Instead of fighting each other for coal and steel, the first member countries (West) Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg created one European Coal and Steel Community in 1952. March 18, 2016 - The European Union and Turkey reach an agreement on how to deal with a flood of Syrian refugees. June 23, 2016 – The United Kingdom votes to leave the European Union. The United States is the European Union’s main trading partner. The European Union is an international organization made up of 27 European countries. The European Union (EU) was formed to bring together the countries of Europe. 1957 – The European Economic Community (EEC) is created. © 2020 Cable News Network. The Longest Names. European Union launches military operations. 4:26 PM EST, Thu December 24, 2020, PHOTO: 1993 – The EEC members at the time (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, Spain, UK, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, and Portugal) extend their cooperation into the areas of justice and home affairs and a common foreign and security policy. (Photo by Kenzo TRIBOUILLARD / AFP) (Photo by KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images), PHOTO: United Kingdom votes to leave the European Union, Britain’s exit from the European Union moves another step closer, European Travel Information and Authorization System. December 24, 2020 – In a statement, the British government announces that the United Kingdom and European Union have reached a post-Brexit trade agreement after months of fraught negotiations. The main currency in the EU is the Euro, but not every country has adopted it. (No = 54.87%/Yes = 45.13%). Beyond its borders, the EU is also committed to liberalising world trade. Here’s a look at the eurozone. The European Union is the largest trade block in the world. 5 x Fun Facts about Europe. becoming the first ever nation to leave the EU. 6. Tensions between the United States and Iran are likely to further escalate once again after Tehran seized a South Korean-flagged chemical tanker in the Persian Gulf, according to semi-official Iranian news agencies, and announced it had resumed enriching uranium to 20% purity, far beyond the limits laid out in the 2015 nuclear deal. Our Europe Facts for Kids share lots of interesting and fun facts on the European continent. Learn more about the EU … April 1, 2014 - The European Union launches military operations to restore stability to the Central African Republic. He says that the essence of finance is credit management. The United States is the European Union’s main trading partner. 1957 - The European Economic Community (EEC) is created. The group aims to remove trade barriers and form a common market. It should come as no surprise, then, that the… An estimated 446 million people live within the European Union. June 23, 2016 - The United Kingdom votes to leave the European Union. Home to some of the oldestand most prestigious universities in the world, Europe is well-established as a popular study abroad destination for international students from all corners of the planet. As of 1950, the European Coal and Steel Community begins to unite European countries economically and politically in order to secure lasting peace. March 2015 - Iceland withdraws its request to be considered as a candidate for membership. The facts: What you need to know about the Syria crisis March 09, 2017 • UPDATED July 09, 2020 The Syrian conflict has created one of the worst humanitarian crises of our time, and now, in one of the most fragile regions of the country, the first cases of COVID‑19 have been confirmed. To decide about Brexit, the UK held a special kind of vote called a “referendum” . Either a national parliament can approve it or in some countries, the citizens vote on a referendum. Later it changed … Updated Norway and some other countries follow the free movement rules of the single market without being EU members. It will take at least two years to sort out the exit. Success! It is also called 'Peninsula of Peninsulas' and the 'Peninsula of Eurasia'. Together, the European Union offers the most aid to developing countries in the world. the British government announces that the United Kingdom and European Union have reached a post-Brexit trade agreement, What we know about potential armed protests ahead of Joe Biden’s inauguration, Powerful earthquake in Indonesia’s Sulawesi kills at least 34, injures hundreds, Bus is dangling from New York overpass after accident that left at least seven people injured, LA County is scrambling to find more space to store bodies of Covid-19 victims. December 1, 2009 – The Treaty of Lisbon comes into force, having been ratified by all EU member states. (Article 50, amended TEU)– Any member state may decide to withdraw from the Union in accordance with its own constitutional requirements.– A member state which decides to withdraw shall notify the European Council of its intention. Funded under: H2020-EU.3.5.2. October 12, 2012 - The European Union receives the Nobel Peace Prize for contributing to the advancement of peace, democracy and human rights in Europe. November 1, 1993 – The Maastricht Treaty enters into force. The new members are Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, and Slovenia. The European Union is an international organization made up of 27 European countries. 