EN

2022

EU and me
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EU & ME
2
If you are between 15 and 18 years old and interested
in finding out more about the European Union, then this
booklet is for you. It will tell you how the European Union –
or ‘EU’ for short – was built. It will also tell you what values
we share, who does what in the EU and how all of this is
relevant to your daily life. You will also learn about how
the EU deals with today’s big challenges, including climate
change, the digital world, tensions between regions and
COVID-19. What the EU is doing today will shape your
future tomorrow.

The European Union as we know it today has been built

over many years. It is a work in progress, and soon
your generation will start shaping its development.
So now is the time for you to form your own opinions
about the EU. This booklet and the exercises
it contains can help you do this:
europa.eu/learning-corner/eu-me_en

An online quiz accompanies this booklet. It’s a fun

way to revisit some of the issues covered: europa.eu/!tY87Hn

More materials about the EU can also be found

in all EU official languages on the Learning
Corner website: europa.eu/learning-corner/home_en

If you have any remarks or suggestions about this

publication, please send them to:
comm-publi-feedback@ec.europa.eu.

3
 CHAPTER 1 CHAPTER 2
WHAT HOW DOES
IS THE THE EU
EUROPEAN WORK?
UNION?

6 15
CONTENTS

CHAPTER 3 CHAPTER 4
HOW IS THE WHAT’S ON
EU RELEVANT THE EU’S
TO YOUR AGENDA
DAILY LIFE?

28 44
ANSWERS TO THE EXERCISES 71
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE EU 78
 SINCE ITS CREATION IN 1957, THE EU HAS GROWN FROM
6 TO 27 COUNTRIES. THESE COUNTRIES JOINED FORCES
TO BUILD A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER. WHICH COUNTRIES
ARE MEMBERS OF THE EU AND WHEN DID THEY JOIN?
IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN HOW THE EU BECAME
WHAT IT IS TODAY AND WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE.

CHAPTER 1

WHAT
IS THE
EUROPEAN
UNION?

6
EU Member States ALBANIA
ANDORRA
The European Union is a unique partnership between 27 European AUSTRIA
countries, known as Member States, or EU countries. Together they cover
BELARUS
much of the European continent. The EU is home to around 447 million
BELGIUM
people, which is around 6 % of the world’s population. Citizens of the
EU countries are also EU citizens. BOSNIA AND
HERZEGOVINA
BULGARIA
CROATIA
EXERCISE 1 CYPRUS

WHO IS A MEMBER OF THE EU? CZECHIA

DENMARK
Look at the list of flags and country names on the right. They are all European but
they don’t all belong to the European Union. Once you have identified the EU ESTONIA
countries, locate them on the map. If you need help, take a look at this website: FINLAND
europa.eu/!cW78Hk
FRANCE
GERMANY
GREECE
HUNGARY
ICELAND
IRELAND
ITALY
LATVIA
LIECHTENSTEIN
LITHUANIA
LUXEMBOURG
MALTA
MOLDOVA
MONACO
MONTENEGRO
NORTH MACEDONIA
NETHERLANDS
NORWAY
POLAND
PORTUGAL
ROMANIA
SAN MARINO
SERBIA
SLOVAKIA
SLOVENIA
N.B. The United Kingdom voted to leave the EU in a national referendum in
SPAIN
June 2016, and left in 2020.
SWEDEN
SWITZERLAND
TURKEY
UKRAINE
UNITED KINGDOM
VATICAN CITY
7
 EXERCISE 2
HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE
VARIOUS EU COUNTRIES?
Imagine you work for a national tourist board. Choose the two EU countries that you
know best and write a short text about them for tourists. For example, how many
people live in these two countries and what are their capital cities? What do they
have to offer to visitors (food, culture, language and so on)?

DID YOU KNOW?

The EU has nine regions which are located far from the European
continent. These overseas territories (also known as ‘outermost
regions’) are: French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte,
Réunion and Saint Martin (France), the Azores and Madeira (Portugal)
and the Canary Islands (Spain).

EU official languages DOBRÓ ÚTRO / BUENOS DÍAS

DOBRÉ RÁNO / GODMORGEN
The European Union has 24 official languages.
GUTEN MORGEN / TERE HOMMIKUST
Why so many? The EU would not exist KALIMERA / GOOD MORNING
without its Member States and its people.
As a democratic organisation, the EU has to
BONJOUR / DIA DUIT
communicate with the governments of the DOBRO JUTRO / BUONGIORNO
Member States and their inhabitants, companies LABAS RYTAS / LABRĪT
and public bodies in their own languages. JÓ NAPOT / L-GĦODWA T-TAJBA
Everyone living in the EU has the right to know GOEDEMORGEN / DZIEŃ DOBRY
what is being done in their name and with their
taxes, and what rules they have to follow. They BOM DIA / BUNĂ DIMINEAŢA
should also be able to participate in EU affairs DOBRÉ RÁNO / DOBRO JUTRO
without first having to learn another language. HYVÄÄ HUOMENTA / GOD MORGON

DID YOU KNOW?

You can write to the EU institutions in any of the EU’s 24 official
languages and you will receive a reply in that language.

8
UNITED IN DIVERSITY
European values
Have you ever heard the phrase ‘United in diversity’? It’s The EU is founded on six core
the EU’s motto and encapsulates what the EU’s values values that form the basis of
are all about. While each EU country has its own culture, our society:
language and traditions, they all share the same common • respect for human dignity
values which they must comply with as members of the • freedom
European Union. • democracy
One fundamental value that unites all EU countries is • equality
democracy. This means that only democratic countries • the rule of law
can be members of the EU. Other values that are • respect for human
common to all EU countries are respect for human rights, including those of
dignity, freedom, equality, the rule of law and respect for minorities.
human rights, including the rights of people belonging to
minority groups.

These values have been fought

WATCH THE VIDEO:
for over many years and have EU values explained in 1 minute
shaped the kind of society we europa.eu/!uwrcHp
live in today.
The EU’s values are set out in
the EU treaties and the Charter
of Fundamental Rights of the
European Union. These are
important legal texts that all
EU countries have approved
and must therefore respect.

