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EUROPE IN A NUTSHELL

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

WHAT IS EUROPE?

THE EUROPEAN PROJECT

WHAT DOES THE EU DO?

HOW DOES THE EU WORK?

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?

STAY IN TOUCH

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WHAT IS EUROPE?

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DO YOU FEEL EUROPEAN?

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL OR COULD MAKE YOU FEEL EUROPEAN?

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THE BASICS

WHAT IS EUROPE?

512 million people

28 Member States

EU:

EUROPE:

1 of 7 continents

EUROPE:

over 700 million people

44

countries

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WHAT IS EUROPE?

EUROPE’S CULTURE

Ancient Greece and Rome

Reformation and Enlightenment

Parliamentarism and social rights

European culture and diversity shaped by:

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EUROPEAN ARTS

Over the centuries, new styles of music, architecture and literature have inspired artists throughout Europe.

WHAT IS EUROPE?

For example:

Pablo Picasso
Beethoven
Alfons Mucha
Jane Austen
Van Gogh
Stefan Zweig

Jósef Czechowicz
Claude Monet

Pablo Picasso: Spanish artist known for his involvement in the Cubism and Surrealism movements. You may know two of his famous works – ‘Guernica’ and ‘Les Demoiselles d’Avignon’.
Ludwig van Beethoven: German composer and pianist known for his symphonies. Beethoven was a crucial figure in the transition between the classical and romantic periods in classical music. He composed the European anthem, ‘Ode to Joy’.
Alfons Mucha: The Czech painter and illustrator was part of the Art Nouveau movement. You may know his painting ‘The Slav Epic’, which depicts the history of all the Slavic peoples.
Jane Austen: English novelist known for her six major novels, including ‘Pride and Prejudice’.
Vincent Van Gogh: Dutch post-impressionist painter. Van Gogh was a troubled artist and cut off one of his ears. You may know ‘Sunflowers’, his most famous painting.
Stefan Zweig: Austrian novelist, playwright, journalist, and biographer. You may know one of his major novellas – ‘The Royal Game’.
Jósef Czechowicz: Avant-garde Polish poet known as a nostalgic author, he was the leader of the literary avant-garde and bohemians in Lublin, his native town.
Claude Monet: French painter and leader of the Impressionist movement, best known for his ‘Impression, Sunrise’ painting.

Which other European artists do you know?

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EUROPEAN VALUES

WHAT IS EUROPE?

Democracy
Human dignity
Freedom
Equality
Rule of law
Respect for human rights

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EU LANGUAGE FAMILIES

WHAT IS EUROPE?

24 EU official languages

Bulgarian

Slovak

Slovene

Polish

Czech

Croatian

SLAVIC

OTHER

Greek

Lithuanian

Latvian

Finnish

Estonian

ROMANCE

French

Romanian

Spanish

Italian

Portuguese

GERMANIC

Swedish

English

Danish

Dutch

German

Hungarian

Maltese

Irish

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THE EUROPEAN PROJECT

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WHICH COUNTRIES CREATED THE EU AND WHY?

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FROM WAR TO PEACE

THE EUROPEAN PROJECT

1914

1918

1939

1945

Many wars took place in Europe throughout the centuries – two world wars in the 20^th century alone.

Peace was one of the aims that led to the creation of the European Union.
The EU received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012.

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EUROPEAN UNION MEMBER STATES

THE EUROPEAN PROJECT

1951

Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands

1973

Denmark, Ireland, United Kingdom

1981

Greece

1986

Spain, Portugal

1995

Austria, Finland, Sweden

2004

Czechia, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia

2007

Bulgaria, Romania

2013

Croatia

United Kingdom

Ireland

Germany

France

Belgium

Netherlands

Luxembourg

Italy

Spain

Portugal

Croatia

Greece

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Hungary

Slovakia

Poland

Czechia

Sweden

Finland

Estonia

Latvia

Lithuania

Malta

Cyprus

Denmark

Austria

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THE EUROPEAN PROJECT

MAIN STEPS IN THE CREATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

1951

European Coal

and

Steel Community

1950

Schuman Declaration

Treaty of Rome

1957

1987

ERASMUS

1992

Treaty of Maastricht

1995

Schengen

2004

Eastern Enlargement

1993

Single Market

2002

Euro

2012

Nobel Peace Prize

Main steps towards the creation of the European Union:

Between 1945 and 1950, a few European politicians, including Robert Schuman, began the process of creating the European Union we live in today.