1993 - The EEC members at the time (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, Spain, UK, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, and Portugal) extend their cooperation into the areas of justice and home affairs and a common foreign and security policy. Daily News & Weather Updates No one on the government plane was hurt. CIRO FUSCO/AFP/ANSA/AFP via Getty Images, Huge sinkhole appears in Italian hospital parking lot, TOPSHOT - Rescue workers carry recovered debris at the port in Jakarta on January 10, 2021, during the search operation for Sriwijaya Air flight SJY182 which crashed after takeoff from Jakarta on January 9. Contests & Promotions, © 2021, The Networks of Mid-Missouri Columbia, MO USA, The European Union is run by five main bodies. PHOTO: Zhao Yun/Oriental Image/Reuters, Chinese tech tycoon has not been seen in months, Country has 2nd highest Covid-19 cases. This booklet comes in a handy small format and gives essential information on the European Union, its institutions, member states and candidate countries. Or, to put it another way, the EU has been a feeding trough for plutocrats and the worst kind of cronies to ever besmirch the good name of crony capitalism.It’s a contentious issue, and while of course there are good and bad things about the union, it’s a dead duck. Here are 50 things about this land stretching nearly 4 million square miles that may just blow your mind. April 30, 2004 - A ceremony is held in Dublin, Ireland, marking the expansion of the European Union from 15 to 25 members. Membership is open to any country with a democratic government, a good human rights record, and sound economic policies. We must change the pawnshop idea of Finance and rely on the credit system.No Use China. EU QUICK FACTS EU Batteries Directive 81.1 KB (pdf) Download PDF: EU QUICK FACTS What is the GHS? Croatia: January-June 2020Germany: July-December 2020Portugal: January-June 2021Slovenia: July-December 2021, (Founding members in bold)AustriaBelgiumBulgariaCroatiaCyprusCzech RepublicDenmark EstoniaFinlandFranceGermanyGreece HungaryIreland ItalyLatvia Lithuania LuxembourgMalta NetherlandsPolandPortugalRomaniaSlovakiaSloveniaSpain Sweden. agreement on how to deal with a flood of Syrian refugees. It governs common economic, political, social and security policies of its member states. Please click the button below to agree to our Terms and Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Get the facts: How the EU works. It comes right after Asia and Africa in terms of population. All 27 members of the European Union must pass the constitution for it to take effect. EU's copyright overhaul, explained, Tech companies ban Trump, but not other problematic leaders, WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 13: Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) presides over the vote to impeach U.S. President Donald Trump for the second time in little over a year in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. June 14, 1985 – Five of the 10 member states sign the Schengen Agreement, which eventually opens borders of agreeing member states, doing away with border controls. Jack Ma, the co-chair of the UN High-Level Panel on Digital Cooperation, founder of Alibaba Group, attended the Bund Summit in Shanghai. Shanghai, China, 24 October 2020. An estimated 446 million people live within the European Union. About the European Union The European Union is an international organization made up of 27 European countries. The European Union is basically a trading union that allows citizens of the included nations to move freely and trade with each other without tolls. 16 Interesting Facts About Europe 1985 – Spain and Portugal become members. June 14, 1985 - Five of the 10 member states sign the Schengen Agreement, which eventually opens borders of agreeing member states, doing away with border controls. The European Union is a forum that creates binding treaties for its member countries like the federal government creates laws for the U.S., but instead of states, it oversees 28 European … Those five different institutions mentioned earlier? agreement on how to deal with a flood of Syrian refugees. July 1, 2013 - Croatia joins the European Union as its 28th member. Nineteen countries in the European Union use the euro as their currency, and comprise the eurozone. Nineteen countries in the European Union use the euro as their currency, and comprise the eurozone. Password reset email has been resent. The member states delegate sovereignty to the EU institutions to represent the interests of the European Union as a whole. 