What has Europe ever done for us?
How has European unity affected EU citizens since 1957? Here are six of the most important or most visible points:
Free Movement
The right to travel, reside and work in any member state is one of the fundamental principles of the EU. Studying abroad close to 1.5m students have benefited from the EUs Erasmus programme working in another country and cheaper travel are just some of the benefits.
The Euro
Since 2001, the citizens of 12 European countries (13 since Slovenia joined the group on 1 January 2007) use the same currency: the euro. The move has helped stabilise their economies, streamline travel, and eliminate exchange fees, while boosting business links between the countries that have adopted it.
The Single Market
The single market guarantees free movement of people, goods, services and capital. Concretely, it allows EU citizens to do business throughout the EU and enjoy a wide range of competitively priced goods and services. Thanks to the single market the EU also speaks with one voice on global trade issues, getting the best deal for European consumers and workers. Poorer regions have also benefited through funding for agriculture, transport and economic development.
Consumer Protection
Consumer protection and food safety in the EU are two issues that have always gone hand in hand. The EU is increasingly active in this and other areas: for instance, there is now a set of passenger rights guaranteeing compensation for victims of overbooking or lengthy delays when travelling.
Environmental Law
The environment is the property of all, including future generations, since water, air, noise and other environmental concerns can easily cross borders. The EU has introduced common environmental rules and has united behind the Kyoto protocol to reduce CO2 emissions and limit global warming.
Peace
Though it is impossible to know for sure where other paths in history may have taken us, the foundation of the EU certainly managed to bring a lasting peace between countries that fought bloody wars for the first half of the twentieth century and before. Western Europe and much of Eastern Europe, once divided by the Iron Curtain, have also come together under the EU banner.
European Union celebrates the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaties of Rome
A selection of almost testing teasers for all you budding Euro-philes out there...