NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS CURRICULUM SUPPORT
Modern Studies
The European Union
[ACCESS 3]
The Scottish Qualifications Authority regularly reviews
the arrangements for National Qualifications. Users of
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reminded that it is their responsibility to check that the
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Acknowledgement
Learning and Teaching Scotland gratefully acknowledges this contribution to the National
Qualifications support programme for Modern Studies.
The publishers gratefully acknowledge permission from the following sources to reproduce
copyright material: activity and layout for ‘comparative lifestyles in Europe’ from Allan Grieve
and John McTaggart, Intermediate Modern Studies 1 and 2: International Issues, Hodder &
Stoughton, 2000.
Every effort has been made to trace all the copyright holders but if any have been inadvertently
overlooked, the publishers will be pleased to make the necessary arrangements at the first
opportunity.
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2007
This resource may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes by educational
establishments in Scotland provided that no profit accrues at any stage.
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THE EUROPEAN UNION (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2007
Contents
What is the European Union?
Who is in the EU?
Benefits of being a member of the EU
4
5
7
Issue 1: Enlargement
Who wants to join?
Who does not want to join?
Cost of membership
Advantages and disadvantages of enlargement
The UK Government and enlargement
8
8
8
9
10
12
Issue 2: The UK and the single european currency (euro)
Will the UK ever adopt the euro?
Advantages and disadvantages of the euro
13
14
14
Issue 3: European Union funding
18
Issue 4: European farming
Benefits to farming
Problems with the CAP
20
20
21
Issue 5: European Union fishing
Problems with the CFP
24
25
Issue 6: The European Union and security
Why was NATO set up?
Do we still need NATO?
Security and the EU
26
27
28
29
Lifestyles in Europe
Case study – Livingston
Case study – Krakow
30
30
34
Glossary
37
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WHAT IS THE EUROPEAN UNION?
What is the European Union?
The European Union (EU) is an organisation of an
increasing number of European countries. All the
27 countries that are member states of the EU
signed an alliance (agreement) to work together to
help the people of Europe.
Questions
1.
What is the EU?
2.
How many members are there?
3.
What did all countries agree to do?
The EU used to be called the European Economic Community. It was
set up after the Second World War when a lot of Europe had been
damaged by fighting and many lives lost. The people of Europe wanted
to make sure wars between European countries would never happen
again. If countries traded (bought and sold goods from each other) and
if people travelled between countries then they would become friendly
and less likely to go to war. Trade between member states was
encouraged. To help this no tax is added to the price of goods bought
and sold between the members.
Questions
4.
Why was the EU set up?
5.
What did countries hope would happen if they traded with and
visited each other?
6.
What is not added to goods traded inside the EU?
7.
Why is this important?
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WHAT IS THE EUROPEAN UNION?
Who is in the EU?
The EU started with just six members but has grown in size to 27.
Bulgaria and Romania joined in 2007. The countries in the EU are:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy,
Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK.
In order to join a country must meet the following conditions:




have a stable democratic government
allow people to own their own business and keep the profits
respect human rights and protect minorities
accept all the laws of the EU.
Questions
8.
Which countries joined in 2007?
9.
What conditions must countries meet in order to join the EU?
10. On the map on the next page label and shade in the countries that
are EU members. Remember to add a key to the map.
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WHAT IS THE EUROPEAN UNION?
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WHAT IS THE EUROPEAN UNION?
Benefits of being a member of the EU
Membership of the EU brings many benefits.
 It allows all Europeans the chance to work/study/live anywhere in
the EU.
 It sets health and safety standards and improves working conditions.
 It improves living standards and helps poorer countries to reach the
higher living standards of richer members.
 It ensures that Europe never runs out of food.
 It improves trade links between members and between the EU and
rest of the world.
 It creates a trading area that can compete with the USA and Asia.
 It reduces the chance of conflict as it encourages co-operation
between members.
Questions
11. Design a poster showing at least three benefits of b eing a member
of the EU.
12. Explain how these benefits will help someone like you who lives
in the European Union.
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ENLARGEMENT
Issue 1: Enlargement
Who wants to join?
More countries want to join the EU. Is this a good thing? Most of the
countries that want to join are in Eastern Europe and are quite poor
compared to existing members.
