The History of the European Union from its creation to today.

What’s their mission/goal:

     Motto: "United in Diversity"

“The EU actively promotes human rights and democracy and has the most ambitious emission reduction targets for fighting climate change in the world.” 

What are key elements: European Council: The EU has many goals and commitments. Its many priorities as well as its political directions are set by the European Council; it is composed of the heads of state or government of every EU country, as well as the Commission President and the European Council President. Its currently led by Herman Van Rompuy. Unfortunately the council has no powers to pass laws.

      European Parliament: MEP’s are elected every 5 years by EU voters. The European Parliament has a role in passing laws, analyzing other EU institutions and debating the EU budget.

     European Commission:  The commission represents the interests of the Union on a whole

     Council of the European Union: National ministers of each EU member country to create and also adopt new laws and manage policies

What is level of regional economic integration: They are an economic union. They have removed barriers to trade, labour and capital; set a common trade policy against nonmembers; and coordinate members’ economic policies 

What were some issues: Admitting Turkey into the EU. In 2002 it was decided that Turkey, a country with a heavy Muslim presence, had to wait two years before being invited to begin negotiations to become a part of the EU.

Who benefits: Trading partners, the EU accounts for approximately 20% of global exports and imports

Recent issue in news that had an effect: Greece’s current financial crisis