The document discusses the purpose and benefits of the European Union (EU). The EU is an organization of 27 European countries that aims to encourage trade within Europe by creating a free-trade zone without tariffs, quotas, or embargos. Joining the EU allows member countries to work together economically and politically to compete more effectively globally. Key benefits include using a common currency, improving trade and industry cooperation, and promoting free movement of goods and services between members.

1. EQ: What is the purpose of the European Union?
HW: 10 more questions from your Study Guide
SPONGE
Self Assessment- Using your Unit 3
“What I Know” go through and check
the standards you “got” and circle the
parts that you “don’t got”

3. What is the European Union?
• EU- An organization of more than 25
European countries who joined together to
encourage trade within Europe.
• A multinational confederation
• Creates a free-trade zone: no tariffs, no
quotas, no embargos!

4. EU
Members
Since
2007,
there are
27
members
of the EU

5. European Union Members

Austria Finland Latvia Romania
Belgium France Lithuania Slovakia
Bulgaria Germany Luxembourg Slovenia
Cyprus Greece Malta Spain
Czech Republic
Hungary Netherlands Sweden
Ireland Poland United
Denmark Italy Portugal Kingdom
Estonia

6. S-C-L
 With your partner, brainstorm…
Why do you think a country
might want to join the EU?

7. Why Join Together?
• Believe that when countries work together
they are a more powerful force in the
world because they involve:
– More money
– More people
– More land area
This helps make small countries more
competitive in the world market…

8. Breaking it down by the #’s…
EU United
States
Land Area 1,500,000 3,700,000
(approx.)
Population 500,000,000 305,000,000
(approx.)
Gross Domestic $14 Trillion $13.5 Trillion
Product
GDP Per Capita $28,213 $43,444
•The US is much larger than separate European countries
When the EU countries combine, they have more people and a larger economy; they
can compete in a global economy

9. What’s the Purpose?
#1- Create a peaceful, stable environment
#2- Promote free trade among members
#3- Ensure safety and security of member
nations
#4- Assist in social issues like preserving the
environment and protecting human rights

10. S-C-L
 With your partner, brainstorm…
One BENEFIT of European
countries joining together
for trade.

11. Benefits for the Members
Members may use a common currency
(euro) that makes trade easier
EU works to improve trade, education,
farming, & industry among its members
No tariffs (taxes) among member countries
– free trade zone

12. S-C-L
 With your partner, discuss…
How would having different
currency (money) effect
trade in Europe?

13. Euro
• The euro is the currency of MOST EU countries.
• Member countries can choose to give up their own
currency and exchange them for euros.
– French francs and German marks have been replaced by
the euro
• Why? Common currency makes trade between the
countries much easier and less expensive
• 12 countries in the EU do not use the euro
• United Kingdom has decided to continue to use the
British pound

15. Directions
Using your resources, choose your task from your
handout and complete your assignment.
Resources:
Notes
Coach book pages 142-143
Textbook pages 328-333
Partner
Teacher
iPad Computer

16. TOTD- ABC Summary
Using your post it note, and your
assigned letter, create a sentence
explaining a key idea from today’s lesson
that starts with your letter.
EX- “E”
The EURO is the the common currency of
many EU nations that helps to make
trade easier.