European Union - steps, symbols, countries

1. THE
EUROPEAN
UNION
= A unique
economic and
political
partnership
between 28
democratic
European
countries.

2. “Ode to Joy” from
“The Ninth Symphony”
by Ludwig van Beethoven
(Poem: Friedrich von Schiller)
9th May United in diversity

3. (EN) United in diversity
(BG) Обединен в многообразието
(DA) Forenet i mangfoldighed
(ET) Ühinenud mitmekesisuses
(ES) Unida en la diversidad
(GA) Aontaithe san éagsúlacht
(LV) Vienota dažādībā
(HU) Egység a sokféleségben
(PL) Zjednoczona w różnorodności
(SK) Zjednotení v rozmanitosti
(FI) Moninaisuudessaan yhtenäinen
(CS) Jednotná v rozmanitosti
(DE) In Vielfalt geeint
(EL) Eνωμένη στην πολυμορφία
(FR) Unie dans la diversité
(IT) Unita nella diversità
(LT) Suvienijusi įvairovę
(NL) In verscheidenheid verenigd
(PT) Unida na diversidade
(SL) Združena v raznolikosti
(SV) Förenade i mångfalden
MOTTO :
(RO) Unită în diversitate
(HR) Ujedinjeni u različitosti

4. A peaceful Europe
The European Union is set up with the aim of ending the frequent
and bloody wars between neighbours, which culminated in the
Second World War.
As of 1950, the European Coal and Steel Community begins to
unite European countries economically and politically in order to
secure lasting peace.
The six founders are Belgium, France, Germany, Italy,
Luxembourg and the Netherlands.
The 1950s are dominated by a cold war between east and west.
Protests in Hungary against the Communist regime are put down
by Soviet tanks in 1956; while the following year, 1957, the Soviet
Union takes the lead in the space race, when it launches the first
man-made space satellite, Sputnik 1.
Also in 1957, the Treaty of Rome creates the European Economic
Community (EEC), or ‘Common Market’.

5. • Soon after the war, Europe is split into East and West as the 40-
year-long Cold War begins. West European nations create
the Council of Europe in 1949. It is a first step towards cooperation
between them, but six countries want to go further.
• 9 May 1950 — French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman presents
a plan for deeper cooperation in his famous The Schuman
Declaration. Later, every 9 May is celebrated as 'Europe Day'.
• 18 April 1951, Paris, Treaty establishing the European Coal and
Steel Community (ECSC) (ECSC Treaty) — Based on the Schuman
plan, six countries sign a treaty to run their heavy industries – coal
and steel – under a common management. In this way, none can on
its own make the weapons of war to turn against the other, as in
the past. The six are Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands,
Belgium and Luxembourg.

6. • 17 February 1986, Luxembourg, The Single European Act
(SEA), signed by the nine Member States and on
28 February 1986 by Denmark, Italy and Greece, is the first
major amendment of the Treaty establishing the European
Economic Community (EEC). It entered into force on 1 July 1987.
• 7 February 1992, Treaty of Maastricht on European Union
(TEU), entered into force on 1 November 1993, represents a new
stage in European integration since it opens the way to political
integration. It creates a European Union consisting of three
pillars: the European Communities, Common Foreign and
Security Policy (CFSP), and police and judicial cooperation in
criminal matters (JHA). The Treaty introduces the concept of
European citizenship, reinforces the powers of the European
Parliament and launches economic and monetary union (EMU).
Besides, the EEC becomes the European Community (EC).

7. Treaties Date of signature Entry into force Official Journal
Single European Act 28.2.1986 1.7.1987 OJ L 169 of 29.6.1987
Treaty on European Union
(Maastricht Treaty)
7.2.1992 1.11.1993 OJ C 191 of 29.07.1992
Treaty of Amsterdam 2.10.1997 1.5.1999 OJ C 340 of 10.11.1997
Treaty of Nice 26.2.2001 1.2.2003 OJ C 80 of 10.3.2001
Treaty of Lisbon 13.12.2007 1.12.2009 OJ C 306 of 17.12.2007
Treaties of Accession Date of signature Entry into force Official Journal
Treaty of Accession of
Austria, Finland and Sweden
24.6.1994 1.1.1995 OJ C 241 of 29.8.1994
Treaty of Accession of the ten
new Member States
16.4.2003 1.5.2004 OJ L 236 of 23.9.2003
Treaty of Accession of
Bulgaria and Romania
25.4.2005 1.1.2007 OJ L 157 of 21.6.2005
Treaty of Accession of Croatia 9.12.2011 1.7.2013 OJ L 112, 24.4.2012

