The document provides information about the European Union (EU). It explains that the EU is an organization of 28 European countries that have joined together to encourage trade within Europe. Some key benefits of EU membership mentioned include creating a free-trade zone without tariffs, quotas, or embargos between members; increased economic competitiveness through larger combined market; and more influence on the global stage due to greater total economic output and population.

2. WWhhaatt iiss tthhee EEuurrooppeeaann
UUnniioonn??
• EU- An organization of more than 25
European countries (28 to be exact) who
joined together to encourage trade within
Europe.
• A multinational confederation
• Creates a free-trade zone: no tariffs, no
quotas, no embargos!

3. EU
Members
Since
2007,
there are
28
members
of the EU

4. European Union Members
Austria
Finland
Latvia
Romania
Belgium
France
Lithuania
Slovakia
Bulgaria
Germany
Luxembourg
Slovenia
Cyprus
Greece
Malta
Spain
Czech Republic
Hungary
Netherlands
Sweden
Ireland
Poland
United
Denmark
Italy
Portugal
Kingdom
Estonia

5. Why Join Together?
• Believe that when countries work together
they are a more powerful force in the
world because they involve:
–More money
–More people
–More land area
This helps make small countries more
competitive in the world market…

6. Breaking it down by the #’s…
EU United States
Land Area
(approx.)
1,500,000 3,700,000
Population
(approx.)
500,000,000 305,000,000
Gross Domestic
Product
$14 Trillion $13.5 Trillion
GDP Per Capita $28,213 $43,444
•The US is much larger than separate European countries
When the EU countries combine, they have more people
and a larger economy; they can compete in a global
economy

7. What’s the Purpose?
#1- Create a peaceful, stable environment
#2- Promote free trade among members
#3- Ensure safety and security of member
nations
#4- Assist in social issues like preserving the
environment and protecting human rights

8. S-C-L
 With your partner, brainstorm…
One BENEFIT of European
countries joining together
for trade.

9. Benefits for the Members
Members may use a common currency
(euro) that makes trade easier
EU works to improve trade, education,
farming, & industry among its members
No tariffs (taxes) among member countries
– free trade zone

10. S-C-L
 With your partner, discuss…
How would having different
currency (money) effect
trade in Europe?

11. Euro
• The euro is the currency of MOST EU countries.
• Member countries can choose to give up their own
currency and exchange them for euros.
– French francs and German marks have been replaced by
the euro
• Why? Common currency makes trade between the
countries much easier and less expensive
• 12 countries in the EU do not use the euro
• United Kingdom has decided to continue to use the
British pound

13. EU Assignment
Option #1
Join the European Union
Option #2
European Union Political
Cartoon
DDiirreeccttiioonnss:: Create an advertisement that
persuades European countries (non-EU)
members to join the European Union. Use
a piece of copy paper.
Here are things you must include:
A catchy title
at least 3 benefits of joining the EU
a colorful illustration
DDiirreeccttiioonnss:: Create a political cartoon that
shows the relationship between a non-EU
members and the other countries of the
European Union. Use a piece of copy
paper.
The cartoon should personify one of the
non-EU members below:
Turkey
Russia
Iceland
Switzerland
Be sure to include why the countries
listed above are NOT members of the EU.

14. Directions
Using your resources, choose your task from your
handout and complete your assignment.
Resources:
Notes
Coach book pages 142-143
Textbook pages 328-333
Partner
Teacher
iPad Computer