The EU treaties contain the rules that guide the work of the EU. They
are amended from time to time, for example when new countries join or
when there are changes to how the EU works. The most recent treaty is the
Lisbon Treaty, which was signed in the Portuguese capital in 2007.
Find out more about the EU treaties: europa.eu/!gy77mf
The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union came into force
with the Lisbon Treaty. It set out the rights and freedoms that all people
living in the EU enjoy, such as personal, economic and social rights. To
reflect modern society, the charter includes newer fundamental rights, such
as data protection and guarantees on bioethics. It also includes specific

9
 provisions on the rights of under-18s, ensuring that children’s rights are
part of the human rights that the EU and its Member States are obliged to
comply with and protect.
Find out more about the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU:
fra.europa.eu/en/eu-charter
and the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child:
ec.europa.eu/info/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/rights-child_en

DID YOU KNOW?

The European flag
From 6 to 27 is made up of
12 golden stars in
EU countries a circle on a blue
background. It
The EU is made up of very different countries. was adopted in 1984 by the
The EU country with the largest population European Union (which was
is Germany, which has around 83 million called the European Economic
inhabitants, while the smallest, Malta, has Community at the time) and
500 000 inhabitants. In the EU, people speak now flies above buildings,
different languages which use one of three parks and monuments all over
different alphabets (Latin, Greek and Cyrillic). Europe. The number of stars
There are different traditions, cultures, foods and never changes – it is always
festivals in each country. 12. They symbolise unity,
solidarity and harmony among
the people of Europe.

10
EXERCISE 3
WHAT DO THE EU’S VALUES AND
PRINCIPLES MEAN IN PRACTICE?
Part 1. Put a cross in the correct column for each of the eight questions below.
In small groups, discuss what you think a country can or cannot do if it wants to
be part of the EU.

(A) (B)
A country …
can join the EU can’t join the EU

1. that does not have freedom of the press YES / NO YES / NO

2. that applies the death penalty YES / NO YES / NO

3. that allows its citizens to protest against the

YES / NO YES / NO
government

4. in which the parliament is elected on a regular basis YES / NO YES / NO

5. in which the army determines policy and may even

YES / NO YES / NO
intervene in internal affairs with military power

6. in which people are considered innocent until their

YES / NO YES / NO
guilt has been established by a court

7. in which there is only one party which is always in

YES / NO YES / NO
government

8. which protects minorities even when the majority is

YES / NO YES / NO
against them

Part 2. In small groups, choose two of the six EU values

listed below and discuss what they mean to you.

• Democracy,
• Human dignity,
• Freedom,
• Equality
• Rule of Law
• Respect for human rights.

11
 How did it all begin?
After two destructive world wars in the first On 9 May 1950, France’s Foreign Minister,
half of the twentieth century (1914–1918 and Robert Schuman, proposed merging European
1939–1945), people were determined that production of coal and steel. At the time, these
nothing like that should ever be allowed to were the raw materials used for war – coal as
happen again. an energy resource, and steel for weapons and
machinery. By pooling their production, no
Between 1945 and 1950, some European
one country could secretly arm itself against the
politicians, including Robert Schuman,
others. Following this proposal, the European
Konrad Adenauer, Alcide De Gasperi and
Coal and Steel Community came into being
Winston Churchill, began the process of
in 1952. It was founded by six neighbouring
creating the European Union we live in today.
countries – Belgium, France, Germany, Italy,
Their vision was to unite European countries
Luxembourg and the Netherlands – and laid the
economically and politically in order to secure
foundations for the EU we know today.
lasting peace and prosperity.

You can discover more about the people and politicians

who shaped the European Union over the years in our
EU Pioneers series here:
europa.eu/!MtRV9x

Building on the European Coal and Steel

Community
A few years later, the six founding countries decided to
extend their cooperation to other economic sectors. The
Treaty of Rome was signed in 1957, establishing the
European Economic Community, and came into force
in 1958. Its initial aim was to foster trade and further
economic integration between the participating countries.

New members membership. The first of these was Greece,

which joined in 1981. Portugal and Spain
In 1973, Denmark, Ireland and the United
followed in 1986. In 1993, the European Union
Kingdom (*) joined the European Economic
was created and Austria, Finland and Sweden
Community. A few years later, with the end of
joined 2 years later. This brought the EU’s
right-wing dictatorships in southern Europe,
membership to 15.
three countries became eligible to apply for

(*) The United Kingdom left the EU in 2020.

12
Soon after the Second World War, Europe was countries. The European neighbourhood policy
split into east and west by the ‘iron curtain’ supports the security, stability and prosperity of
as the 40-year-long Cold War began. The the countries to the immediate east and south
Berlin Wall was a symbol of this division as it of the EU. In addition, the EU’s enlargement
split the city of Berlin in two. After the fall of policy covers potential new members. Beyond
communism in 1989, the formerly communist the ‘neighbourhood’ region, the EU’s global
central and eastern European countries started relations are usually based on trade deals,
a process of democratisation and applied to join partnerships and multilateral cooperation.
the EU.
In 2004, eight countries from central and
eastern Europe joined the EU: Czechia,
Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland,
Slovakia and Slovenia. In the same year, the DID YOU KNOW?
Mediterranean islands of Cyprus and Malta
The current candidate
also became members. In 2007, Bulgaria and
countries for EU membership
Romania joined, followed by Croatia in 2013.
are: Albania, Montenegro,
The addition of new EU members has expanded North Macedonia, Serbia
the common market and helped maintain peace and Turkey. Bosnia and
and prosperity in Europe. Any new member Herzegovina and Kosovo (*)
must be prepared to sign up to the treaties and are potential candidates.
take on board the full body of EU law. It must
respect the EU’s values, such as the principles (*) This designation is without prejudice
of democracy, the rule of law and respect for to positions on status, and is in line
human rights and fundamental freedoms. with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ
Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of
Beyond its own borders, the EU also maintains independence.

strong relationships with neighbouring

13
 Nobel Peace Prize
The EU was set up to secure lasting peace among its members.
Since its establishment, violent internal conflicts and opportunities
for war to break out between Europeans have been greatly reduced.
In recognition of its work for peace, democracy and human rights
in Europe and around the world, the European Union was
awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012. It decided to donate the
EUR 930 000 prize money – plus a further EUR 930 000 from
the EU itself – to children who are denied the chance to grow up
in peace.