10 Republicans voted to impeach. The capital of the European Union is Brussels, Belgium. In 1993, the European Union was founded in the Netherlands. Severe Weather June 19, 2008 – The European Union decides to lift diplomatic sanctions imposed on Cuba. European Union agrees to a new round of membership negotiations with Turkey. June 25, 2013 - The European Union agrees to a new round of membership negotiations with Turkey. Germany has a gross domestic product of 3,344 billion euros making it the largest economy in the EU. June 23, 2007 - EU leaders in Brussels agree on an outline of a treaty that would replace the EU constitution rejected by French and Dutch voters two years ago. The Quick Read About… the New President-elect of the European Commission ... leads the European Commission—the EU’s executive arm—is the most … November 1, 1993 - The Maastricht Treaty enters into force. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images), PHOTO: Decisions and procedures stem from treaties ratified by the member states. For every Syrian returned to Turkey from Greece, another Syrian will be resettled to the European Union. Verification email has been resent. January 31, 2020 – Britain formally leaves the European Union, becoming the first ever nation to leave the EU. The European Union is run by five main bodies: European Parliament, Council of the Union, European Commission, Court of Justice, and the Court of Auditors. February 7, 1992 – The Treaty on the European Union is signed in Maastricht (Netherlands) by leaders of the member states. June 19, 2008 - The European Union decides to lift diplomatic sanctions imposed on Cuba. He says that the essence of finance is credit management. A European health worker prepares a shot of the coronavirus vaccine. Germany currently sends 96 MPs to the European Parliament. The European Union (abbreviation: EU) is a confederation of 27 member countries in Europe established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1992-1993. In 1957 in the Italian city of Rome, the member countries signed another treaty and made the European Economic Community. Dany Krisnadhi/AFP/Getty Images, Indonesian jetliner crashes after taking off from Jakarta. The new members are Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, and Slovenia. This means that any citizen from a European Union country can move to another EU country to work or live. They only use a few, select … 2020, 88 Pages, Paperbacks. September 5, 2018 - The European Union adopts the European Travel Information and Authorization System, an additional security check for travelers who do not normally need a visa to enter the Schengen Area. According to the EU website, the objectives of the European Union are to establish European citizenship, ensure freedom, justice and security, promote economic and social progress, and assert Europe’s role in the world. The EU grew out of the European Economic Community (EEC) which was established by the Treaties of Rome in 1957. It governs common economic, political, social and security policies of its member states. March 18, 2016 – The European Union and Turkey reach an agreement on how to deal with a flood of Syrian refugees. For every Syrian returned to Turkey from Greece, another Syrian will be resettled to the European Union. November 19, 2009 - Herman Van Rompuy, the Belgian Prime Minister, becomes the first president of the European Council under the Treaty of Lisbon. Interesting facts about EU. A Warner Media Company. In 2015, the UK paid a net £8.5bn of contributions to the EU, making it the third biggest contributor behind France in second place and Germany in first. For almost 25 years, the European Union has been a model of democracy, free trade, and fraternity between nations. The European Union is set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between neighbours, which culminated in the Second World War. EU is still young. Membership is open to any country with a democratic government, a good human rights record, and sound economic policies. See their vaccine plan, Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg arrives for a meeting at the Europa building in Brussels on March 5, 2020. If an account exists, we've sent an email with a link to reset your password. The publication is available in 24 EU languages. European Union launches military operations. VENTUS LAU FACEBOOK PAGE/Reuters, See Hong Kong police arrest former pro-democracy lawmakers. The EU’s common currency is the euro. 1-5 Europe Facts 1. 151.5 KB (pdf) Download PDF: EU QUICK FACTS Substances of … December 1, 2009 - The Treaty of Lisbon comes into force, having been ratified by all EU member states. In the light of the guidelines provided by the European Council, the Union shall negotiate and conclude an agreement with that State, setting out the arrangements for its withdrawal, taking account of the framework for its future relationship with the Union. President Donald Trump walked away from the agreement in 2018. Meanwhile, EU border agency Frontex detected roughly 125,000 "illegal" border crossings between between January and October 2019 into the European Union (this might include instances of multiple border crossings by the same person). The Federal Republic of Germany paid 13 billion euros more to the EU than it received from it in funding. It governs common economic, political, social … 21 February 2020. After months of negotiations, the UK and European Union finally agreed a deal that will define their future relationship, which comes into effect at … European Union (EU), international organization comprising 27 European countries and governing common economic, social, and security policies. 