8. Founding member states
- 25 March 1957, Treaty of Rome (TEEC),
establishing the European Economic
Community (EEC) -
1. Belgium
2. France
3. Germany
4. Italy
5. Luxembourg
6. The Netherlands
Building on the success of the Coal and Steel Treaty, the six countries
expand cooperation to other economic sectors. They sign the Treaty of
Rome, creating the European Economic Community (EEC), or
‘ common market ’. The idea is for people, goods and services to move
freely across borders.

9. 1. AUSTRIA
2. BELGIUM
3. BULGARIA
5. CYPRUS
6. CZECH REPUBLIC
7. DENMARK
8. ESTONIA
9. FINLAND
10. FRANCE
11. GERMANY
12. GREECE
13. HUNGARY
14. IRELAND
15. ITALY
16. LATVIA
17. LITHUANIA
18. LUXEMBOURG
19. MALTA
20. NETHERLANDS
21. POLAND
22. PORTUGAL
23. ROMANIA
24. SLOVAKIA
25. SLOVENIA
26. SPAIN
27. SWEDEN
28. UNITED KINGDOM
4. CROATIA

10. Austria [AT]
Year of EU entry: 1995
Political system: federal republic
Capital city: Vienna
Total area: 83 870 km²
Population: 8.3 million
Currency: euro (1999) [EUR]
Official EU language: German
The Belvedere
Palace, Vienna
http://www.austria.gv.at
http://www.austria.info
Hofburg Palace, Vienna
Hohensalzburg
Fort, Salzburg

11. Belgium [BE]
Year of EU entry: founding member
Political system: constitutional monarchy
Capital city: Brussels
Total area: 30 528 km²
Population: 10.7 million
Currency: euro (1999) [EUR]
Official EU languages: German, French, Dutch
Belgian beer and mussels
http://www.belgium.be
http://www.opt.be
http://www.visitflanders.com
City Hall, BrusselsAtomium, Brussels

12. Bulgaria [BG]
Year of EU entry: 2007
Political system: parliamentary republic
Capital city: Sofia
Total area: 111 910 km²
Population: 7.6 million
Currency: Bulgarian lev [BGN]
Official EU language: Bulgarian
Rila monastery
http://www.government.bg
http://www.bulgariatravel.org
Queen Mary’s Palace,
Balchik
St Sofia Statue, Sofia

13. Croatia [HR]
Year of EU entry: 2013
Political system: parliamentary republic
Capital city: Zagreb
Total area: 87 661 km²
Population: 4.3 million
Currency: Croatian kuna [HRK]
Official EU language: Croatian
Amphitheatre, Pula
Zagreb Cathedral
Dubrovnik
https://vlada.gov.hr/en
http://www.visit-croatia.co.uk

14. Cyprus [CY]
Year of EU entry: 2004
Political system: presidential republic
Capital city: Nicosia
Total area: 9 250 km²
Population: 0.8 million
Currency: euro (2008) [EUR]
Official EU languages: Greek, English
The 4th century
Stavrovouni
monastery
http://www.cyprus.gov.cy
http://www.visitcyprus.com
The Temple of Aphrodites,
Paphos
The Presidential Palace, Nicosia

15. Czech Republic [CZ]
Year of EU entry: 2004
Political system: parliamentary republic
Capital city: Prague
Total area: 78 866 km²
Population: 10.3 million
Currency: Czech koruna [CZK]
Official EU language: Czech
Municipal House, Prague
http://portal.gov.cz
http://www.czechtourism.com
Bridges over the Vltava, Prague
The Church of
Our Lady of
Týn, Prague

16. Denmark [DK]
Year of EU entry: 1973
Political system: constitutional monarchy
Capital city: Copenhagen
Total area: 43 094 km²
Population: 5.4 million
Currency: Danish krone [DKK]
Official EU language: Danish
Copenhagen -
Little Mermaid
http://www.denmark.dk
http://www.visitdenmark.com
Copenhagen New Port
Denmark Castle