THE EU THROUGH THE AGES

From a continent at war to a peaceful
union, follow the EU’s journey with our
EU timeline:

europa.eu/learning-corner/
eu‑timeline/overview_en

EXERCISE 4
WHAT DOES THE EUROPEAN
UNION MEAN TO YOU?
As we have seen, the European Union’s origins date
back to the early 1950s, when it was founded by
people who had experienced the atrocities of one, or
even two, world wars. These wars resulted in tens of
millions of deaths across the continent. At the time,
the ambition to unite countries and people that had
so recently been in conflict was visionary.
By the time you and your friends were born, the
EU had already enjoyed more than 50 years of
peace and prosperity, although you may have
heard or read stories about difficult experiences in
other parts of the world during this time. As young
people, what do you think about this long-
lasting peace in Europe? Do you take it for
granted or do you sometimes worry about
the future? Is democracy alone enough
to guarantee peace? Discuss this with your
classmates.

Visit our online version

of this chapter
europa.eu/!p7xfYR

14
 YOU OFTEN HEAR IN THE NEWS THAT ‘BRUSSELS’
HAS DECIDED THIS AND THAT. BUT WHAT DOES THAT
ACTUALLY MEAN? EXACTLY WHO OR WHAT IS ‘BRUSSELS’?
THIS CHAPTER WILL PROVIDE A SHORT OVERVIEW OF THE
STRUCTURE OF THE EU. YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT THE MAIN
EU INSTITUTIONS, WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES THEY HAVE AND
WHAT THEY ARE ALLOWED TO DO. YOU WILL ALSO LEARN
HOW YOU CAN INFLUENCE THEIR WORK

CHAPTER 2

HOW DOES
THE EU
WORK?

15
 Who decides what in the EU?
When you hear discussions about politics, it is often people who are
mentioned: the prime minister of your country, for example, or an
opposition leader. This is because it is people who take decisions and shape
policies. And the same is true for the EU.
The European institutions are simply places where politicians from all
EU countries can meet to work together towards concrete results. Let’s take
a look at the institutions where most of the decisions are made.

europarl.europa.eu

The European Parliament

As the EU’s only directly elected institution, the European DID YOU KNOW?
Parliament is the collective voice of ordinary people. Members are
directly elected by European citizens every 5 years. Anyone with Young people–
EU citizenship is eligible to vote in these elections. In some EU between 15 and
countries where non-citizens can sometimes vote in sub-national 30 years old – are the
most pro-European of
elections, people who fulfil other residency conditions (such as
all the generations. In
non-citizens legally living in the country) can also vote in European 2019, over 70 % of
Parliamentary elections. them said they had a
The last European elections were held in 2019. The next ones will positive view of the EU.
be held in 2024. You have the right to vote from the age of 18 in all Source: Flash Eurobarometer 478
EU countries except Austria and Malta, where you can vote at 16,
and Greece, where you can vote when you are 17.

16
The main meetings of the European Parliament, also known as ‘plenary +18
+17
+16
sessions’, take place 12 times a year in Strasbourg, France, and up to 6
times a year in Brussels, Belgium.
The European Parliament has 705 members, also called MEPs, from all
EU countries. The number of members per country varies: more populous
countries have more members than smaller, less populous ones. Members
from across the EU with similar political views work together in political
groups just as in national parliaments, instead of forming groups according
European citizens
to their nationality. directly elect the
The European Parliament takes decisions on EU laws together with the Members of the
Council of the European Union. If the Parliament and the Council cannot European Parliament.
agree on a piece of legislation, there will be no new law. The Parliament
elects the President of the European Commission and has the right to
approve or to dismiss the whole European Commission. It also approves
the budget of the European Union.

EXERCISE 5
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
The next European Parliamentary elections will be held are eight political groups in the Parliament. Members
in 2024, and you might be eligible to vote by then. cannot belong to more than one political group at
Your representatives work with other Members of the the same time. Other members do not belong to any
European Parliament in political groups. To form a political group at all and are known as non-attached
political group, 25 members are needed, from at least members.
one quarter of the 27 EU countries. At present, there

In small groups, have a look at the map available at the following link and
see which parties from your country were successful at the last European
elections and which groups they belong to: europa.eu/!mP79pm
Here you can see how members are seated in the plenary:
europa.eu/!qp74Dm
Do you recognise some of the members from your own country?

17
 consilium.europa.eu/en/european-council

The European Council

The European Council brings together
the elected leaders of EU countries, i.e. the
heads of state or heads of government. These
leaders meet at least four times per year. Their
meetings are often referred to as ‘European summits’.
The European Council sets the EU’s main political
priorities and overall policy direction. It is chaired
by a president who is elected every 2½ years.
The European Council does not pass EU laws.
That is the job of the European Parliament
and the Council of the European Union –
don’t mix them up!

EU and national leaders

attend a European summit,
chaired by the President of
the European Council.

consilium.europa.eu/en/council-eu/
The Council of the European Union
The Council of the European Union – also known as ‘the Council’ for
short – represents the governments of the EU countries. In the Council,
ministers from all EU countries meet to discuss and take decisions on EU
policies and laws. Which ministers attend depends on the topic under
discussion. For example, if the meeting is about air pollution, then the
environment ministers will meet. If the focus is on unemployment, then
ministers responsible for employment and social affairs will attend.

18
The Council is one of the EU’s two law-making bodies. So without
the ministers from all EU countries, nothing can get done in the
European Union.
The rules of voting in the Council are decided by the EU countries.
The Council takes most of its decisions by a majority vote, and in some
cases unanimously. For the areas where the EU countries have agreed
that decisions must be taken by unanimity – for instance for taxation or
security issues – this means that all ministers must be in agreement for a
decision to be taken.
In many other areas, ministers take decisions by majority vote, for example
when passing an EU law on consumer rights, on issues such as the
economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic or on environmental
issues such as how to treat urban waste.
The presidency of the Council is held by a different EU country every
6 months. Following the Presidencies of France and Czechia in 2022,
Sweden and Spain will hold it in 2023, and Belgium and Hungary in 2024.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Council votes unanimously on:
• most common foreign and security policy issues;
• citizenship (the granting of new rights to EU citizens);
• EU membership;
• harmonisation of national legislation on indirect taxation;
• EU finances;
• certain justice and home affairs issues (e.g. family law, police
cooperation);
• harmonisation of national legislation on social security and social
protection.
Under unanimous voting, abstention does not prevent a decision from
being taken.

