THE EUROPEAN UNION

1. THE EUROPEAN UNION How does the structure of government within the EU compare with the structure of government in the United States?

2. Growth of the EU 1952 1973 1981 1986 1990 1995 2004 2007

3. Three key players The European Commission Promoting the common interest

4. European Parliamentvoice of the people • Voice of European citizens. • Members elected for five-year terms. • With the Council, passes EU laws and adopts EU budgets. • Approves EU Commissioners.

5. Council of the European Unionvoice of the member states • One minister from each EU country • Presidency: rotates every six months • Decides EU laws and budget together with Parliament • Manages the common foreign and security policy

6. The European Commission promoting the common interest • Proposes new legislation • Manages and implements • EU policies and budget • Guardian of the treaties • Represents the EU on the • international stage 27 independent members, one from each EU country

7. The European Court of Justice upholding the law • Rules on how to interpret EU law • Ensures EU countries apply EU laws in the same way 27 independent judges, one from each EU country

8. How EU laws are made Citizens, interest groups, experts: discuss, consult Commission: makes formal proposal Parliament and Council of Ministers: decide jointly National or local authorities: implement Commission and Court of Justice: monitor implementation

9. The European Central Bank managing the euro • Ensures price stability • Controls money supply and decides interest rates • Works independently from governments

10. The Euro

11. Activity • Create a public-relations package presenting either positive or negative reasons for a unified Europe. • It should include: • a letter that briefly summarizes the student’s position, • a bumper sticker with a slogan, and • a poster or leaflet that could be placed in a store window or town library.