17. Estonia [EE]
Year of EU entry: 2004
Political system: parliamentary republic
Capital city: Tallinn
Total area: 45 000 km²
Population: 1.4 million
Currency: euro (2011) [EUR]
Official EU language: Estonian
Winter in Tallinn
https://www.eesti.ee
http://www.visitestonia.com
Ice in Estonia
Tallinn

18. Finland [FI]
Year of EU entry: 1995
Political system: parliamentary republic
Capital city: Helsinki
Total area: 338 000 km²
Population: 5.3 million
Currency: euro (1999) [EUR]
Official EU languages: Finnish, Swedish
One of Finland’s
many thousand lakes
http://finland.fi
http://www.visitfinland.com Santa Claus’ Village, Rovaniemi
The Lutheran
Cathedral, Helsinki

19. France [FR]
Year of EU entry: founding member
Political system: semi-presidential republic
Capital city: Paris
Total area: 550 000 km²
Population: 63.7 million
Currency: euro (1999) [EUR]
Official EU language: French
Sacré Coeur, Paris
http://www.service-public.fr
http://www.franceguide.com
The Harbour, Nice
The Eiffel Tower,
Paris

20. Germany [DE]
Year of EU entry: founding member
Political system: federal parliamentary republic
Capital city: Berlin
Total area: 356 854 km²
Population: 82.5 million
Currency: euro (1999) [EUR]
Official EU language: German
Brandenburg Gate,
Berlin
http://www.bundesregierung.de
http://www.germany-tourism.de
Marienplatz,
Munich
Dom
Cathedral,
Cologne

21. Greece [EL]
Year of EU entry: 1981
Political system: parliamentary republic
Capital city: Athens
Total area: 131 957 km²
Population: 11.2 million
Currency: euro (2001) [EUR]
Official EU language: Greek
The Acropolis,
Athens
http://www.mfa.gr
http://www.gnto.gr Mikonos Island
Santorini Island

22. Hungary [HU]
Year of EU entry: 2004
Political system: parliamentary republic
Capital city: Budapest
Total area: 93 000 km²
Population: 10.1 million
Currency: Hungarian forint [HUF]
Official EU language: Hungarian
Parliament Building, Budapesthttp://www.magyarorszag.hu
http://www.hungary.com
Freedom Bridge,
Budapest Lake Balaton

23. Ireland [IE]
Year of EU entry: 1973
Political system: parliamentary republic
Capital city: Dublin
Total area: 70 000 km²
Population: 4 million
Currency: euro (1999) [EUR]
Official EU languages: English, Irish
Leinster House, Dublin
http://www.gov.ie
http://www.tourismireland.com
Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary
Cliffs of Moher,
Co. Clare

24. Italy [IT]
Year of EU entry: founding member
Political system: parliamentary republic
Capital city: Rome
Total area: 301 263 km²
Population: 57.3 million
Currency: euro (1999) [EUR]
Official EU language: Italian
The Milan Cathedral
http://www.italia.gov.it
http://www.enit.it
The Colosseum, Rome
Doges' Palace, Venice

25. Latvia [LV]
Year of EU entry: 2004
Political system: parliamentary republic
Capital city: Riga
Total area: 65 000 km²
Population: 2.3 million
Currency: euro (2014) [EUR]
Official EU language: Latvian
St. Nicholas's
Cathedral,
Karosta
http://www.am.gov.lv
http://www.latviatourism.lv
Riga – old town
University of Latvia, Riga

26. Lithuania [LT]
Year of EU entry: 2004
Political system: parliamentary republic
Capital city: Vilnius
Total area: 65 000 km²
Population: 3.4 million
Currency: euro (2015) [EUR]
Official EU language: Lithuanian
Amber jewellery
from Lithuania
http://www.lrv.lt
http://www.travel.lt
Vilnius Cathedral Island Castle, Trakai

27. Luxembourg [LU]
Year of EU entry: founding member
Political system: parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Capital city: Luxembourg
Total area: 2 586 km²
Population: 0.5 million
Currency: euro (1999) [EUR]
Official EU language: French, German
Luxembourghttp://www.gouvernement.lu
http://www.ont.lu
Le Marché-aux-Herbes
Fort Thüngen