1950 Schuman Declaration - On 9 May, Robert Schuman (the French foreign minister at the time) proposed that the production of coal and steel – the raw materials used to prepare for war – should be managed jointly so that no country could secretly arm itself against the others.�“Europe will not be made all at once, or according to a single plan. It will be built through concrete achievements which first create a de facto solidarity.”

Beginning of the European Coal and Steel Community - In 1951, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands agreed to unite their coal and steel industries.

A few years later, the six founding countries decided to extend their cooperation to other economic sectors.

The Treaty of Rome was signed in 1957, establishing the European Economic Community. Mutual hostility was replaced by cooperation.

1957 Treaty of Rome – Creation of the European Economic Community. The same six countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands) created a common market, which allowed them to trade with each other without needing to pay extra tax.�The common market was soon making life easier for people in the EEC. Over the years, more countries joined. By 1992, the club was so different and so much more united that it decided to change its name to the European Union (EU).

1992 Treaty of Maastricht – Creation of the European Union as we know it today:

a political and economic union of EU countries
no border controls between most of them (Schengen area – 1995)
one currency between most of them (the euro – 2002)

1993 The Single Market was created to ensure free movement of goods, services, capital and persons within the EU.�By removing technical, legal and bureaucratic barriers, the EU allows citizens/companies to trade and do business freely throughout the EU.�The EU countries plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein are members of the common (“single”) market.

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SCHENGEN AREA

Did you know that you can travel between 26 countries freely and without needing to show a passport?

THE EUROPEAN PROJECT

United Kingdom

Ireland

Germany

France

Belgium

Netherlands

Luxembourg

Italy

Spain

Portugal

Croatia

Greece

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Hungary

Slovakia

Poland

Czechia

Sweden

Finland

Estonia

Latvia

Lithuania

Malta

Cyprus

Denmark

Austria

Iceland

Norway

Switzerland

Schengen area countries

Non-Schengen area countries

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EURO AREA

The euro replaced former national currencies in 2002.
19 Member States now use the euro as their official currency.

THE EUROPEAN PROJECT

United Kingdom

Ireland

Germany

France

Belgium

Netherlands

Luxembourg

Italy

Spain

Portugal

Croatia

Greece

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Hungary

Slovakia

Poland

Czechia

Sweden

Finland

Estonia

Latvia

Lithuania

Malta

Cyprus

Denmark

Austria

Euro area countries

Non-Euro area countries

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WHAT DO

YOU THINK

THE

EUROPEAN UNION

DOES

FOR YOU?

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WHAT DOES THE EU DO ?

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INVEST

This is Max. Max is a European citizen. He is very curious and passionate about everything that surrounds him.

MAX LETS THE EU, THE SECOND LARGEST ECONOMY IN THE WORLD, INVEST FOR HIM. BE LIKE MAX ☺

Max can travel from his home town (Paris) to Budapest by direct train to visit his best friend.

His mother feels reassured in letting him go because he has his European Health Insurance Card in case of an emergency and can get healthcare in any EU country.

They can call each other at any time for the same price as if they both were in France.

Max can still watch his favourite series while travelling because he benefits from EU-wide access to his digital subscriptions.

He decides to find a summer job in Budapest so he can pay for the return ticket to Paris.

WHAT DOES THE EU DO?

UNION

©Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication

What does the EU do?

Among other things, the EU invests in (and Max can benefit from):

