Unione Europea

European Union
It is formed by 27 countries. It has its own flag, a currency (the euro) and its institutions. EU
decisions and laws affect life in the member countries. Goods, services and money can move
freely between the countries.

The development of the EU

The EU was born from a desire for peace after the two world wars: so French, Germany, Italy,
Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg started to cooperate in trade and economy with the Treaty
of Paris in 1951: the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was born.

In 1957, it became the European Economic Community with the Treaty of Rome.

Over the years, the European Community has expanded, as the result of a series of important
treaties.

In 1985, the Schengen Agreement gave citizens the right to move freely in European countries.

In 1992, the Maastricht Treaty transformed the EC into the European Union giving people
fundamental rights such as public health services, equal opportunities and social security.

In 1997, with the Amsterdam Treaty the EU became more powerful.

The Nice Treaty in 2001 made the EU more efficient.

The Lisbon Treaty, in 2007 ruled the EU constitution.

EU Institutions
The European Parliament
The legislative body of the Union is absolved by the European Parliament elected by the citizens
every five years. There are 751 members and the President.

The Council of the European Union

The Council of the European Union has the responsibility of relations with other countries and
foreign policy. It approves the European budgets.

The European Council

Its members, the heads of state or government, the European Commission President and the
European Council President, set the political agenda.

The European Commission

The executive body is absolved by the European Commission where the 27 members ensure the
application of laws and control the use of fundings.

The Court of Justice

It is composed by one judge for EU countries and 11 Advocates General: they interpret the law and
make sure it is applied.