Russia has applied to join, but as its government and economy are too
unstable (may collapse and cause damage) so it has not yet been
allowed to join. Turkey has applied many times to be a member of the
EU but so far it has been rejected as it has a bad human rights record.
Questions
1.
Where are most of the countries that want to join?
2.
Give one reason why Russia has not yet been allowed to join.
3.
Give one reason why Turkey has not yet been allowed to join.
Who does not want to join?
Although most European countries see the benefits of
being a member of the EU, there are some countries
that do not want to join. Norway has been asked
several times by the EU to become a member but each
time has refused. This is because if Norway became a
member she would have to allow all other EU members to fish in her
waters. As fishing is a major industry in Norway and provides many of
jobs, Norway is worried that if it joins, jobs may be lost.
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ENLARGEMENT
Although right in the middle of Europe, Switzerland
has never asked to join. Switzerland is a very wealthy
country and feels that if it joined, it would have to give
a large amount of money to the EU to help the poorer
countries and get little back in return. Switzerland has
worked out a deal that helps the EU countries to trade
with businesses in Switzerland.
Questions
4.
Explain why Norway does not want to join the EU.
5.
Why has Switzerland never asked to be a member of the EU?
6.
What deal has Switzerland worked out?
Cost of membership
Every member of the European Union pays money into the European
pot. If you are a wealthy country, like the UK, France and Germany
then you pay more money in than poorer countries lik e Bulgaria,
Hungary and Poland. The poorer countries get more money out of the
pot than the richer ones as they need the money to develop.
Question
7.
Complete the diagram below.
Richer countries
Poorer countries
e.g.
e.g.
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ENLARGEMENT
Advantages and disadvantages of enlargement
The question of whether the EU should become bigger has led to many
arguments. Some members see the benefits of having a larger tax -free
trading area but others argue that it will cost too much for the EU to
enlarge.
Advantages of enlargement
Disadvantages of enlargement
Less chance of war and more chance
of peace in Europe if more countries
are friendly and trade with one
another.
Huge cost – many of the countries
wanting to join are poor.
Better protection for free speech and
fair elections.
A lot of EU money will be spent to
bring new members up the standard
of existing members. Existing
members will have to pay more to
help these new countries.
EU will be able to compete in the
global market with the USA and Asia.
New countries would be able to
receive money. Poorer areas of
Scotland may lose money as the
money may go to the poorer new
countries.
Businesses can move to the Eastern
European countries where wages are
lower.
The cost of the Common Agriculture
Policy (CAP) will have to increase
or change, as all new countries
would receive money from CAP as
they have a lot of small farms that
do not have modern technology.
Standards of living will increase
across Europe as the EU gives money
to the poorer areas and help them
improve housing, education, health
and roads.
Possible loss of jobs. Companies
may move to new Eastern European
countries where wages are lower.
Also many immigrants from the East
are happy to work in other EU
countries for the minimum wage.
More countries for people to
live/work and study in.
Crime rates may increase. Once in
the EU it is easy for criminals to
move freely around the EU.
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ENLARGEMENT
Questions
8.
9.
Imagine you are part of the government of a country that wishes to
join the EU.
(a)
Give one advantage of being a member of the EU is
(b)
Give one disadvantage of being a member of the EU is
Imagine you are part of the EU committee that decides which
countries can join.
(a)
Explain one advantage to existing members of making the EU
bigger.
(b)
Explain one disadvantage to existing members of making the
EU bigger.
10. Do you think the EU should be made bigger? Use the table on
page 10 and choose one piece of evidence to support your answer.
11. Investigation – Use the internet to find information on Romania or
Bulgaria. Create a PowerPoint presentation to be used by the
Tourist Board to encourage other EU citizens to visit your chosen
country. Suggested websites:
www.europa.eu
www.travel-bulgaria.com
www.romaniatourism.com
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ENLARGEMENT
The UK Government and enlargement
When the countries in Eastern Europe joined the EU in 2004 many
people from these countries (e.g. Poland) came to the UK. In the UK
they can earn more money than they do in their home country and have
a higher standard of living. Many people from Eastern Europe have
settled well into communities across the UK.
However, far more people came to live and work here than was
expected and this has led to some problems. Some people in the UK are
unhappy about this. They argue that the new residents are taking away
some jobs from British people and are putting pressure on many of the
services, including the NHS.
When Bulgaria and Romania joined, the UK government put a limit on
the number of unskilled people who can come and live here. This is so
those who do come to live here will be able to settle into communities.