transport: for instance, it financially supports projects that develop sustainable and innovative transportation infrastructure such as new roads, rails, bridges etc. (e.g. you can travel by train from Paris to Budapest directly)
research and innovation: for example, the EU provides funding to address major social concerns such as climate change, sustainable transport and renewable energy. (e.g. Europe’s largest solar power plant near Bordeaux)
education: for instance, it financially supports the efforts of the Member States to reform their education and training systems. (e.g. digital library projects)
jobs: for example, the EU promotes employment and social inclusion by investing in Europe’s people and their skills. (e.g. second-chance schools helping people without higher education to get work)
social inclusion: for example, the EU supports the social inclusion of people with disabilities, younger and older workers, low-skilled workers, migrants and ethnic minorities. It also fights poverty. (e.g. LGBTI people’s rights, resettlement of refugees)
health: for instance, the EU invests in research programmes on how to fight cancer. (e.g. EU Health Insurance Card, regulations for the same quality of food in the EU)
regional development and the poorest regions in the EU: for instance, the EU revitalises rural areas through digitalisation. (e.g. Connecting Crete to mainland Greece’s power supply)
humanitarian projects around the world: for example, the EU gives access to affordable loans to rebuild their lives to people who have returned to their homes after a war or a natural disaster.

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PROTECT

WHAT DOES THE EU DO?

MAX AND THEO LET THE EU PROTECT THEM. BE LIKE MAX AND THEO ☺

Max meets his boyfriend, Theo, in Budapest. Together they plan to go to Barcelona for Easter.

Their mothers are happy for them to go on holiday together because they know human rights and diversity are respected in EU countries.

They will be able to eat the same quality food as at home because each European country has to apply the same rules for health and safety.

If their flight is cancelled, they will get reimbursed thanks to European consumers’ rights.

When they buy their snacks in the supermarket, they will no longer get free plastic bags as the EU protects our planet.

Both can pay for their tickets securely via their smartphones as citizens’ privacy is respected throughout the EU.

Among other things, the EU is:

protecting the environment and biodiversity: for example, it aims to halt the loss of biodiversity and ecosystems in the EU and help stop global biodiversity loss by 2020.
fighting climate change: for instance, by 2050, the EU aims to cut its emissions substantially – by 80-95% compared to 1990.
helping to protect borders, and fight extremism and organised crime: for example, it combats cross-border crimes such as drug and weapon smuggling.
protecting consumer rights: for instance, it guarantees that you can use your mobile phone in other EU countries without paying extra charges for roaming and enjoy a full set of passenger rights. You can get your money back when your flight is cancelled or delayed. Air travel has become much cheaper thanks to the EU breaking up monopolies and permitting competition in the aviation sector. Also, while buying online, you can always return what you ordered if it doesn’t suit you,
protecting consumers’ health and safety: for example, the EU has put strict rules in place with regard to the labelling of certain products such as food, drinks and cosmetic products, so you can make the right choice when you want to ‘buy green’ or healthier. You can also enjoy clean bathing and drinking water thanks to Europe-wide limits on air and water pollution. Thanks to the European Health Insurance Card, you will receive state-provided healthcare abroad and pay the same fees as locals in any other EU country.
protecting your privacy: for instance, it ensures that personal data can only be gathered under strict conditions and for legitimate purposes.

AGENCIES: KEEPING US SAFE

The EU has more than 40 agencies located all over the EU.

They deal with specific topics such as:

Chemicals - European Chemicals Agency - ECHA
Food - European Food Safety Authority – EFSA
Fundamental rights - European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights – FRA
Medicines - European Medicines Agency - EMA
and many more!

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WHAT DOES THE EU DO ?

EMPOWER

THEO USES THE EU TO EMPOWER HIMSELF. BE LIKE THEO ☺

Theo wants to join Max in Paris. But he is unsure for how long and whether he should pursue his studies abroad. Many options are possible.

His mother would like him to take part in an Erasmus+ programme, so he can live for a couple of months in Paris with Max and continue his studies.

Theo prefers volunteering as a way to help different communities, while enjoying the time with his boyfriend.

His mother wonders if Paris is the right choice. She ask him to discover the EU a little more before making any final decision.

Theo reassures his mother by saying that if he needs money he can find a job by applying for the Youth Guarantee scheme.

