The International Monetary Fund - The World Trade Organisation - The European Union

The European Union

The European Union started off as an alliance of nations which wanted to trade more together. Now it is a political body with laws and institutions. Its main institutions are in Brussels. The European Parliament meets in Strasbourg and Brussels.

Brief history

The European Economic Community (as it was called then) was founded in 1957. Its main aims were to encourage unity and peace following the Second World War, and to create free trade between member countries. The United Kingdom joined in 1973.

Advantages and disadvantages

		Advantages – the main advantages of the EU are seen as...					Disadvantages – against this, some people in member countries think ...
		A huge market of nearly 400 million people in which companies are able to sell their goods and services without restrictions. Freedom for citizens of the member states to move freely within the EU and to get jobs in other member countries. A wide choice of goods and services for EU citizens, which are often cheaper because of competitive markets.					EU institutions have too much power. They have taken away the right of individual countries to make their own decisions about economic and political matters. The EU is undemocratic, because decisions are taken a long way from the people; people who are affected by decisions have little chance to make their voices heard. There are too many rules and regulations, some of which aren't sensible.

How it works

Decision-making in the European Union In the European Union, decisions are made by three main organisations: the European Commission, the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament. Other bodies, including the Central European Bank, also contribute to the process.

Decisions, decisions ... How are decisions taken? Are all member countries given an       equal say? Do ordinary people have a voice? Can you have a say?

Click on the diagram below to find out more.