Unskilled jobs require no training and include cleaning and fruit
picking.
Questions
12. What did many people from Eastern European countries like
Poland come to the UK for?
13. What problems has this caused for the UK?
14. What has the government done to stop many Romanians and
Bulgarians coming to the UK?
15. Describe what unskilled work is and give an example.
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THE UK AND THE SINGLE EUROPEAN CURRENCY (EURO)
Issue 2: The UK and the single european
currency (euro)
The euro is the currency (money) for many member states.
In 2002, 12 countries stopped using their own currency and
started using the euro. The European Central Bank looks
after the money matters of the countries that use the euro.
Questions
1.
How many countries now use the euro?
2.
What was established to look after the financial matters of e uro
countries?
The UK, Denmark and Sweden have kept their own currency because
the euro is unpopular with the people and could lead to a loss of votes
at election time if the government introduced it.
Many of the EU countries in Eastern Europe are keen to start using the
euro. At the moment their economies are not strong enough but once
they are they will be allowed to use the euro. It is estimated that many
will start using the euro in 2008.
Questions
3.
Which countries kept their own currencies instead of changing to
the euro?
4.
What reasons did they give for this?
5.
Give one reason why can many Eastern European countries do not
yet use the euro.
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THE UK AND THE SINGLE EUROPEAN CURRENCY (EURO)
Will the UK ever adopt the euro?
The Labour Government has made it clear that the UK will only adopt
the euro when the people of Britain want to. The government says it
will only change currency if it brings money to the country and creates
jobs. The government has also said it will hold a referendum (a vote) to
allow the British public to decide whether to join or not.
Questions
6.
When does the Labour government say the UK will join the euro?
7.
What is a referendum?
8.
When will one be held in the UK?
Advantages and disadvantages of the euro
Use of the single currency (euro) has led to a lot of argument in the UK.
Many see benefits but others are bitterly against using it.
Mr Rendle, a radio reporter for Business News Today
speaks to Mr Jamieson, a Scottish Businessman.
Mr R:
Good morning Mr Jamieson; thank you for
joining us.
Mr J:
Good morning to you too, thank you for inviting
me onto your show.
Mr R:
There has been a lot of debate in the news lately about whether
the UK should join the euro, can you tell me your views on
this?
Mr J:
As a businessman the euro is a good move for Britain. It will
create jobs as there will be more trade between members.
Exports will be cheaper as you will not have to pay to convert
your money from pounds to euros. It will also attract foreign
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THE UK AND THE SINGLE EUROPEAN CURRENCY (EURO)
firms to move to the UK as relocation costs would be the same
as elsewhere in the EU.
Mr R:
That’s all very well for the business man but what about the
customers?
Mr J:
Well it will be good news for them to. The euro will bring
about cheaper prices. Customers in the UK tend to pay more
for goods than our European neighbours. Using the euro will
mean that goods across the EU will be the same price.
Mr R:
That seems like good news – always one for a bargain! Any
other points to add Mr Jamieson?
Mr J:
The euro will bring benefits to all. On top of my previous
points, the man on the street will gain. Mortgages will become
cheaper because interest rates are lower in euro countries –
that’s got to good news for all homeowners. Finally, holiday
makers are better off – you don’t lose money when changing to
another currency and you do not need to work out how much
things cost when abroad in the EU. Holidays in the EU will be
much easier.
Mr R:
Thanks very much Mr Jamieson. Now on the show is Mr
Dyson, a member of the ‘Say no to the euro’ campaign. Mr
Dyson, good morning.
Mr D:
Good morning.
Mr R:
I’m sure you have listened to Mr Jamieson’s views and have
plenty to say?
Mr D:
I certainly do! It’s all very well him saying we will be better
off, but do your listeners realise that if we do start using the
euro then the British government will not be in control of
British money?
Mr R:
Who will be in control of our money?
Mr D:
The European Bank – our money will be looked after by people
in Europe – how do they know what is best for us? Using the
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THE UK AND THE SINGLE EUROPEAN CURRENCY (EURO)
euro could lead to a loss of our own government and we may
even end up with a ‘United States of Europe’.
Mr R:
That doesn’t sound too good, I like our government being in
charge of our money. Would there be anything on the money
to say it was British?
