The document provides information about the European Union (EU). It explains that the EU is a group of countries that work together and cooperate on issues like economics and foreign policy. Countries must agree to follow EU rules to join. The document lists the 25 current member countries and notes that Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania have recently joined. It also gives brief histories of Finland, Germany, and the formation of the EU flag.

1. The European Union A project about the European Union. Laura and Simon

2. What is the E.U? The E.U is a group of countries whose governments work together. It’s a bit like a club, to join you have to agree to follow the rules and in return you get certain benefits. Each country has to pay money to be a member. This is mostly done through taxes. The E.U uses the money to change the way people live and do business in Europe. Countries join because they think that they will benefit from the changes that the E.U makes. Its almost like a club, expect countries join to make Europe better.

3. Who’s in the E.U? These are the 25 Countries in the E.U with the dates they joined. Belgium 1957 Finland 1995 France 1957 Sweden 1995 Netherlands 1957 Hungary 2004 Germany 1957 Poland 2004 Italy 1957 Czech Republic 2004 Luxembourg 1957 Slovak Republic 2004 Denmark 1973 Estonia 2004 Ireland 1973 Slovenia 2004 UK 1973 Latvia 2004 Greece 1981 Lithuania 2004 Portugal 1986 Malta 2004 Spain 1986 Cyprus 2004 Austria 1995

4. Who’s Joining the E.U? Croatia Former Yugoslav Turkey Bulgaria and Romania have recently joined since the new year

5. History about the E.U? The History of the flag goes back to 1955, at that time, the European union of existed only in the form of coal and steel. The circle in the flag is a sign/symbol of unity so the flag was born representing the ideal unity of the people in Europe. The E.U didn’t finally adopt the flag until 1985 by all major E.U heads of states

6. The E.U - Finland Finland joined the EU in 1994 Since then its been getting better and better! Finland also donates money to causes, The country donated 1.6 million euros for humanitarian aid in Iraq!

7. History about FINLAND In 1994 the USSR vanquished Finland made the Finns fight against Germany, which was occupying Northern Finland. The war left a large amount of Finland ruined

8. Finland Finlands governments recognized that their independence hinged on the avoidance of any anti-soviet activity. But the country was able to maintain freedom and an excellent economic base in the shadow of communism! When the soviet union collapsed Finland suffered too with recession and unemployment

9. Germany Germany joined the E.U in 1957, since then its changed so much its not that recognisable!

10. History about Germany Beer steins are big drinks of beer, there are festivals all over the world and across Germany.

11. History about Germany - Hitler Hitler was a solider in the first world war, he won an iron cross for bravery. He got power in the government in 1920 and fell in 1945 after he shot himself. He also caused World War II

12. Bibliography We used these internet sites and books to help us. www.bbc.co.uk – Newsround. www.Virtual.Finland.fi www.Germany-tourism.de ‘ Finland’ book – Library.

13. Thank you! Thank you for viewing our slide show. And we hope you enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed making it!