Find out more about the Council in this short documentary:

europa.eu/!Xm48xu

19
 EXERCISE 6
VOTING IN THE COUNCIL
In Council meetings, about 80 % of law proposals are
decided by qualified majority vote, also called a ‘double
majority’. Under qualified-majority voting, each minister
casts one vote for or against a proposal, or abstains.
As the number of people represented by each minister
varies according to the population of their country,
a ‘double majority’ is required to adopt a decision
fairly: at least 55 % of EU countries (15 out of 27)
representing at least 65 % of the total EU population
(around 447 million) must vote in favour for a law
to pass.
See here for more details: europa.eu/!fh76Jm
QUALIFIED MAJORITY
Try out the voting calculator on the Council’s website
27 Member States
to see how this system works with the exercise below: 27
Minimum ‘yes’ required for adoption:
europa.eu/!rM38Ru
55 % = 15
Imagine your class has collected money for a school trip
and you now need to agree on a destination. Someone
suggests putting the proposed destination to a vote by
qualified majority. Are you all of the same opinion or do
you need to take a qualified-majority vote? TOTAL SIMPLE
Choose someone to represent the European MAJORITY =
Commission – they have 1 minute to argue in favour
of a certain destination. Pick another student to take Population
%
charge of the Council’s voting calculator. Assign each of Minimum ‘yes’ required
your classmates the role of a minister from each of the for adoption: 65 %
27 EU countries.
use the voting calculator
Each ‘minister’ should then vote for or against the
proposed destination – or they can abstain.
Check the result on the Council’s calculator. What was
the outcome? Were you able to agree on the proposed
destination? Discuss your thoughts about this type of
voting process with the group.

20
 ec.europa.eu

The European Commission

The European Commission is made up of 27
Commissioners – one per EU country. Together
with the President of the European Commission, the
Commissioners are the EU’s executive branch, responsible
for the daily running of the EU. Their mandate lasts 5 years.
The European Commission president is nominated
by the Member States via the European Council and is
formally appointed by the European Parliament. The other
Commissioners are proposed by their country’s government
and approved by the European Parliament. Commissioners do
not represent the views of their country of origin but rather
the common interest of the EU. Each member of the
Commission is assigned responsibility for a specific
policy area by the president, such as energy, the
economy or the environment.

The European Commission is the

‘executive body’ of the EU.

Find out more about the Commission in this short

video: europa.eu/!HPrvR7

The European Commission proposes new laws

and programmes in the general interest of the EU.
Before making a proposal, the Commission seeks
the opinions of national parliaments, governments,
interest groups, experts and the general public, by
inviting them to make comments online.
For more information about how you can make
your voice heard in EU policymaking, see section:
Your voice in the EU decision-making (p.25).
The Commission’s proposals are scrutinised in
detail by the European Parliament and the Council.
These two institutions take the final decision on all
EU laws. They can amend proposals or reject them
altogether. The European Commission also manages
EU policies and the budget, and ensures that EU
countries apply EU law correctly.
21
 DID YOU KNOW?
The day-to-day work of the Commission
is carried out by its administrative staff,
experts, translators, interpreters and
assistants. Commission officials – like the
staff of other EU institutions – are recruited
via the European Personnel Selection Office
(epso.europa.eu).
These officials are citizens of the EU countries,
selected by recruitment competitions. Around
32 000 people work for the Commission. That
may sound like a lot, but it is in fact fewer
than the number of staff employed by most
large city councils in the EU.
If this sounds like a career you might
be interested in, you can apply for
an EU traineeship with any of the
EU institutions.
Find out more here: europa.eu/!tu37Kg

DID YOU KNOW?

You can visit the European
institutions!

visiting.europarl.europa.eu/en

Take a tour around the

European Parliament,
the Council,
the European Council and
the European Commission
in person or online.
consilium.europa.eu/en/contact/visits

europa.eu/!x79j4w

22
The Court of Justice of the European Union
Over the last 70 years, EU countries have drawn up many EU laws
together. The Court of Justice ensures that these laws are interpreted and
applied uniformly. If a national court is in doubt about interpreting any of
these laws, it can ask the Court of Justice for clarification. Individual EU
countries do not always apply EU laws fully. In this case, the Commission
or another EU country can bring the matter before the Court. The Court
is based in Luxembourg and consists of one judge per EU country.
For more information, see: curia.europa.eu

EXERCISE 7
WHO DOES WHAT IN THE EU?
That was a lot of information to take in! However, it is important to understand
what ‘Brussels’ really is and who is responsible for what in the EU. Take the
test below to see how much you remember. Put a cross in the box against the
institution or institutions that match the description.

Who …? European European Council of European European

Parliament Council the European Commission Court of
Union Justice
1. makes proposals for
YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO
EU laws

2. approves EU laws YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO

3. consists of (only) one

representative/member YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO
per EU country

4. is directly elected YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO

5. manages the budget YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO

6. represents the interests

YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO
of the people

7. represents the interests

of EU countries/their YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO
governments

8. represents the interest

YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO
of the EU as a whole

9. decides on
the interpretation YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO
of EU laws

10. defines the general

political direction of YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO
the EU

23
 Apart from the institutions discussed • the European Economic and Social
here, you may have heard of these Committee: eesc.europa.eu
other EU institutions and bodies: • the European Committee of For more
• the European Central Bank: the Regions: cor.europa.eu information see:
ecb.europa.eu europa.eu/!NX37Dd
• the European Investment Bank:
• the European Court of Auditors: eib.org
eca.europa.eu • the European Ombudsman:
• the European External Action ombudsman.europa.eu
Service: eeas.europa.eu • the European Data Protection
Supervisor: edps.europa.eu

EXERCISE 8
LAW-MAKING IN
THE EU
The most common procedure for
making laws in the EU is called
the ‘ordinary legislative procedure’.
With this procedure, proposals for a
new law are examined up to three
times (in so-called readings). If no
agreement can be reached, the
proposal is withdrawn.
The EU treaties specify who can pass
laws in what areas: the EU, national
governments or both. EU countries
are responsible for making their own
decisions and laws in certain areas
of national policy like industry, health
and education. In these areas, the
EU only provides support to national
governments. In areas where the EU
or national governments can act, the
EU may only take action if it can do so
more effectively.
Find out more about
EU competences:
europa.eu/!Nm66pq
The readings mainly involve three
institutions: the European Parliament,
the Council of the European Union and
the European Commission.
Please put each institution in
the correct box in the image.

