Greece+-MF

= = =   = = The European Union = = = =   =


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Why was the EU created?** o  Winston Churchill gave a speech on September 19, 1946, about ‘a kind of United states of Europe,’ which sparked the idea for the European Union o  Many wars were being fought and it was made to stop them o  Europe felt the need for more peace after all of the wars o  Europe wanted more integration of its countries o  Safety for the people was a reason it was started o  The wars led to independence, and Europe wanted more o  Europe wanted its economy to recuperate from the wars o  Security and a stronger bond between countries was what Europe needed **Give a thorough history of the EU.** ·   On May 9, 1950, the French Minister Robert Shuman came up with an idea that six countries would share their coal and steel companies so none could go to war without the other. ·   On January 1, 1973, Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom joined ·   The EEC or European Economic Community was signed, so goods and services could be traded freely across borders. ·   Spain, Portugal, and Greece soon join ·   The ‘Single Market’ treaty was signed ·   In 1995, Sweden, Finland, and Austria join ·   In 1997, A treaty was formed for Amsterdam to join the European Union ·   Today, Europe is trying to build a constitution and trying to find out how ** What is the purpose of the EU? ** o   To promote economical and social progress o  To respond to an international crisis o  To strengthen the rights of the people o  To maintain the European Union as an area of freedom and peace o  To keep the culture of Europe intact while welcoming other cultures o  To Unite and bring together the countries of Europe  o  To have only one service: one bank, one currency, and one government o  To lead Europe in the positive direction **How does the EU benefit Europeans?** ·  The European Union protects Europe from war and threat ·  It provides a strong government for many countries ·  It strengthens people’s rights and services ·  It brings together European countries incase there is a problem ·  The European Union enforces other developments and countries, making them stronger ·  It provides money for the old or needy ·  People can easily and cheaply be transported around Europe ·  There is a good communications system 


 * Greece**



Yes, on Jan 1, 1981 it joined the European Union. It was the 12th country to officially join the European Union. Except Greece started to use its currency, the Euro, in 2001. It joined because, partially of promises of better living, and because its people wanted to join.
 * Is your Country a Member of the EU? If it is, how and when did it become a member?**

What are some Pros and Cons of your country joining the EU?
Pro: Only one national currency, so there will be less chance of the Euro's value going down. Con: Greece can't make decisions about going to war without the other countries' consent. Pro: Greece' economy has grown greatly since joining the European Union. Con: If Greece wants a change in economy or government, it could not immediately act without first consulting the Union. Pro: The people of Greece wanted to join the EU, so the people of Greece are happier now that Greece has joined. Con: If Greece wants to adopt a certain aspect of the European Union into their own government, that change would be a very slow exchange. Pro: The European Union gives subsidies and other money to companies that need it or that the government wants to give it to. Con: The European Union may request certain sums of money from Greece to help fund another country in need.

** How does the EU benefit your country, as a member or not? **
Greece has experienced a great economic growth ever since it joined the Union. Investments in industry and infrastructure have spread nation wide. Funds from the European Union and tourism make huge sums of money for Greece. Also, shipping and a services have raised the country's standard of living to remarkable levels. Therefore, the European Union has been beneficial to Greece all around.

** Resources **
"What is the Purpose of the EU?" What is the Purpose of the EU? Folketingets EU-Oplysning. 30 Jan. 2009 . "Where did the EU get its start?" Rapture Ready. 30 Jan. 2009 . "Gateway to the European Union." Europa. 30 Jan. 2009 <[|http://www.europa.eu]>.

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