Thanks to the EU, you can, among other things:

travel and live in any EU country: for instance, Discover EU is an initiative that awards travel passes to 18-year old EU citizens to travel around Europe, mainly by rail. Travelling has become much cheaper and easier as the borders have been removed between the countries in the Schengen area.
study or train abroad: for example, Erasmus+ provides grants for a wide range of activities, including the opportunity for students to undertake work placements abroad and for teachers and education staff to attend training courses. You can also apply for a traineeship in the European institutions. You can freely choose where you want to study, work and live; free movement of people is possible thanks to the EU’s single market.
volunteer for humanitarian projects: for instance, the European Solidarity Corps is an initiative which creates opportunities for young people to volunteer or work in projects in their own country or abroad that benefit communities and people around Europe.
find a job more easily: for example, the Youth Guarantee Scheme ensures that all young people under the age of 25 receive a good quality offer of employment, continued education, apprenticeship or traineeship within a period of four months of becoming unemployed or leaving formal education.
shape Europe: for instance, by

- voting in the European Parliamentary elections

- taking part in online public consultations when the European Commission seeks the opinions of citizens

launch or support a European Citizens’ Initiative that invites the European Commission to propose legislation on a specific issue for which the EU is responsible
attend Citizens’ Dialogues that take place across the EU, where you get the chance to discuss European issues with representatives of the EU.

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Which topics �do you think should be prioritised by the European Institutions?

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HOW DOES THE EU WORK ?

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HOW DOES THE EU WORK?

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

is the voice of the European citizens

has Members from all EU countries directly elected by citizens every five years

discusses new laws proposed by the European Commission

modifies (if necessary) and decides these laws together with the Council

elects the President of the European Commission

approves the EU budget

holds at least six sessions per year in Brussels (Belgium) and 12 in Strasbourg (France)

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THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL

HOW DOES THE EU WORK?

brings together the heads of state and government of each EU country

sets the EU’s main priorities and policy directions

does not adopt EU laws

meets at least four times a year in Brussels (Belgium) or Luxembourg (Luxembourg) for European Summits

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THE COUNCIL OF THE EU

represents the governments of the EU countries

brings together ministers of EU countries who meet to discuss EU matters (agriculture, foreign affairs, justice, etc.)

takes decisions and passes laws together with the European Parliament

has a rotating Presidency – every six months another EU country takes the lead

meets in Brussels or Luxembourg

HOW DOES THE EU WORK?

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THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION

HOW DOES THE EU WORK?

represents the EU’s common

interests

is made up of one President, as well as one Commissioner from each EU country responsible for a specific topic, such as economy, agriculture, transport

proposes new laws and programmes

is elected by the Parliament for �five years

manages the EU’s policies and�the EU budget

is the guardian of the Treaties

is located in Brussels and Luxembourg

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EU LAWS: WHO DOES WHAT

HOW DOES THE EU WORK?

EU’s voice

Member States’ voice

Citizens’ voice

European Parliament

Council of the European Union

Proposals

European Commission

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THE EUROPEAN COURT OF JUSTICE

The Court of Justice:

keeps track of EU laws

makes sure that EU countries respect EU laws

advises national courts on the interpretation of these laws

fines countries if they don’t respect EU laws

checks if the laws respect fundamental rights (e.g. freedom of speech, freedom of the press)

consists of one judge per EU country

is located in Luxembourg

HOW DOES THE EU WORK?

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THE EUROPEAN COURT OF AUDITORS

The Court of Auditors:

checks whether the EU’s budget has been correctly spent

reports fraud, corruption or other illegal activity

advises EU policymakers on how to best spend the budget

has Members appointed by the Council for six-year terms

HOW DOES THE EU WORK?

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THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK:

leads EU economic and monetary policy

manages the European currency – the ‘euro’

is responsible for keeping the�euro and prices stable

fixes interest rates for the �euro area

works with the national central banks of EU countries

has six Members appointed by the Council for an eight-year term that cannot be renewed

is located in Frankfurt (Germany)

HOW DOES THE EU WORK?

Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International

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HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE? ?

All the EU publications you need

publications.europa.eu

Learning Corner

europa.eu/learning-corner

The EU in slides

europa.eu/european-union/documents-publications/slide-presentations_en

Europa website

europa.eu

What Europe does for me

what-europe-does-for-me.eu

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STAY IN TOUCH

Freephone: 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11

weekdays 09:00 – 18:00 CET
in any official EU language
from anywhere in the EU

In person:

Via social media:

europa.eu/european-union/contact_en

Questions about the EU? Europe Direct can help.

Find an EU centre near you to meet, ask, discuss about the EU.

europa.eu/european-union/contact/meet-us_en

Use the search tool to find social media accounts with EU input.

europa.eu/european-union/contact/social-networks_en