24
EXERCISE 9
WHO IS WHO?
You now know a lot about the European institutions, but do you know the names
and faces of the people leading them? Do you know who is the current:
1. President of the European Parliament?
2. President of the European Council?
3. President of the European Commission?
4. High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy?

Your voice in EU decision-making

As a European citizen, you can influence EU policies
in several ways.

WATCH THE VIDEO:

How do you shape the EU institutions?
europa.eu/!gwKXmw

25
 Vote in your country
Voting for your Member of the European Parliament in Brussels and
Strasbourg makes a huge impact, as does voting for your national
government. This is because your head of state and national government
both influence the work of the EU.

Your vote
in the
European
Parliament
elections

Your vote in your

country’s general election

helps choose helps choose

the government
of your country. your representative in
the European Parliament,
who works in a political group
together with members from
other EU countries.
The head of state or Your country’s ministers for The largest group in the
government of your country education, environment, etc. European Parliament influences
is a member of take decisions the choice of President of the
the European Council. at Council meetings. European Commission.

Participate in online Debate the EU

consultations You can also have your say about what is happening in
You can make your voice heard the EU during the many debates that take place both
by taking part in online public physically and online across the EU.
consultations. Before making • EU youth dialogue: europa.eu/!J3PfDR
proposals for new EU laws, and • Together.eu: together.eu
throughout the whole decision-
making process, the European
Commission seeks the opinions
of ordinary people, as well as the
public and private sector.
Take part here:
europa.eu/!Tk33yq You can read more about how you can
get involved in EU policymaking here:
europa.eu/!nhTNBf

26
Ask the European Commission to propose a new law
which the EU is responsible, such
as the environment, agriculture or
transport. A group of at least seven
EU citizens living in seven different
EU countries can launch an initiative
and collect supporting signatures.
Once an initiative has been signed
by 1 million people, or slightly over
WATCH THE VIDEO: 0.2 % of the EU population, it
What is the European Citizens' Initiative? Take the initiative can be submitted to the European
europa.eu/!kpmXmn Commission for examination.

EU citizens can launch or support a European The first-ever European citizens’

citizens’ initiative (europa.eu/!xr67Dq). These initiative, ‘Right2Water’, gathered 1.6 million
initiatives ask the European Commission signatures. It led to a proposal for new rules on
to propose legislation on a specific issue for drinking water.

DID YOU KNOW?

The European Commission has small offices
Visit our online version
(the offices are called ‘representations’) in all EU
of this chapter
countries, with staff who speak the language(s) of
europa.eu/!vt4PG7 the country. You can talk to them or ask for written
information about the EU in your language. There
are also local information offices of the Europe
Direct network in all EU countries. You can find their
contact details at the end of this booklet.

EXERCISE 10
PRIORITIES FOR YOUR REPRESENTATIVE IN
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
1.
In small groups, make a list of
the five main topics that you
2.
would like your representative
to defend in the European
Parliament. As an example, 3.
you can read about the
Parliament’s resolution to reduce
4.
plastic bag use in Europe here:
europa.eu/!Bt79yQ.
5.

27
 AS EUROPEAN CITIZENS WE BENEFIT FROM BASIC THINGS THAT
WE OFTEN TAKE FOR GRANTED. THESE INCLUDE A REGION AT
PEACE, BEING PART OF ONE OF THE WORLD’S BIGGEST ECONOMIES
AND THE FREEDOM TO LIVE, STUDY, WORK AND TRAVEL IN
OTHER EU COUNTRIES. WE ALSO BENEFIT FROM LESS OBVIOUS
ADVANTAGES – EVERYDAY THINGS THAT MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE.
THIS CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS SOME CONCRETE EXAMPLES OF WHAT
THE EU DOES FOR ITS CITIZENS.

CHAPTER 3

HOW IS
THE EU
RELEVANT
TO YOUR
DAILY LIFE?
28
Everything that the EU does is based on In this chapter, you will find information
treaties that contain the rules for how the EU on what has already been implemented
works. These have been agreed voluntarily and and enacted by the EU (and in
democratically by all EU countries. Chapter 4 ‘What’s on the EU’s agenda’ you will
find information on what is being done to
The EU acts in those areas where the EU countries
continue this work). Here are just a few of the
have authorised it and where it makes sense to act
EU’s achievements so far.
together, like on climate change or trading across
the world.

Safe and easy travel

Travelling has temporarily become more difficult due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. However, under normal circumstances,
travelling in Europe is much easier today than it used to be.
That’s because most EU countries, and some non-EU countries,
have removed border controls between each other. This removal
of border controls is thanks to the Schengen Agreement, named
after the village in Luxembourg where it was signed by European
countries in 1985.
As a European citizen, you can travel without needing a passport
within the 26 ‘Schengen countries’: 22 EU countries (Austria,
Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,
Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and
Sweden) plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania are not currently
part of the Schengen area. When travelling to or returning from
countries that are outside the Schengen
area, you will need to present a
valid passport or ID card.

If you find yourself

in danger in any EU
country, you can call
the European Emergency
number 112, from any
DID YOU KNOW? phone, free of charge.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the
Re‑open EU website and app have provided
information on the various restrictions in
place, such as national rules on quarantine
and testing, to help you plan your journey
112
in Europe (europa.eu/!xr69Ub).
The EU digital COVID certificate became
available to all travellers in 2021. It allows
EU citizens and residents to have their
certificates issued and verified across the
EU, with no language or administrative
obstacles in another country.