Mr D:
Goodness, no! We would no longer have the pound and our
currency will no longer have the Queen’s head on it. All euros
have the same images on them regardless of which country
they are used in.
Mr R:
I know a lot of people will not be happy with that. Any other
points to finish off with Mr Dyson?
Mr D:
I would like to finish by telling your listeners that having lots
of countries using the same currency will be difficult because
the economies of all the EU countries are very different. Also,
we need to see if the euro will be a strong, stable currency so
let’s see if it works rather than leaping into the unknown.
Mr R:
Lots to think about there. I would like to thank both my guests
this morning. If you would like to share your views on the
euro, contact us on the usual numbers. You’re listening to
Business News Today.
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THE UK AND THE SINGLE EUROPEAN CURRENCY (EURO)
Tasks
8.
Imagine you own a business and you trade with countries in the
EU who use the euro. Write a report to the British government
arguing that the UK should join the euro. Your report should
include:





9.
Design a poster to be used in a campaign to stop the UK joining
the euro. Your poster should include:



10.
the name of your company
what you sell
the countries you trade with
three reasons why the UK should join the euro
the benefits the euro will bring to your company.
a slogan for your campaign
three reasons why the UK should not join the euro
why this would be a bad decision for people of Britain.
Have you ever used the euro?
YES
NO
11.
Describe where you used it.
12.
Do you think the UK should join the euro?
YES
13.
NO
Give one reason to support your answer.
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EUROPEAN UNION FUNDING
Issue 3: European Union funding
All members of the EU pay money to the EU –
remember it is like being in a club! This money is
then given to the member states to be used in
different ways.
One of the EU’s aims was to improve all living standards across the
EU. This means bringing the standards of poorer countries up to those
of wealthy ones. If the people in the poorer countries b ecome richer,
then they will have more money to spend on goods that are made in the
richer countries. Everyone benefits from an increase in living standards.
Questions
1.
How is the EU funded?
2.
Give one benefit of increasing the living standards of the poorer
countries in the EU.
EU members can apply for money to help improve an area. This could
be money to build better transport links (many roads in the Scottish
Highlands were built with EU money) or money to help with education
and employment. Cumbernauld College was recently given EU money
to improve the college. This is so more people will achieve
qualifications, which will help them to get a better paid job and
improve their standard of living.
Two of the funds are:
 The European Social Fund (ESF) – provides money for training for
young people and the unemployed.
 The Regional Development Fund (RDF) – provides money to
encourage new businesses to poorer areas.
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EUROPEAN UNION FUNDING
Questions
3.
What can EU money be used for?
4.
Give two examples of where EU money has been spent in
Scotland.
5.
(a)
What is the ESF?
(b)
What does it spend money on?
(a)
What is the RDF?
(b)
How does it spend its money?
6.
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EUROPEAN UNION FARMING
Issue 4: European Union farming
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) makes sure
that EU farmers get a fair price for their produce so
they don’t go out of business. This way, people in the
EU will always have enough food. Sometimes it has
meant that too much food has been produced and huge
stores have been built up e.g. wine lakes and butter
mountains.
Questions
1.
What is the CAP?
2.
Describe one benefit of the CAP.
3.
Describe one problem caused by the CAP?
Benefits to farmers
The CAP has benefits for the EU farmers:
 Farmers have been paid to leave fields empty to stop the production
of food that no one wants.
 farmers are encouraged to produce new crops that are not available
inside the EU countries.
 Grants (money that does not have to be paid back) are available to
buy new farming machinery if this helps to make the farm run better .
 Farmers are also given money to keep the price of their food low so
they can compete with the cheaper prices of foods made outside the
EU.
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Questions
4.
Give one reason why some farmers are paid to leave fields empty.
5.
What are grants given for?
6.
Describe how farmers can compete with cheaper goods outside the
EU.
Problems with the CAP
The cost of CAP to the EU is huge – it takes up almost half of all the
money the EU has! Some countries like the UK thinks the CAP needs
to be changed. This is because the UK does not receive a lot of CAP
money as not many people work on farms. Other countries, like France,
receive a lot of money from the CAP and do not want to see any
changes as it may lead to less money for French farmers.
Questions
7.
How much EU money does the CAP use?
8.
(a)
Which country wants to change the CAP?
(b)
Explain why.
(a)
Why is France against any changes to the CAP?
(b)
Explain why.
9.