28. Malta [MT]
Year of EU entry: 2004
Political system: parliamentary republic
Capital city: Valletta
Total area: 316 km²
Population: 0.4 million
Currency: euro (2008) [EUR]
Official EU languages: Maltese, English
Vallettahttp://www.gov.mt
http://www.visitmalta.com
Ggantija Temples
St. Paul's Cathedral, Mdina

29. Netherlands [NL]
Year of EU entry: founding member
Political system: parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Capital city: Amsterdam
Total area: 41 526 km²
Population: 16.4 million
Currency: euro (1999) [EUR]
Official EU language: Dutch
18th century
windmills
http://www.postbus51.nl
http://us.holland.com
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
Dutch clogs from
Keukenhof

30. Poland [PL]
Year of EU entry: 2004
Political system: parliamentary republic
Capital city: Warsaw
Total area: 312 679 km²
Population: 38.1 million
Currency: Polish złoty [PLN]
Official EU language: Polish
Royal Castle Square, Warsaw
http://www.poland.gov.pl
http://www.poland.travel
St. Mary's Basilica,
Cracow
Neptune's Fountain,
Gdansk

31. Portugal [PT]
Year of EU entry: 1986
Political system: semi-presidential republic
Capital city: Lisbon
Total area: 92 072 km²
Population: 10.4 million
Currency: euro (1999) [EUR]
Official EU language: Portuguese
Belem Tower, Lisbon
http://www.portugal.gov.pt
http://www.visitportugal.com
The Roman Temple of
Diana, Évora The Castle of Guimarães,
Guimarães

32. Romania [RO]
Year of EU entry: 2007
Political system: semi-presidential republic
Capital city: Bucharest
Total area: 237 500 km²
Population: 21.5 million
Currency: Romanian leu [RON]
Official EU language: Romanian
Royal Court, Târgoviștehttp://www.gov.ro/main/index/l/2
http://www.romaniatourism.com
Bran Castle
Romanian Athenaeum
Bucharest

33. Slovakia [SK]
Year of EU entry: 2004
Political system: parliamentary republic
Capital city: Bratislava
Total area: 48 845 km²
Population: 5.4 million
Currency: euro (2009) [EUR]
Official EU language: Slovak
Spirit Hotel, Bratislavahttp://www.government.gov.sk
http://www.slovakia.travel
Apollo’s Bridge, Bratislava
Slavia House, Košice

34. Slovenia [SI]
Year of EU entry: 2004
Political system: parliamentary republic
Capital city: Ljubljana
Total area: 20 273 km²
Population: 2 million
Currency: euro (2007) [EUR]
Official EU language: Slovenian
The village of Bled
http://www.slovenia.si
http://www.slovenia.info
The Triple Bridge, Ljubljana
Maribor

35. Spain [ES]
Year of EU entry: 1986
Political system: parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Capital city: Madrid
Total area: 504 782 km²
Population: 45.3 million
Currency: euro (1999) [EUR]
Official EU language: Spanish
Queen Sofia Palace of Arts,
Valenciahttp://www.la-moncloa.es
http://www.spain.info
Santa Eulalia
Cathedral, Barcelona Plaza de Cibeles, Madrid

36. Sweden [SE]
Year of EU entry: 1995
Political system: parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Capital city: Stockholm
Total area: 449 964 km²
Population: 9.2 million
Currency: Swedish krona [SEK]
Official EU language: Swedish
Riddarholmen, Stockholm
http://www.sweden.se
http://www.visitsweden.com Church in Kiruna
Turning Torso,
Malmö

37. United Kingdom [UK]
Year of EU entry: 1973
Political system: parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Capital city: London
Total area: 244 820 km²
Population: 60.4 million
Currency: pound sterling [GBP]
Official EU language: English
The Houses of
Parliament,
London, England
http://www.direct.gov.uk
http://www.visitbritain.co.uk
Pacific Quay,
Glasgow, Scotland
St. David's
Cathedral ,
Pembrokeshire,
Wales.
Donaghadee Harbour,
Northern Ireland

39. February 2015

40. On the road to EU membership
Candidate countries
Iceland (applied in 2009) Serbia (applied in 2009)
Montenegro (applied in 2008) The Former Yugoslav Republic
of Macedonia (applied in 2004)
Turkey (applied in 1987)
Potential candidates
Albania (2009, formal application) Bosnia and Herzegovina
Kosovo*
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/99 and
the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.