What is the EU
What is the EU: Understanding what the EU
The European Union or EU as it is often called, was established in 1993 and currently is made up of 27 different countries. The EU was formed to create a multiple beneficial economy, which provides a political community for the countries involved.
The EU works tirelessly to improve the human rights and unite Europe as one solid economy. The concept behind the EU is to unite the countries and have them all working towards one solid goal.
Following World War II Europe became an extremely fractured area, which was divided by many different political and cultural differences. There were several different attempts to create a governing body that was a success.
These included the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Community. Both were successful to a limit, however, a complete community could not be formed until after the end of the cold war.
The European Union was brought together after the signing of the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, where different member nations came together. This treaty was incredibly powerful and outlined the future three pillars of the complete union. Common Foreign and Security Policy, European Communities and Justice and Home Affairs were outlined. The treaty also had the power to admit several Eastern Europe nations.
There are several standards that you must adhere to before you can become part of the EU, and these are called the Copenhagen criteria. These necessities that are laid out for every country are detailed geographic and political issues. They dictate the different protective laws for minorities, human rights and democracy.
There are always different countries, which are under review, to be entered into the EU and potential candidates will need to be fully assessed.
The countries that want to be accepted into the EU must prove that they are suitable candidates; they will need to show that they are willing to change and improve.
The current financial situations and economies must be run well and that their governments can work with other countries. Laws and regulations may have to be changed to fit in with the current EU laws; therefore, the country needs to be flexible.
The largest achievement that the EU has accomplished is the establishment of a single currency throughout all of the EU countries. The Euro is used throughout a huge majority of the countries within the EU and trade has become largely unrestricted. The Euro is currently overseen by the European Central Bank and the countries which are not using the Euro must meet specific, economical and financial standards.
Every single nation maintains their own laws regarding the taxation and different trade standards. There are some basic trade laws that are agreed to throughout all of the European Union. As well as creating a fantastic economical stability throughout the EU, there are several other things that have been achieved. Energy policies, environmental issues, education and agriculture have all been included and improved throughout the EU.
There are massive amounts of different EU committees to ensure that serious issues are dealt with effectively. Although the EU has now been in place for several years, the progress it is forming is still considered as very early days. There have been some incredible impacts made within social and economic arenas. The EU has faced severe criticism by many; however, overall the concept and ideas are being achieved.
The development of the EU has enabled Europe based market economies to improve, and to work towards full time employment for everyone. The solidarity that has been shown throughout the European Union is incredible and has enabled more countries to work together. Within a short space of time, a great deal has been achieved, and the countries within the EU continue to move forward to one common goal.
Making it easier to travel throughout all countries within the EU has opened up the world to everyone. Traveling from one country to another for vacations and work has become incredibly easy. You can move freely as long as you have a European passport and are a citizen of the EU. Over two million young adults have taken advantage of the Euro zone and travelled to other countries to study.
Therefore, the education has improved throughout Europe making it some of the best in the world. There are many more opportunities throughout Europe, and the EU countries are working towards a healthier and friendlier environment to live within. The EU countries are joining together to fight terrorism and International crime.