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EUROPEAN UNION FARMING
Read the comments from EU farmers then answer the question below:
‘I like the CAP. It keeps a
large and steady food supply in
Europe. It also guarantees us
farmers a price, allowing us to
have a stable income.’
‘I agree. CAP also keeps prices
stable for the consumer – they
would not like it if they had to pay
more for products. CAP also
allows us to improve the quality of
farming and modernise our
techniques.’
‘Also CAP can help third world
countries. We can send them all
our surplus food.’
‘I don’t like CAP – it costs far
too much. Over half of the EU
budget goes on it. Also it has
encouraged farmers to produce
quantity not quality, which has
led to all the surplus food’.
‘Giving our extra food to
the third world doesn’t
always help. It can put
third world farmers out of
business’.
‘You’re right. CAP has also
paid farmers to leave fields
empty – what’s the point in
that?! CAP is also unfair to
many EU members like the UK.
They pay a lot into CAP but get
very little out of it.’
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EUROPEAN UNION FARMING
Using the comments from page 22, complete the table below.
Advantages of the CAP
Disadvantages of the CAP
1.
1.
2.
2.
3.
3.
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EUROPEAN UNION FISHING
Issue 5: European Union fishing
The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) was set up to
protect the jobs of EU fishermen. The CFP protects
fishing stocks and tries to stop fishermen from catching
too many fish.
Every year the EU decides how much fish can be caught and this is then
divided between member states. The CFP also prevents nets with small
holes being used, so young fish escape.
Both of these actions are to protect the species of fish that are in danger
of becoming extinct, for example, cod.
The CFP also gives grants to help modernise the fishing industry and to
help coastal regions that have been affected by the decline in the
fishing industry. It also tries to ensure a supply of fish at a reasonable
price for the consumer.
Questions
1.
What does the CFP do?
2.
Give two reasons why member states are only allowed to catch a
certain amount of fish.
3.
Give two examples of the ways CFP grants can help.
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EUROPEAN UNION FISHING
Problems with the CFP
Arguments between EU fishermen have broken out because they fish in
any part of the water around EU member states. So Scottish fishermen
can fish in Spanish waters and Spanish fishermen can fish in Scottish
waters. But Scottish fishermen have blamed Spanish fishermen for
taking too many fish from the North Sea. This has meant job losses for
Scottish fishermen.
Questions
4.
(a)
Where are EU fishermen allowed to fish?
(b)
What problems can this cause?
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THE EUROPEAN UNION AND SECURITY
Issue 6: The European Union and security
The EU does not have its own police or army. The
EU states work together in the European Parliament
to keep the peace in Europe.
Members of the EU rely on another organisation –
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) – to meet their security
needs. NATO is made up of European countries plus the USA, Canada
and Iceland. NATO members supply troops and weapons to resolve
problems in the EU and wider world.
NATO has been in action in Bosnia and Kosovo (countries that used to
be part of Yugoslavia) in South Eastern Europe. NATO is currently in
action in Afghanistan (Middle East).
NATO relies on the USA for money and troops as it is the richest and
most powerful member of NATO.
Questions
1.
What does the EU rely on for security needs?
2.
Who supplies troops and weapons to NATO?
3.
Give two examples of where NATO has been in action.
4.
(a)
Who does NATO rely on?
(b)
What does NATO rely on from this country?
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THE EUROPEAN UNION AND SECURITY
Why was NATO set up?
NATO was set up to protect the West from communism. The Soviet
Union was communist and many were worried that the Soviet Union
may try to expand into Western Europe.
It was based on the idea that if any member of NATO was attacked then
all NATO countries would come to their aid (they would help defend
the country).
Communism is no longer a threat so today NATO is needed for
peacekeeping. NATO soldiers work in troubled areas to help keep the
peace and help deliver food, water and medical supplies to those who
have lost their homes due to fighting.
Questions
5.
Why was NATO set up?
6.
How would NATO countries help each other if one was attacked?
7.
What is NATO needed for today?
8.
Give two examples of the work NATO soldiers are now doing.
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THE EUROPEAN UNION AND SECURITY
Do we still need NATO?
Advantages of NATO
(arguments for NATO)
Disadvantages of NATO
(arguments against NATO)
Communism or a war could start
up again in Eastern Europe. We
will need NATO to help keep the
peace.
Communism is no longer a threat
so NATO is no longer needed. It
has done its job.
