1. What is it?

The European Union is a group of countries whose government work together

2. When was it established? Who were the original members?

It was established in 1957. Belgium, France, Netherlands, Germany Italy and Luxembourg were
The original members

3. Who is in it currently?

Belgium 1957
France 1957
Netherlands 1957
Germany 1957
Italy 1957
Luxembourg 1957
Denmark 1973
Ireland 1973
UK 1973
Greece 1981
Portugal 1986
Spain 1986
Austria 1995
Finland 1995
Sweden 1995
Hungary 2004
Poland 2004
Czech Republic 2004
Slovak Republic 2004
Slovenia 2004
Estonia 2004
Latvia 2004
Lithuania 2004
Malta 2004
Cyprus 2004
Bulgaria 2007
Romania 2007
Croatia 2013
4. Which European nations are NOT members?

Albania
Andorra
Belarus
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Iceland
Liechtenstein
Macedonia
Moldova
Monaco
Montenegro
Norway
Russia
San Marino
Serbia
Switzerland
Turkey
Ukraine
Vatican City
5. What does it do?
It tries to make it easier for Europeans to buy and sell things to each other and tries to get Europeans
to see what they have in common so they understand each other better
6. How is it run?
It is broken into parts. The European Council normally makes the big decisions, The European
Parliament decides on whether suggestions from the European Commission should be made into new
laws. The European Commission does the day-to-day work of running the EU. Every six months a
different country gets the presidency of the EU.
7. Who and why are some in the UK Pro-Europeans?

They think being in the EU is a good idea and often want the UK to start using the Euro currency.
8. Who and why are some in the UK Eurosceptics?
People that feel that the UK is different from other European countries. They are often worried that
the UK is losing its independence and identity and want to withdraw from the E.U.
9. What is the Euro?

The euro is a type of money that is used by 16 countries in Europe.

10. How has the EU grown since its birth?

It has gained 22 members since its founding.

11. Top five aims of the EU?

1. Promote economic and social progress. Help people earn enough money and get treated fairly.

2. Speak for the European Union on the international scene. By working as a group the EU hopes
that Europe will be listened to more by other countries.

3. Introduce European citizenship. Anyone from a member state is a citizen of the EU and gets four
special rights.

4. Develop Europe as an area of freedom, security and justice. Help Europeans to live in safety,
without the threat of war.

5. Maintain and build on established EU law. Make laws that protect peoples rights in the member
countries.