• Romania
• Malta
• Slovakia
• Bulgaria
• Denmark
• Sweden
• Greece
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Cyprus
• Belgium
• Estonia
• Latvia
• Luxembourg
• Poland

5. Accession of Portugal to the European Union
 Advantages
• The production, economic and
education levels increased;
• Having access to European
subsidies;
• At social level, the accession
allowed a largest easiness in
traveling, working and studying.
 Disadvantages:
• The loss of sovereignty of
Portugal;
• The fact that Portugal has to obey
to a superior entity;
• An excess in agricultural and
industrial products blocking some
of our exports
Portugal entered the European Union on January 1, 1986

6. What is European citizenship and when
was it established?
 It was established by the Maastricht Treaty, signed in 1992.
 ‘Every person holding the nationality of a member state shall be a citizen of the
Union. Citizenship of the Union shall be additional to and not replace national
citizenship’.
 The value and concept of European citizenship is treasured in a major project of the
European Constitution.
 The concept of European citizenship appears as a complement to the national
citizenship. Before being a citizen of the European Union, we are citizens of our own
country.

7. What are the rights of the
European citizens?
Here are some rights of the citizens:
 The right to vote;
 The right of petition;
 The right to transparency;
 Right to Cultural identity and diversity;
 Freedom to move, reside and work;
 Diplomatic Protection.

8. ERAMUS +
 The objective of the Erasmus+ programme is to encourage and
support the students to develop an European knowledge and the
idea of being a European citizen. Erasmus+ has opportunities for
people of all ages, helping them to develop and share
knowledge and experience at institutions and organisations in
different countries. There are several projects in this programme
with the same goals but interpreted in different ways and with
different levels of education.

9. Conclusion
 In spite of the different languages, ethnicities,
religions and cultures, we all live in a community
where we all accept each other well despite our
differences.

10. The End