More countries now have nuclear
weapons and this could be very
dangerous. NATO can help
protect countries.
Too much money is spent on
weapons and troops for NATO.
This money could be spent on
education and health.
Growing threat of terrorism.
Countries need to work together to
help stop this.
European countries should create
their own security organisation
and not rely on the USA.
Questions
9.
Using the table above give two reasons why NATO is still needed.
10.
Using the table above give two reasons why NATO is not needed.
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Security and the EU
Some members of the EU (France and Germany) argue that we no
longer need NATO. What we need in Europe to protect our security
needs is our own military force. This is an army, navy, airforce and
police that would be based in Europe and deal with any conflicts that
happen in the EU.
These countries believe that if a military force is based in the EU it will
be able to react quickly when trouble breaks out and be able to deal
with the situation better.
Other countries, like the UK, argue that we need to stay with NATO.
This is because the USA is able to provide money and troops. Without
the support of the USA, many feel an EU force would not be as
powerful and not able to tackle problems. Also, as terrorism is such a
big threat, the UK feels that the more countries work together, the
better chance there is of stopping terrorist groups.
Questions
11.
Explain what is meant by ‘military force’.
12.
What do France and Germany say there should be in the EU?
13.
Why do they think this?
14.
Why does the UK say that the EU needs to stay with NATO?
15.
What is now a big threat?
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LIFESTYLES IN EUROPE
Lifestyles in Europe
For Access 3 Modern Studies you need to be able to compare the
lifestyles of the community in which you live in and a community in the
European Union.
Case study of a Scottish community: Livingston
Location
Livingston is situated in West Lothian. It is about 16
miles west from Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland.
Look to the South and you see the Pentland hills – a
popular place for hill walkers – and to the North there
is the River Forth.
Population
Livingston has a population of 59,511. West Lothian
has a population of 143,972.
Towns and
cities
Livingston is known as a ‘new town’. It was built up
in the 1970s to house people who worked in Edinburgh
but who wanted to live in a town not a city.
Employment
In the past large numbers of people were employed in
coal mining. The mines have now closed and only a
few people work in the open cast mines. A lot of
people in Livingston work in information technology
(IT) firms as new companies have moved into the area
in recent years. Many people are employed in the large
shopping centres and many commute into Edinburgh or
even to Glasgow.
Education
All Scottish children have to attend school between the
ages of 5 and 16; they can choose to stay on until they
are 17 or 18. Ages 5–11 go to primary school and there
are 15 in Livingston. Then children go to secondary
school and there are four in Livingston. Some parents
choose to pay to send their children to the many private
schools in Edinburgh. West Lothian College is in
Livingston, providing courses for those over 16.
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LIFESTYLES IN EUROPE
Leisure and
recreation
The most popular sport is football and Livingston has
its own football team, which currently plays in the
Scottish First Division. There are also many youth
football teams. Livingston has a swimming pool and
gym as well as a number of golf courses nearby.
Health
Livingston has St. Johns Hospital, which provides
healthcare to all those in the West Lothian area. It has
an Accident and Emergency unit, and a maternity unit.
There are also many health centres and chemists to help
meet the medical needs of the community.
Housing
Housing in Livingston is made up of both council
houses and private houses. In recent years there have
been many new housing developments built offering a
range of housing: flats, semi-detached homes and large
detached villas.
Transport
Livingston is on the M8 motorway making travel to
Livingston by car very easy. It also has two train
stations connecting Livingston to Edinburgh, Glasgow
and other smaller towns such as Bathgate. Livingston
also has a good bus service, providing transport in and
around the town as well as further away. Edinburgh
airport is only a short distance away.
Agriculture
Although there are farms around Livingston, few
people now work on them.
Problems
Unemployment was bad when the mines closed.
Recently the area suffered when Motorola and NEC
closed down. As with many Scottish communities,
many young people claim there is a lack of facilities.
There are some youth groups, skate parks, a cinema and
a bowling alley.
Shopping
Livingston has its own shopping centre – The
Almondvale – which has most of the high street stores.
Livingston has several post offices, supermarkets and
take-away outlets.
Livingston also has a designer outlet shopping centre –
McArthur Glen – offering designer labels at discounted
prices.
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LIFESTYLES IN EUROPE
Using the same headings, make a report on your local area. This report
should be presented to the class and last no more than five minutes.