29
 EXERCISE 11
FRANCE
THE SCHENGEN AREA GERMANY
Is your country part of the Schengen area? Have you or a member of your
family recently travelled to another EU country? Did you have to go through
border controls? In 2020, around 2 million Europeans commuted to another
EU country every day for work. What do you think Schengen means to them
and to the economy in those areas?
Divide yourselves up into small groups and discuss this with your classmates. LUXEMBOURG

Everyone travelling through the EU is:

• protected by a full set of passenger rights when DID YOU KNOW?
travelling by air, rail, ship, bus or coach (for When travelling to a
instance, in certain circumstances they can get country outside the
compensation if their flight is cancelled); European Union, EU
• protected when buying package holidays, meaning citizens can get help from
that the company that sold them the holiday must the consulate or embassy
deal with their complaint (for example if they end of any other EU country if
up in a substandard hotel); their home country is not
represented.
• protected if a tour operator or airline goes bust.
You can check your EU passenger rights
anytime, anywhere. Simply download the app:
europa.eu/!Fk66KJ

Health and safety

while travelling DID YOU KNOW?

If you fall ill or have an The EU, together with the countries that make it
up, is the world’s leading donor of humanitarian
accident during a visit to
aid. It provides and coordinates relief assistance
another EU country, Iceland, to people in areas hit by disasters in Europe
Liechtenstein, Norway or and around the globe. This includes assistance
Switzerland, as an EU citizen following environmental disasters such as
you have the right to receive earthquakes, floods, and forest fires. In 2021, the
public healthcare under the rescEU firefighting fleet included planes and
same conditions and at the helicopters from Croatia, France, Greece, Italy,
same cost as people in the host Spain and Sweden. The fleet was made available
country. Ask your national to other EU countries and to neighbouring
healthcare provider for your countries in the event of emergency. The
European Health Insurance rescEU medical team also acts during health
Card (europa.eu/!JH73NV) emergencies and during chemical, biological,
radiological and nuclear incidents.
before you go abroad.
For more information about rescEU:
europa.eu/!jqmtwn

30
 WATCH THE VIDEO:
European Health Insurance Card
europa.eu/!JH73NV

A common currency in
19 EU countries: the euro
Euro banknotes and coins were introduced in 12 EU
countries in 2002, and a total of 19 have now replaced
their national currencies with the euro. More than 75 %
of people in the EU – 340 million of us – use the euro
every day.
There are many advantages of using a common currency DID YOU KNOW?
in a single market where people from different countries Euro coins have a common
trade together. Consumers can compare prices more side – used for all coins no
easily at home, abroad and online. Companies can matter what euro-area country
calculate and charge customers in one currency and they were made in – that portrays
are not at risk of exchange rate fluctuations. This keeps a map of Europe. However, on the
prices stable. other side, each country has its
own design. Do you recognise the
Find out more about the euro: europa.eu/!DJ38wd symbol on this EUR 2 coin? Can
you guess where it comes
from?

EXERCISE 12
WHICH COUNTRIES ARE IN THE EURO AREA?
The table below lists all 27 EU countries. Tick the 19 countries that
use the euro as their currency.

Austria France Malta

Belgium Germany Netherlands
Bulgaria Greece Poland
Croatia Hungary Portugal
Cyprus Ireland Romania
Czechia Italy Slovakia
Denmark Latvia Slovenia
Estonia Lithuania Spain
Finland Luxembourg Sweden

31
 Study, train, work
and volunteer
Thanks to the EU, anyone can take advantage
DID YOU KNOW?
of the freedom of movement between EU
countries. On the EURES website you
can find thousands of job
Freedom of movement doesn’t just apply to announcements from across
travel and holidays. It also means you can: the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein,
• train and study anywhere in the EU under the Norway and Switzerland. It also
same conditions as nationals; helps employers find candidates
from other EU countries to
• work anywhere in the EU and benefit from fill their vacancies
the opportunities offered by an EU-wide job (ec.europa.eu/eures).
market.
Europass offers an easy-to-use
Find out more here: template for your CV along with
europa.eu/!tK96XW other tools to communicate your
skills to employers across the EU
(www.europa.eu/europass/en).

The youth guarantee scheme

Many young people do not have certain skills
and qualifications that employers are looking DID YOU KNOW?
for. Thanks to the youth guarantee scheme, the Since it was set up in 2013,
EU can help young people gain new and useful the European Alliance for
skills. This may be in the form of on-the-job Apprenticeships has made
training or individual career guidance. available over 900 000
apprenticeships.
For more information and to enrol, check with
your national contact point: europa.eu/!hD3XR9 For more information see:
europa.eu/!DG98WG
Over 24 million young people who registered
on youth guarantee schemes have received an
offer of employment, continued education,
apprenticeships or traineeships since 2014.

Younger children are also supported through the

European child guarantee, which is a programme
designed for under 18s to fight social exclusion and
poverty through education, healthcare, nutrition and
housing.
For more information, see
Chapter 4 ‘What’s on the EU’s agenda?’.

32
Erasmus+
You may have already heard
about the Erasmus+ programme.
This EU initiative helps people
to spend a period of time
abroad. It is open to young
people, students, trainees,
teachers and staff working in
education, and volunteers from WATCH THE VIDEO:
around the world. Students in What is Erasmus+?
both university and vocational europa.eu/!rFGPhX
training can get Erasmus+
financial and organisational
support for their stay in 33
countries across Europe and around the world. A European points system
ensures that grades earned abroad are credited to your studies at home.
Schools can cooperate with other schools or organisations in other EU
countries. Ask your teacher or head teacher to help you check out the
opportunities that Erasmus+ provides.
You might also opt for some on-the-job training abroad. Every year, many
young Europeans complete part of their apprenticeship in another EU
country. The Erasmus+ programme works in partnership with companies
and institutions that advertise projects for young people.

Find out more about Erasmus+ opportunities here:

erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu You can also listen to the experiences of
young people who have taken part in an Erasmus+ youth exchange:
audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-112392
And do check out the dedicated Erasmus+ app:
erasmusapp.eu

DID YOU KNOW?

