Purpose of the European Union And the relationship of its members SS6CG5b. Describe the purpose of the European Union and the relationship between member nations European Union (EU) • Has 27 members • Purpose: work together to improve – Trade – Education – Farming – Industry Benefits • When small countries combine, they have – More people – Larger economy EU U.S. Land area 1,500,000 3,700,000 Population 500,000,000 305,000,000 GDP $14 trillion $13.5 trillion Results • Euro – currency ($$$) of the EU (makes trade between countries easier) • No taxes on goods traded between EU countries (Free-trade zone) • Citizens can move from 1 EU country to another, live and work in any EU country, and even vote in another EU country. CRCT Test Prep • Read p. 142 – 143. • Answer questions # 368-371 Summary In your learning log (p. 9) answer this question: Why do countries want to be part of the EU?