You could interview your friends and family to find out about the good
and bad points of living in your areas or you could use school/local
library, tourist information office or the internet.
Suggested websites:
www.visitscotland.com
www.scotland.com
www.scotland.org
www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk
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LIFESTYLES IN EUROPE
Report template
Area
Report by
Location
Population
Towns and cities
Employment
Education
Leisure and
recreation
Health
Housing
Transport
Agriculture
Problems
Shopping
THE EUROPEAN UNION (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
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LIFESTYLES IN EUROPE
Case study of a European Community – Krakow
Location
Krakow is a town in Poland, Eastern Europe. Krakow
used to be the capital but Warsaw is now the largest
city and the capital. Krakow is Poland’s third largest
city and the river Vistula runs through it.
Population
Roughly 38,128,000 people live in Poland with
757,778 living in Krakow.
Towns and
cities
Krakow is an old city with a cathedral and the city
wall still runs around part of the city. Krakow is
close to Auschwitz, the extermination and
concentration camp built during the Second World
War. Today it is a museum in memory of those who
died and buses run trips from Krakow.
Krakow has many narrow streets and is popular with
tourists. It is fast becoming a trendy international
city with many museums, galleries and a large student
body.
Employment
The majority of people work in the service industries
(government offices, education, healthcare). Krakow
is developing as the hi-tech area of Poland. It is the
country’s highest user of internet space.
Education
All Polish children attend school between the ages of
6 and 18. There are five stages of schooling in
Poland – pre-schools, elementary schools, lower
secondary schools, upper secondary schools and
higher education. In Krakow there are 145
elementary schools, 99 lower secondary schools and
161 upper secondary schools. Krakow has its own
university and many people chose to study in higher
education. Most schools are funded by the central
government but there are a growing number of private
schools.
Leisure and
recreation
Football is the most popular sport, but, hiking,
cycling and swimming are also popular. Krakow is
also home to many theatres, parks and music halls for
pop/classical and other musical events.
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LIFESTYLES IN EUROPE
Health
The University Hospital in Krakow is one of the top
health organisations in Poland. Along with other
hospitals in Krakow it provides modern healthcare for
its residents. Healthcare in Poland is covered by
health insurance, which employers pay for their
workforce. The government pays for those who are
entitled to free services.
Transport
Krakow has good rail links with Warsaw and other
towns in Poland. It also has trains going to other
Eastern European countries. Krakow has a local bus
service for getting around the town. It also has its
own airport and flies to many European destinations.
Agriculture
Although there are many small farms around Krakow,
few people now work on them.
Shopping
Around the old town square – the largest in Europe –
there are plenty of shops selling all sorts of goods
from designer wear to tourist souvenirs. Shops tend to
be small and family run, and sell local products.
Shopping malls are now appearing in the city along
with hypermarkets including Tesco.
Using the above headings write a report on a town/city which is not in
the UK but is in the EU. You could choose the place that your own
town is twinned with or somewhere you have been. Use your
school/local library or the internet to gather information.
Suggested websites:
www.arrivalguides.com
www.europa.eu
THE EUROPEAN UNION (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
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LIFESTYLES IN EUROPE
Report template
Area
Report by
Location
Population
Towns and cities
Employment
Education
Leisure and
recreation
Health
Housing
Transport
Agriculture
Shopping
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LIFESTYLES IN EUROPE
Glossary
CAP
Common Agricultural Policy – set up to make sure
farmers do not go out of business
CFP
Common Fisheries Policy – set up to protect jobs of
fishermen
Communism
type of government that the Soviet Union had; all
farms and factories are owned by the government;
everyone is seen as equal; the country’s leaders are
chosen by the Communist Party, not by the people
Currency
another name for the money of a country, e.g.
currency of the UK is the pound
Euro
money used by 12 countries in the EU
EU
group that 27 European countries belong to
Funds
name given to money handed out by the EU
Grants
money given out by the EU that does not have to be
paid back
Government
name given to the group of people that make
decisions for a country
Global market
World-wide area for buying and selling goods
Immigrants
people who move to the EU looking for work
Labour
political party who are currently in government in
the UK
Minimum wage
lowest amount of money you can be paid in a job
Member states
name given to countries who are in the EU
NATO
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation – organisation
that looks after the security needs of 26 countries
Nuclear weapons
powerful and destructive weapons that some EU
countries have
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