Professional Documents
Culture Documents
United in diversity
European Union
27
Member States
Shared values: liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. Largest economic body in the world. Worlds most successful model for advancing peace and democracy. A unique institution Member States voluntarily cede national sovereignty in many areas to carry out common policies and governance.
490
million
30
55
Not a super-state to replace existing states, nor just an organization for international cooperation.
Worlds most open market for goods and commodities from developing countries.
EUs main decision-making body, comprised of ministers of 27 Member States, representing Member States point of view.
Approves EU Commissioners. European Court of Justice Highest EU judicial authority. Ensures all EU laws are interpreted and applied correctly and uniformly. Can act as an independent policy maker but unlike the U.S. Supreme Court, the ECJ can only deal with matters covered by the Treaties.
The uro
In 1999, the euro area was established as a currency in eleven of the then fifteen EU Member States. Of the 27 EU Member States today, fifteen have adopted the euro. One of the striking benefits of a single European currency are low interest rates due to a high degree of price stability. The euro is as stable and credible as the bestperforming currencies previously used in the euro area countries.
Jean Monnet and other leaders with the first European ingot of steel
Treaty of Rome
The six founding countries expanded cooperation to other economic sectors, creating the European Economic Community (EEC) or common market. As a result, people, goods, services, and capital today move freely across the Union.
1973
1981
Greece
1986
Portugal Spain
November 1989 Fall of the Berlin Wall sets the stage for unifying Europe and EU enlargement
1995
2004
Cyprus Czech Republic Estonia Hungary Latvia Lithuania Malta Poland Slovakia Slovenia
2007
Bulgaria Romania
Candidate Countries Croatia Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Turkey Potential Candidate Countries Albania Bosnia & Herzegovina
Montenegro
Serbia including Kosovo
under UN Security Council Resolution 1244
Supports free trade and open markets, within the rules-based structure of the WTO, to promote growth and jobs in both industrialized and developing countries.
The world's most open market for products and commodities from developing countries 40% of all EU imports are from developing countries.
The European Union The European Union and the United States
The relationship between the United States and Europe is the worlds strongest, most comprehensive, and strategically important partnership. The United States, and a united Europe this is really the indispensable partnership. President of the European Commission Jos Manuel Barroso
Our strong friendship is essential to peace and prosperity around the globe. No temporary debate, to passing disagreement among nations, no power on earth, will ever divide us. President George W. Bush
The UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands top four sources of jobs created by foreign investment in the United States.
BMWs assembly plant is South Carolinas largest private sector employer.
Since no single nation can efficiently and effectively deal with global challenges such as climate change, counterterrorism, non-proliferation, pandemics and natural disasters on its own, we commit ourselves to strengthening our cooperation to address these challenges.
EU-U.S. Summit Declaration Vienna, July 2006
Vocational training
EU supports R&D to increase Europes growth and global competitiveness.
Scholarship programs R&D cooperatives EU and U.S. provide joint or dual higher educational degree programs. EU funds Centers of Excellence at leading U.S. universities.