1973 – Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom become member countries. Let’s begin with the hot topic du jour. QUICK FACTS Home > QUICK FACTS. Don't know what the EU is or what the heck Brexit means? KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP/Getty Images, Greta Thunberg urges public to listen to the experts (2020), Bystanders and a soldier stand near a damaged portion of the airport of Yemen's southern city of Aden's after an explosion, Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020. The Treaty of Lisbon amends the Treaty on European Union to explicitly recognize for the first time the member states’ right to withdraw from the union. However, in 2016, one member—the United Kingdom—voted to leave the EU. The member states delegate sovereignty to the EU institutions to represent the interests of the European Union as a whole. Success! It amends the Maastricht Treaty of 1992 and the Rome Treaty of 1957. Either a national parliament can approve it or in some countries, the citizens vote on a referendum. Footage shows chemical tanker seized by Iranian forces. The EU helps its member countries with issues such as trade, security, and the rights of citizens. No Use France. Though the idea of the EU might sound simple at the outset, the European Union has a rich history and a unique organization, both of which aid in its current success and its ability to fulfill its mission for the 21st Century. It is signed by all the members in October 2004. European symbols. It comes right after Asia and Africa in terms of population. Its members have a combined area of 4,233,255.3 km 2 (1,634,469.0 sq mi) and an estimated total population of about 447 million. June 1, 2005 - The Netherlands votes against the constitution in a referendum. Home to some of the most visited countries in the world, fascinating history, spectacular art and towering feats of nature, Europe boasts some truly amazing facts.. With a land area of only 4,000,000 square miles, Europe is the second smallest continent in the world, just behind Australia. CNN Sans ™ & © 2016 Cable News Network. The Queen’s signature means that British Prime Minister Theresa May is now able to move forward and trigger Article 50, allowing formal talks to begin between Downing Street and the EU’s 27 member states on the terms of the divorce, nicknamed “Brexit.”. the British government announces that the United Kingdom and European Union have reached a post-Brexit trade agreement. All Rights Reserved. Eurasia is the name given to the combined land area of Europe and Asia. As of 2016, 26 countries belong to the Schengen Area. Here are 10 facts that will help you understand what the hell is going on: 1. Here’s a look at the eurozone. Administration is located in Luxembourg. The European Union is basically a trading union that allows citizens of the included nations to move freely and trade with each other without tolls. The security check will come into effect in 2021. March 16, 2017 – Britain’s exit from the European Union moves another step closer after the legislation enabling the country’s departure is given royal assent by Queen Elizabeth II. June 1, 2005 – The Netherlands votes against the constitution in a referendum. 35 Interesting Facts about Europe. The European Commission is mainly based in Brussels and Luxembourg. Brexit. The European Union (EU) is a unification of 28 member states (including the United Kingdom) united to create a political and economic community throughout Europe. Jack Ma, the co-chair of the UN High-Level Panel on Digital Cooperation, founder of Alibaba Group, attends the Bund Summit in Shanghai. Housing units, July 1, 2019, (V2019) 139,684,244: Owner-occupied housing unit rate, 2015-2019: 64.0%: Median value of owner-occupied housing units, 2015-2019 United Kingdom votes to leave the European Union, Britain’s exit from the European Union moves another step closer, European Travel Information and Authorization System. There Are 50 Countries in Europe. Prepare yourself for some of the longest names officially recognized. Europe is the second smallest continent in size but the third largest in population. Catherine Ashton of the United Kingdom will be the first foreign minister. CNN's Paula Hancocks reports. The blast struck the airport building shortly after a plane carrying the newly formed Cabinet landed on Wednesday. The European Parliament holds its Committee meetings in Brussels and its plenary sessions in Brussels and Strasbourg. They decided to leave the European Union. 1973 - Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom become member countries. The Queen’s signature means that British Prime Minister Theresa May is now able to move forward and trigger Article 50, allowing formal talks to begin between Downing Street and the EU’s 27 member states on the terms of the divorce, nicknamed “Brexit.”