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European Union
United in diversity
27
Member States
Shared values: liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. Largest economic body in the world. Worlds most successful model for advancing peace and democracy. A unique institution Member States voluntarily cede national sovereignty in many areas to carry out common policies and governance.
490
million
30
Not a super-state to replace existing states, nor just an organization for international cooperation. Worlds most open market for goods and commodities from developing countries.
55
Approves EU Commissioners. European Court of Justice Highest EU judicial authority. Ensures all EU laws are interpreted and applied correctly and uniformly. Can act as an independent policy maker but unlike the U.S. Supreme Court, the ECJ can only deal with matters covered by the Treaties.
The uro
In 1999, the euro area was established as a currency in eleven of the then fifteen EU Member States. Of the 27 EU Member States today, fifteen have adopted the euro. One of the striking benefits of a single European currency are low interest rates due to a high degree of price stability. The euro is as stable and credible as the bestperforming currencies previously used in the euro area countries.
Jean Monnet and other leaders with the first European ingot of steel
Treaty of Rome
The six founding countries expanded cooperation to other economic sectors, creating the European Economic Community (EEC) or common market. As a result, people, goods, services, and capital today move freely across the Union.
1973
1981
Greece
1986
Portugal Spain
November 1989 Fall of the Berlin Wall sets the stage for unifying Europe and EU enlargement
1995
2004
Cyprus Czech Republic Estonia Hungary Latvia Lithuania Malta Poland Slovakia Slovenia
2007
Bulgaria Romania
Candidate Countries
Inspired reforms and consolidated common principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, the rule of law, and market economy. Enhanced the EUs weight in the world and made it a stronger and more attractive international partner.
development.
The European Union The European Union and the United States
Our strong friendship is essential to peace and prosperity around the globe. No temporary debate, to passing disagreement among nations, no power on earth, will ever divide us. President George W. Bush
The relationship between the United States and Europe is the worlds strongest, most comprehensive, and strategically important partnership. The United States, and a united Europe this is really the indispensable partnership. President of the European Commission Jos Manuel Barroso
Spreading benefits of globalization EU and its Member States are helping restore peace and stability in Afghanistan. EU and U.S. work together in the Middle East Quartet to advance the peace process. When the EU and U.S. agree, others tend to follow.
American companies invest far more in EU countries than in Asia. U.S. businesses make 5 times the profit in the Netherlands - alone as they make in China. In 2005, EU investments in Texas alone surpassed all U.S. investments in China and Japan, combined.
Since no single nation can efficiently and effectively deal with global challenges such as climate change, counterterrorism, non-proliferation, pandemics and natural disasters on its own, we commit ourselves to strengthening our cooperation to address these challenges.
EU-U.S. Summit Declaration Vienna, July 2006
Scholarship programs R&D cooperatives EU and U.S. provide joint or dual higher educational degree programs. EU funds Centers of Excellence at leading U.S. universities.