Since the launch of the first Erasmus programme in 1987, more
than 10 million young people have benefited from the opportunities
it offers. 10 million more are expected to benefit from the new
Erasmus+ between 2021 and 2027. The budget is EUR 28 billion,
more than double the sum that was previously allocated to the
programme.

33
 The European Solidarity Corps
If you want to make a meaningful contribution Interested? Read more about
to society and show solidarity with your the European Solidarity Corps here:
community, then the European Solidarity Corps europa.eu/youth/solidarity_en
might be an ideal opportunity. It allows young
Find out about other opportunities
people aged 18–30 to participate in a wide range
for volunteering in the EU here: europa.eu/
of activities, either by volunteering or by taking
learning-corner/work-and-study_en
up a work placement. This could also prove to
be a stepping stone into employment for many
young people.

WATCH THE VIDEO:

European Solidarity Corps
europa.eu/!7pHQTg

DiscoverEU
Thanks to the European Union’s DiscoverEU initiative,
you could have the chance to explore Europe with a free
travel pass. If you are 18 years old and a citizen of an EU
Member State, you can apply for one of the free travel
passes and explore the EU for up to 1 month.
More information about DiscoverEU:
europa.eu/youth/discovereu_en

DID YOU KNOW?

In the first four rounds of
the DiscoverEU programme,
around 70 000 young people
received a travel pass.

34
 DID YOU KNOW?
The European Youth Portal is your gateway to everything you need
to know to flourish as a young person living in Europe. Alongside
information on EU-funded programmes like Erasmus+, the portal
also provides news and opportunities on volunteering, employment,
education, travelling, environmental issues, sports and culture.
Check it out here: europa.eu/youth/home_en

EXERCISE 13
VOLUNTEERING OR STUDYING ABROAD
Can you imagine volunteering abroad or spending part of your studies at a
university in another country? In pairs, make a list of four arguments in favour, and
four against. Which argument comes out on top? Compare your results with your
classmates and discuss them.

Arguments in favour Arguments against

35
 Free movement of goods,
DID YOU KNOW?
services and capital The Your Europe
Thanks to the EU’s single market, it is not only people who website offers you
can move around freely in the EU, but also goods, services practical help and
and capital. People, goods, services and capital are sometimes advice about life, work
and travel in other
referred to as the four ‘pillars’ of free movement in the EU.
EU countries:
Remember that ‘capital’ does not only mean ‘money’. It also includes
europa.eu/
investments and loans. This makes it easier for EU businesses to
youreurope/#en
operate in more than one country, and to compete globally. Whatever
their size, companies in the EU have access to the national markets
of all EU countries and to around 447 million potential customers.
Why does this matter? Greater competition leads to lower prices and
a wider choice of products and services for the end consumer – and
that’s you!

EXERCISE 14
WHAT DOES FREE MOVEMENT MEAN FOR
YOU IN PRACTICE?
Match the examples to the four aspects of the single market (free movement of
people, goods, services and capital) and tick the appropriate box.

Free Free Free Free

Examples movement movement movement movement
of people of goods of services of capital
1. I can buy a second-hand car abroad
and take it back home without paying YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO
customs duties.
2. I can travel anywhere I like within the EU. YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO

3. I can study in another EU country. YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO

4. My parents can have their bathroom

renovated by a tiler from another YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO
EU country.
5. My parents can send money to me,
without any extra charges, in the country YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO
where I am studying.
6. I can work in another EU country. YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO

7. I can buy goods online from another

EU country without paying customs YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO
duties.

36
Product and food safety
Throughout the EU, people benefit from high-quality and safe food and
goods. The EU has some of the highest food-safety standards in the world.
It has put in place compulsory checks throughout the agri-food chain to
ensure that plants and animals are healthy, that food and animal feed are
safe and that products are correctly labelled.
The EU has also introduced strict safety requirements for a wide range
of products, such as toys and electronic appliances. Manufacturers must
meet these requirements to sell their products in EU countries. If faulty
or dangerous products are being sold across Europe, the EU’s Rapid Alert
System makes it easy for national authorities to sound the alarm, share the
latest information with each other and keep consumers safe.

EXERCISE 15
EUROPEAN LABELS
EU laws have put strict rules in place for the labelling of food, drinks, cosmetic
products and electronic appliances. Some labels help protect consumers, while
others let them know about certain characteristics of the product. For example,
there are labels to indicate which products are organic or energy efficient. Without
proper labelling, a product will not be allowed onto the market.
Do you recognise the labels below? Where can you find them? What do they
mean?

Insert here
product
QR code

A
SUPPLIER’S NAME MODEL IDENTIFIER

A
B B
C
D C
E
F
D
G E
XYZ kWh/annum F
G
XYZ L XYZ L

XY dB
2019/2016

AB CD

Find out more about energy with this series of short videos:
europa.eu/learning-corner/eu-energy-policy_en

37
 Consumer rights Staying safe online
When you go shopping in the EU, you are Anyone who spends time online knows how easy
protected by all sorts of laws. For instance, you it is to come across inappropriate, misleading or
have a guarantee of at least 2 years for products even extremist content on the internet.
bought in the EU. This means that if your
To keep us safe, the EU code of conduct
mobile phone breaks down after a year, it will
fights illegal hate speech online by ensuring
have to be repaired or replaced free of charge,
that requests to remove racist and xenophobic
irrespective of where in the EU you originally
content are dealt with speedily. The code of
bought it.
practice on disinformation brings together
More and more of us are shopping online, and social networks and the advertising industry,
EU consumers are now better protected thanks which have agreed to a set of commitments
to EU laws that: covering everything from transparency to fake
• allow you 14 days to return goods bought at a accounts. Facebook, Microsoft, Twitter, YouTube
distance, whether online or by phone; and other online platforms now assess 90 % of
flagged content within 24 hours. The European
• prohibit hidden charges and costs online;
strategy for a better internet for children has
• ban pre-ticked boxes on websites so that you set a gold standard for the protection and
do not unintentionally pay for unwanted empowerment of younger children online.
travel insurance or car rental, for example.
Check out the map to find resources in your
country: betterinternetforkids.eu/sic
Keeping your individual data protected and
ensuring your privacy online is also a huge
Quality priority and the EU considers these part of
telecommunications your fundamental rights. The general data
protection regulation is an EU law which
Many of us use smartphones and tablets. As an helps enforce this by setting a legal framework
EU citizen, you can: for the collection and processing of personal
• benefit from a guaranteed, reasonable-quality, information from individuals who live
fixed telecoms service at an affordable price, in the EU.
regardless of where you live in the EU;
• shop around and compare prices easily, as
Are you concerned about fake news?
operators have to provide transparent, up-to-
With this toolkit and the help of your teacher,
date information on their prices and tariffs; you can discover how to spot and fight
• change your telecoms operator without disinformation and start conversations about
changing your phone number within 1 day. the important topics raised by the threat of bad
information. Among these are issues affecting
public health, democracy, and the cultural and
legal norms underpinning our societies.
DID YOU KNOW?
Thanks to EU rules, you can use your europa.eu/learning-
phone without any extra charges while corner/spot-and-fight-
travelling in the EU. Also, you won’t disinformation_en
have to miss your favourite music or
TV shows, and can stream the same
content you’ve subscribed to at home,
wherever you are in the EU.