. Recently, 27 countries of Europe joined hands and formed a common union known as the European Union. All 27 members of the European Union must pass the constitution for it to take effect. With a land area of only 4,000,000 square miles, Europe is the second smallest continent in the world, just behind Australia. March 2015 – Iceland withdraws its request to be considered as a candidate for membership. The group aims to remove trade barriers and form a common market. 1985 - Spain and Portugal become members. After World War II, the countries in Europe wanted to live peacefully together and help one another's economies. This union allows the use of one currency in all the independent European countries and it is also bestowed with the authority to combine the economic and military power of these countries. (Photo by Dany Krisnadhi / AFP) (Photo by DANY KRISNADHI/AFP via Getty Images), PHOTO: June 23, 2007 – EU leaders in Brussels agree on an outline of a treaty that would replace the EU constitution rejected by French and Dutch voters two years ago. February 7, 1992 - The Treaty on the European Union is signed in Maastricht (Netherlands) by leaders of the member states. (No = 54.87%/Yes = 45.13%). January 1, 1995 – Austria, Finland, and Sweden join the European Union. In a vote on June 23, 2016, more than half of the people of the United Kingdom (UK) chose to leave the EU. As of 1950, the European Coal and Steel Community begins to unite European countries economically and politically in order to secure lasting peace. The Treaty of Lisbon amends the Treaty on European Union to explicitly recognize for the first time the member states’ right to withdraw from the union. It is hard … The European Union is set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between neighbours, which culminated in the Second World War. The European flag is the symbol not only of the EU, but of the European unity and identity in a broader sense. As we mentioned earlier, one of the EU’s main goals is to promote peace. June 25, 2013 – The European Union agrees to a new round of membership negotiations with Turkey. Overall project budget: EUR 11.245.407,75. It is signed by all the members in October 2004. 9. This is possible thanks to the single market. The EU was created by the Maastricht Treaty, which entered into force on November 1, 1993. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images, How the world is reacting to Trump's second impeachment, Indonesia sriwijay air crash search for victims wang pkg intl hnk vpx_00000920.png, Family members wait in anguish as search for crash victims continues, africa china coronavirus vaccine diplomacy lu stout pkg vpx _00025522.png, How China is hoping to use its vaccine as a diplomatic tool, PHOTO: Now it was a community for coal, steel and for trade. Brexit is a word made up to describe the “British Exit“ from the European Union (EU). PHOTO: March 16, 2017 - Britain’s exit from the European Union moves another step closer after the legislation enabling the country’s departure is given royal assent by Queen Elizabeth II. April 1, 2014 – The European Union launches military operations to restore stability to the Central African Republic. The member countries are Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany. This means that any citizen from a European Union country can move to another EU country to work or live. Basically, it was … Catherine Ashton of the United Kingdom will be the first foreign minister. April 30, 2004 – A ceremony is held in Dublin, Ireland, marking the expansion of the European Union from 15 to 25 members. Of the European countries, 27 nations belong to the European Union (EU) which is a political and economic union. Lost in Translation. January 31, 2020 - Britain formally leaves the European Union, becoming the first ever nation to leave the EU. The EU is a political-economic union made up of 28 member states. June 2004 - The member countries approve the text of the EU Constitution. The European continent houses 50 countries. The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. The guy who managed Guinness Breweries in the 1950s went to a shooting party, where he missed his shot at … January 1, 1995 - Austria, Finland, and Sweden join the European Union. May 29, 2005 – The people of France (and its territories) vote against the EU constitution in a referendum. Most migrants arrived by sea, taking the dangerous 'Mediterranean Route' Most migrants and asylum seekers who arrived in Europe in 2019 using irregular … It governs common economic, political, social … - Protection of the environment, sustainable management of natural resources, water, biodiversity and ecosystems. Download as PDF European Union agrees to a new round of membership negotiations with Turkey. (Article 50, amended TEU)- Any member state may decide to withdraw from the Union in accordance with its own constitutional requirements.- A member state which decides to withdraw shall notify the European Council of its intention. The Council buildings are in …