Chapter 14
Supranational Cooperation in the
European Union
14.1 Introduction
• Passports are needed to travel outside of the
United States
• Passports are needed when traveling between
Countries
• Supra – Latin prefix for “above” or “over”
• EU – brings countries closer together/no need
for passport (easier to live and work in)
• 27 member countries
Intro Continued
• EU – removes boarders
• Common form of money (Euro)
• EU works hard to accomplish common goals
(What goals)
• Still remember they are separate countries
14.2 The Geographic Setting
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Centripetal Forces – bring things together
Centrifugal Forces – away from one another
Historically Europe has been torn apart by war
Common Market – created in 1952, reduce or
remove tariffs & rules of trade
• European Union – 1993 formed
• Nationalism – feelings of pride and loyalty
toward one’s nation
14.2 Continued
• EU works toward:
1.Promoting peace and prosperity/economic
well-being
2.Creating jobs
3.Promote citizen’s rights
4.Preserve the Environment
5.Promote Freedom, Security, and Justice for
members
14.3 Economic Cooperation in the EU
Economic Forces that Unite the EU
• Common Market (Single Market):
1.People have more choices
2.Prices on goods are lower
3.Workers can travel between countries to find
work
4.Common Currency (Euro) adopted in 2002 –
don’t have to exchange money
• EU works to create jobs, develop resources,
and make improvements like roads for trade
14.3 Continued
Economic Forces that Divide the EU
• All members don’t always agree on spent
money and issues they face
• Major Issues:
1.Western Europe cost of living is higher and
paid more than Central and Eastern
2.EU spends more money on Central & Eastern
to help bring their standard of living up
3.West fear of losing jobs to East, companies
move East because it saves money
14.3 Continued
Issues Continued:
• Immigrants move to higher wage countries,
natives come resentful
• Not all EU countries adopted the Euro
• Some countries were not allowed to adopt the
Euro until they have stable economies
• Economic benefits outweigh the costs
14.4 Political Cooperation in the EU
• The EU encourages Political Cooperation
EU political system:
• has a common government
• does not replace countries individual
governments
• operates above the individual governments
• All members participate
14.4 Continued
Unite Europe - EU Government works in 2 way:
1. Bring members together to focus on issues
they all share
2. Encourages Europeans to think of themselves
as citizens of Europe
• EU Citizenship operates above home country
• Gives certain benefits
14.4 Continued
EU Political Bodies:
1.Council of the European Union – main
decision making body (leaders from each
country)
2.European Commission – executive body,
proposes new laws, handle daily business
3.European Parliament – elected by citizens,
pass laws, approve budget
14.4 Continued
Divides Europe:
• Countries expected to give up power to EU
• Follow decisions even if they don’t agree
• Population grows, so have differences – too
many cultures and countries to please
• National Identity fades away in the eyes of
some members
14.5 Cultural Cooperation in the EU
How EU Promotes Cultural Identity
• Flag, European Anthem (played without
words), Europe Day (May 9th)
• Cultural Programs rotate featured city witch
highlights cities culture, language programs
14.5 Continued
Forces Working Against a European Cultural ID
• Multiple Languages – info translate into 20
languages and all documents
• National pride
• Traditions – Ex) Czech food cooked slow, EU
rules states no food served over 2 hours old