The EU today (click on map to enlarge)
Size
3,976,372 km²
Size comparison
Europe is less than one-half the size of the USA.
Landscape
Flat along the Baltic and Atlantic coasts; mountainous
in the central and southern areas.
Highest Point
Mont Blanc, at 4,807m, on the border between France
and Italy.
Climate
Cold temperate; potentially subarctic in the north to
temperate; mild wet winters; hot dry summers in the south.
European
construction, key dates
1952: 6 countries
formed a community: the EUROPEAN COAL AND STEEL COMMUNITY.
1957: the European
Economic Community was set up, made of 6 countries: Germany, France, Italy,
Belgium and Luxembourg.
1985: most of the
countries sign the Schengen Agreement which led to the creation of the
borderless Schengen area.
1993: the European Union
set up following the Treaty of Maastricht.
2002: the euro became
the common money of the Eurozone.
The 28 members of the European Union (+ dates they joined)
Austria (1995)
Belgium (1957)
Bulgaria (2007)
Croatia (2013)
Cyprus (2004)
Czech Republic (2004)
Denmark (1973)
Estonia (2004)
Finland (1995)
France (1957)
Germany (1957)
Greece (1981)
Hungary (2004)
Ireland (1973)
Italy (1957)
Latvia (2004)
Lithuania (2004)
Luxembourg (1957)
Malta (2004)
Netherlands (1957)
Poland (2004)
Portugal (1986)
Romania (2007)
Slovakia (2004)
Slovenia (2004)
Spain (1986)
Sweden (1995)
United Kingdom (1973)
When did countries join the EEC/EU?
1957
Belgium, France, Germany,
Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands
1973
Denmark, United Kingdom,
Ireland
1981
Greece
1986
Portugal, Spain
1995
Austria, Finland, Sweden
2004
Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Slovenia
2007
Bulgaria, Romania
2013
Croatia
Official languages
Czech, Danish, Dutch, English,
Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, Latvian,
Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Slovak, Slovene, Spanish, Swedish.
Religions
Christianity, Islam, Judaism
Anthem
The
Ode to Joy from Beethoven’s 9th symphony was adopted
in 1972 by the Council of Europe as the anthem for Europe. It is used on
occasions such as Europe Day
and formal events such as the signing of treaties or on other special
occasions.
Slogan
United in diversity
Flag
EU Institutions
- The European Parliament represents the EU’s inhabitants and is directly elected by them.
- The Council of the European Union represents the governments of the individual member countries. The Presidency of the Council is shared by the member states.
- The European Commission, which represents the full interests of the Union.
- The Court of Justice of the EU confirms the rules of European law
- The Court of Auditors checks the financing of the EU's activities.
- The European Central Bank is responsible for European monetary policy.
- The European External Action Service (EEAS) assists the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, currently Federica Mogherini. She chairs the Foreign Affairs Council and conducts the common foreign and security policy, also ensuring the consistency and coordination of the EU's external action.
- The European Economic and Social Committee represents civil society, employers and employees.
- The Committee of the Regions represents regional and local authorities.
- The European Investment Bank finances EU investment projects and helps small businesses through the European Investment Fund.
- The European Ombudsman investigates complaints about maladministration by EU institutions and bodies.
- The European Data Protection Supervisor safeguards the privacy of people’s personal data.
- The Publications Office publishes information about the EU.
- The European Personnel Selection Office recruits staff for the EU institutions and other bodies.
- The European School of Administration provides training in specific areas for members of EU staff.
What is Europe Day?
Europe Day on 9th of May; it is an annual celebration of
peace and unity in Europe. How did it
begin? On the 9th of May in 1950, French foreign minister Robert
Schuman called all the European countries still recovering from the Second
World War to pool their production of coal and steel. This was a real step to
institute peace and solidarity in Europe. And it was a way to boost the Europe
economy. The Schuman Declaration is seen as the real start of European political
and economic integration. To celebrate this day, EU institutions and ordinary
citizens organize concerts, dance shows, giant quizzes, information stands and
all sorts of activities.
In this blog you will find basic information on each country:
- Physical geography
- An iconic place
- An iconic object
- Something the country has done for the world
- Famous historical figure
- Important living person
- History before 2000
- History after 2000
- Human geography (demography, wealth distribution, social problems, etc.)
- Language(s) and culture(s)
- Politics, place in the EU, economy
- Youth
Article by Margaux GUILHEM