Introduction to the European Union (EU)

The European Union (EU) is a political and economic group of 27 European countries
that work together in many areas like trade, lawmaking, and foreign policy. Its main goal
is to ensure peace, prosperity, and cooperation across Europe.

The EU allows its member countries to make joint decisions and follow shared rules
while still keeping their own governments. It is one of the most powerful regional
organizations in the world.

2. Why the EU Was Created

After World War II, many European countries were destroyed. Millions of people had
died, and countries like Germany and France had fought several wars in the past.
Leaders realized that war between them must never happen again.

They believed that if countries traded and cooperated economically, they would become
less likely to go to war.

3. Key Milestones in EU History

[Insert Flowchart 1: Timeline of EU Formation – Include these events]

1951 – ECSC (European Coal and Steel Community): First step of integration among 6
countries.

1957 – Treaty of Rome: Formed the European Economic Community (EEC).

1986 – Single European Act: Set goal of a single market.

1992 – Maastricht Treaty: Created the EU officially and planned the euro.

2002 – Euro Introduced: Common currency used by 12 countries (now 20).

2007 – Treaty of Lisbon: Reformed EU institutions for easier decision-making.

4. Objectives and Goals of the EU

Maintain peace and stability

Encourage economic growth and cooperation

Protect the environment

Promote human rights and democracy

Make Europe more competitive globally

5. Institutions of the European Union

The EU is governed by several key institutions, each with a different role.

6. Member Countries and Enlargement

From 6 original members in 1951, the EU grew to 28 by 2013 (now 27 after Brexit).

Notable Expansions:
1973: UK, Ireland, Denmark join.

1981 & 1986: Greece, Spain, Portugal join.

2004: 10 Eastern European countries join.

2013: Croatia becomes the 28th member.

2020: UK leaves (Brexit).

7. EU Policies and Achievements

a) Single Market

Allows free movement of goods, services, capital, and people.

b) Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)

Supports farmers with subsidies, ensures food security.

c) Environmental Policy

Sets laws to reduce pollution and fight climate change.

 d) Trade Policy

EU signs trade deals as one large group (e.g., with Canada, Japan).

e) Regional Development

Gives funds to poorer areas to improve roads, schools, etc.

8. Advantages of the EU

No border checks between most countries (Schengen Area)

Easier to work, study, and travel in other EU countries

Greater economic strength and influence globally

Joint action on global challenges like climate change

Strong consumer and human rights protections

9. Challenges Faced by the EU

Migration crisis: Different views on accepting refugees

Economic differences: Rich and poor countries struggle to agree

Nationalism: Some citizens want less EU control

Debt problems: Greece and others struggled in eurozone

Brexit: UK’s exit raised questions about the future unity of the EU

10. Future of the EU

Expand to include new members like Western Balkan countries

Increase defense cooperation

Make EU more democratic and responsive to citizens?

Brexit – The United Kingdom’s Exit from the European Union

1. What is Brexit?

Brexit is a combination of the words “Britain” and “Exit.” It refers to the decision of the
United Kingdom (UK) to leave the European Union (EU). This was one of the biggest
political changes in Europe since the EU began.

The UK officially left the EU on January 31, 2020, ending a membership that lasted 47
years.
 2. Background: The UK’s Relationship with the EU

The UK joined the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973, but many British
citizens were always unsure about being fully involved in the EU.

Over time, this doubt increased due to:

Disagreements about laws made in Brussels (EU headquarters)

Concerns over immigration

Beliefs that the UK was paying too much money to the EU

1973: Joined EEC

1975: First UK referendum to stay (67% voted yes)

1992: Maastricht Treaty – Created EU

2016: Second referendum – 51.9% voted to leave

2020: Official exit

3. The 2016 Referendum

On June 23, 2016, a nationwide vote was held. People were asked:
“Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the
European Union?”

Leave: 51.9%

Remain: 48.1%

This small majority led to a huge change. The UK government began preparations to
exit the EU.

4. Reasons Why People Voted to Leave

a) Control Over Immigration

Many believed the UK had lost control over its borders because of EU rules on free
movement.

b) Sovereignty

Leave supporters wanted the UK to make its own laws without EU interference.

c) Economic Reasons

Some thought the UK was paying too much money to the EU and not getting enough
benefits.

d) National Identity
Some voters felt the EU threatened British traditions and independence.

e) Misinformation

Some claims (like NHS funding promises) influenced public opinion, even if they were
later proven false.

5. The Brexit Process (2016–2020)

1. 2016 – Referendum result; PM David Cameron resigns.

2. 2017 – Article 50 triggered by PM Theresa May (formal notice to leave the EU).

3. 2017–2019 – Negotiations with the EU over trade, border, and legal rules.

4. 2019 – Boris Johnson becomes PM.

5. January 2020 – UK officially leaves the EU.

6. Transition period ends in December 2020.

 7. Key Issues in the Negotiations

a) Trade Agreements

The UK wanted to keep free trade with the EU but avoid following EU rules.

b) Northern Ireland Border

The border between Northern Ireland (UK) and the Republic of Ireland (EU) became a
sensitive issue. A hard border could risk peace.

Solution: Northern Ireland Protocol – Keeps an open border but creates checks on
goods between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

c) Citizens’ Rights

Millions of EU citizens live in the UK, and millions of UK citizens live in the EU. Both
sides agreed to protect their rights.

6. The Final Deal: EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (2020)

Signed in December 2020, this agreement covered:

Trade: No tariffs, but customs checks introduced.

Travel: No longer free; new visa and passport rules.

Fishing rights: New arrangements after many disputes.

Law enforcement: Some cooperation remains, but the UK left EU databases.

7. Impacts of Brexit

a) On the UK

Positive (according to supporters):

More control over laws and immigration

Freedom to make global trade deals (e.g., with Australia)

Negative (according to critics):

Economic slowdown and reduced trade with EU

More paperwork and delays for businesses

Loss of influence in Europe

b) On the EU

Loss of a powerful member country

Encouraged stronger unity to prevent more exits

Increased focus on defence, green energy, and digital independence

c) On Citizens

Harder for UK citizens to live or work in the EU

Students lost access to Erasmus (EU exchange program)

British expats faced visa and residency issues

8. Ongoing Issues After Brexit

Trade friction: Especially in food and agriculture

Northern Ireland: Political tensions continue

Scotland’s independence debate: Brexit fueled support for leaving the UK

Youth dissatisfaction: Many young voters supported Remain

9. Lessons from Brexit

Public opinion can reshape national policy

Referendums can cause deep divisions

Economic decisions are closely linked to politics and identity

Clear communication from governments is essential

Conclusion: What’s Next for the UK and the EU?

Brexit has changed Europe forever. The UK now follows a new path outside the EU,
facing both challenges and opportunities. The EU continues to grow and evolve without
the UK. Both sides must now rebuild trust and find ways to work together peacefully in
the future.