Read and answer: Why the 9th May is the Europe Day?

On the 9th of May 1950, Robert Schuman presented his proposal on the creation of an organised Europe, indispensable to the maintenance of peaceful relations. This proposal, known as the "Schuman declaration", is considered to be the beginning of the creation of what is now the European Union. Today, the 9th of May has become a European symbol (Europe Day) which, along with the flag, the anthem, the motto and the single currency (the euro), identifies the political entity of the European Union. Europe Day is the occasion for activities and festivities that bring Europe closer to its citizens and peoples of the Union closer to one another. Answer: 1. What does EU means? __________________________ 2. When is the Europe Day? _________________________ 3. Who proposed the creation of an organised Europe? __________________________ 4. Name four symbols of the EU:

_________________________ __________________________ The flag. The flag of the European Union (EU) depicts 12 golden stars arranged in a circle on an azure blue sky. The five-pointed stars represent the union of the people of Europe; the number 12 represents perfection and unity. This flag was officially adopted as a symbol of the European Union on May 26, 1986 (but this flag had been in use since 1955, when it was adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly of 2007). The 27 current members of the European Union (as of 2007) are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,

Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK. Answer: colou 1. What colours are in the EU flag? __________________________ many 2. How many stars are the EU flag? __________________________ many 3. How many points does each star have? __________________________ all 4. Are all of the countries of Europe in the EU? __________________________ flag. 5. Colour the EU flag.

The Euro The euro is the single currency shared by (currently) 15 of the European Union's Member States, which together make up the euro area. The introduction of the euro in 1999 was a major step in European integration. It has also been one of its major successes: around 320 million EU citizens now use it as their currency and enjoy its benefits, which will spread even more widely as other EU countries adopt the euro.

Which countries have adopted the euro and when? 1999 2001 2002 2007 2008 Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal and Finland Greece Introduction of euro banknotes and coins Slovenia Cyprus, Malta Answer: 1. If you go to England are you going to use the Euro when you go shopping? __________________________ __________________________ 2. Name, at least, five countries which have adopted the Euro. _____________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ 3. When have Cyprus and Malta adopted the Euro? __________________________ The anthem The anthem not only of the European Union but also of Europe in a wider sense. The melody comes from the Ninth Symphony composed in 1823 by Ludwig Van Beethoven. For the final movement of this symphony, Beethoven set to music the "Ode to Joy" written in 1785 by Friedrich von Schiller. This poem expresses Schiller's idealistic vision of the human race becoming brothers - a vision Beethoven shared. In 1972, the Council of Europe (the same body that designed the European flag) adopted Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" theme as its own anthem. The anthem expresses the ideals of freedom, peace and solidarity for which Europe stands. In 1985, it was adopted by EU heads of State and government as the official anthem of the European Union. It is not intended to replace the national anthems of the Member States but rather to celebrate the values they all share and their unity in diversity.

Answer: 1. Who was the author of the EU anthem? __________________________ 2. What is the name of the melody the anthem comes from? __________________________ adopted 3. When was the EU anthem adopted by the Council of Europe? __________________________ 4. Why was this anthem adopted? __________________________ The motto United in diversity is the motto of the European Union. The motto means that, via the EU, Europeans are united in working together for peace and prosperity, and that the many different cultures, traditions and languages in Europe are a positive asset for the continent. Answer: 1. What is the motto of the EU? ________________ 2. What is the meaning of the motto of the EU? _______________ ____________________ ____________________ ___ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________