Hi everybody!
Here you have the map of the EU countries:
And these countries are divided into Euro area members and non-euro area members:
EURO AREA MEMBERS:
Austria , Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.
NON EURO AREA MEMBERS:
Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Sweden
THE EUROPEAN UNION
The European Union is organised in a similar way to a country. Its aims are to protect and strengthen the rights and interests of its members.
History of the European Union
After World War II, many European countries wanted to create a political and economic union. In 1957, the Treaty of Rome created the European Economic Comunity (EEC). Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Germany and Italy were its founding members. in the 1970's new members joined.
In 1992, 12 countries, including Spain, signed the Maastricht Treaty. The EEC became the European Union (EU) in 1993.
Objectives of the European Union
- Promote freedom, security and prosperity to its members.
- Respect cultural and linguistic diversity
- Promote peace and democracy
- Protect diplomacy and the rule of law.
The EU invests in education, medical, scientific and technological progress. Also the movement of people between member states.
The EU also has economic aims. It creates systems to permit goods, money and services to move freely between EU countries, and encourages the development of small businesses and innovation. The EU aims to create jobs and promote economic growth. However, if a member state has economic problems, the EU also requires other member states to work together to help them.
The institutions of the EU
The main EU institutions can be found in three European cities: Brussels, Strasbourg, and luxenbourg city.
The European Council meets a minimum of four tiems a year to decide the priorities and the direction of the EU. It does not make or adopt laws, it has an exclusive role.
The European comission is the executive power of the EU. It cannot make laws, but it proposes laws. It decides the financial prioritiesof the EU.
The Council of the EU is a legislative institution. It debates and passes laws, and approves the EU budget. It is made up of 10 different councils, each one responsible for a different area of legislation.
The European Parliament prepares legislation, passes laws and approves EU budgets. Members are elected directly by EU citizens. The number of MEPs per country is proportional to its population. It also has bases in Luxembourg and Brussels.
The Court of Justice is a judicial institution. There is one judge from each member state. The European Court fo Auditors is to make sure money is collected from EU tax payers and that the money is used correctly.
THE BENEFITS OF JOINING THE EU
Spain joined the EU in 1986. It has recived EU funding and support for many projects.
Doing Business
The Single Market means that buying and selling goods and services is governed by the same regulations. It started in 1993.
EU companies have to pay more tax to trade with non-EU countries. The Euro as a common currency was very important in developing a single market within the EU.
Work, study and travel
The right to freedom of movement allows Spanish citizens to work and travel in any EU country without a visa or special work permit. There are almost no border controls.
EU citizens have access to healthcare in other member countries. They can use the health system of that country for free. They have access to the same rights to healthcare as the citizens of that country.
Studying Abroad
Students who are citizens of the EU can attend school in any other EU country and are entitled to the same conditions as students who are citizens of that country. Children can have free language classes to help them adapt to the new school system
Research and innovation
Many Spanish researchers benefit from research grants to work and study in other EU countries. Research projects in Spain such as cancer research, climate change or ageing population.
The agriculture industry
The EU financially supports the agricultural industry in Spain. Half the money that Spain receives from the EU is for agriculture.
Buying quality products
Products that are made or sold in EU countries must comply with EU safety standards. CE safety mark.
The environment
Many Eu regulations exist to help companies and governments improve the environment and control the way they manage waste. The EU also aims to protect national parks.
Infraestructure
The EU has invested in projects such as the extension od Fuerteventura's airport and high-speed railway linking Spain and France.
ECONOMIC SECTORS IN EUROPE
Primary sector
Europe has many different climates, and diverse landforms and relief. The primary sector in this area produces a wide variety of products.
Hillsides of the Scandinavian countries, Germany, northern France and Spain are ideal for forestry.
Areas of southern Europe are excellent for growing fruit and vegetables.
Four percent of the active population works in the primary sector.
Europe is the biggest exporter of wood worldwide. It exports raw materials such as mineral, metals, chemicals, fruits and vegetables.
There are now restrictions in place to make sure Europe does not lose too many trees.
- ARABLE FARMING: France, Germany, Czech Republic, Ukraine... Mostly in Central Europe
- LIVESTOCK FARMING: north Russia, Greece, Ireland, Spain, U.K....
- FORESTRY: Finland, Sweden, Norway... Mostly in the North.
- COAL: U.K., Poland, Germany, Ukraine...
- FISHING: north and south Europe, coastal countries: Spain, the Hetherlands, Italy...
- WOOD: Spain, Finland, Sweden, Poland...
- IRON: Spain, France, Sweden, Ukraine...
- URANIUM: France, Germany, Sweden...
- OIL AND NATURAL GAS: North Sea
Secondary sector
Secondary sector industriestransform natural products into manufactured products. 22% of the European active population works in the secondary sector. Most people work in food-product manufacturing. Manufacturing of metal products, machinery and plastics is alsop very important. Spain and Germany produce more cars than the USA and Canada combined.
Tertiary sector
74% of the European population works in the tertiary sector. The most important industries are transport, tourism and trade.
- Transport: Well developed road and rail network (Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin and Barcelona). 5% of European active population works in transport. Air and sea transport: transporting goods makes large contribution to Europe's economy (Rotterdam, Antwerp and Hamburg are some of the largest ports in the world).
- Tourism: Contributes greatly to Europe's economy. It's particularly important in Spain, France, Greece and Italy. On average 9% of the population are employed in tourism.
- Trade: Europe imports more raw materials than it exports. It exports cars and other types of machinery to other continents.