38
Equality and human rights
A range of fundamental rights is guaranteed for However, progress starts at home. So far, the
everyone living in the EU. Respect for human EU has taken wide-ranging action against most
rights and dignity is enshrined in the treaties major forms of discrimination. For example,
and consolidated by the Charter of Fundamental action in the area of disability policy ranges from
Rights of the European Union. This prohibits laws (the EU Accessibility Act came into law in
any discrimination based on gender, sexual 2019) to initiatives promoting accessible cities
orientation, race, ethnicity, nationality, language, (the EU access city awards).
religion, age or disability.
europa.eu/!KQ76GT
The EU works hand in hand with Member
Despite such concrete steps, people continue
States to promote respect for others, enforce
to suffer discriminatory treatment, harassment
non-discrimination laws and uphold human
and abuse across Europe and the world.
rights across the EU and beyond. Human
To combat the various forms of hatred and
rights considerations are also included in the
discrimination, the EU has launched a plan to
EU’s international trade agreements with other
increase equality.
countries.
See more details in
Chapter 4 ‘What’s on the EU’s agenda?’.

Work–life balance and quality of life

The EU is committed to creating a fairer, more socially just society, and
a big part of that is ensuring a balance between our lives at work and our
lives away from work. In 2019, new EU rules came into force to improve
working life for parents and carers. The rules aim to encourage a more
equal sharing of parental leave, introduce carers’ leave and address women’s
under-representation in the labour market. When fully applied by all
EU countries, the rules should also extend the right to flexible working
arrangements to all workers.

39
 europa.eu/!tDnjbx
Protecting the environment
and fighting climate change
The EU has always been at the forefront of the fight
against climate change. It leads international agreements DID YOU KNOW?
on reducing carbon emissions and lowering global New rules banning 10
temperatures in line with the Paris Agreement. The EU single-use plastic items
has some of the world’s highest environmental standards. most commonly found
These standards protect our natural habitats, biodiversity, on Europe’s beaches
drinking water, bathing waters and air quality. The – from cotton buds
to balloon sticks and
EU’s Natura 2000 network of protected natural areas
straws – came into
has created spaces where sustainable human activity can force in July 2021.
coexist with vulnerable and rare species and habitats.

europa.eu/!vC49dj

However, the fight against

climate change has taken on a
new urgency. We now need to
step up our efforts to protect
people, ensure food security,
limit water shortages and address
the other consequences of
WATCH THE VIDEO:
extreme temperature changes. Green Deal Proposal
The EU has committed to europa.eu/!7F6NCB
a European Green Deal, an
extensive package of measures to
fight climate change, pledging to become the first climate-
neutral continent by 2050.
See more details in Chapter 4 ‘What’s on the EU’s agenda?’.

EU funding in your region

The countries and regions of the EU are not they live. However, projects supported by
just different sizes; they also have different levels EU funding have benefited them by creating
of wealth. Thousands of projects have received millions of new jobs, developing strategic
EU funding over the years. These projects have transport links, upgrading energy infrastructure,
benefited both EU countries individually and rolling out broadband, investing in research and
the EU as a whole, by creating jobs, boosting innovation and protecting cultural heritage and
economic growth and improving citizens’ quality areas of natural beauty.
of life.
People are not always aware that the EU has
financed or is financing projects close to where

40
Have a look at these websites and check out some examples of projects
that have received EU funding in your country. You will see that the EU
is much closer to your home than you might have thought:
ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/projects and
what-europe-does-for-me.eu/en/portal/1
Thanks to EU funding, you can connect to the internet
for free in libraries, parks, museums and other public
areas across Europe wherever you see this sign.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Creative Europe programme aims
to foster Europe’s cultural diversity. The
European Heritage Label, the European
Capitals of Culture and the European Heritage
Days encourage more people to discover
Europe’s shared cultural roots.
Find out more about culture and creativity in
the EU: ec.europa.eu/culture

EU investment in research
Science has the power to transform the way we accelerate the development of vaccines, invested
live. That’s why the EU is investing billions of in projects to protect biodiversity, and used the
euro in research and innovation to fight climate Galileo satellite to give us more accurate GPS
change, boost growth and jobs and tackle the systems and maps. Reflecting its importance for
other challenges we face. The EU’s key funding the EU’s future, Horizon Europe has been
programme in this area is called Horizon Europe. allocated a budget of EUR 95.5 billion for
Horizon Europe’s previous funding cycle helped 2021–2027. The focus will be on green
technologies, artificial intelligence and much
more.
Find out more about Horizon Europe:
europa.eu/!Xf47NRP
See more details about the EU budget in
Chapter 4 ‘What’s on the EU’s agenda?’

41
 EXERCISE 16
THE EU IN YOUR DAILY LIFE
Here are 10 examples of how the EU works for
you in your daily live. Pick the three that are most
important to you, compare your answers with those
of your classmates and explain the reasons for your
choices.

France

3
The Schengen Agreement has removed border
controls between most EU countries. You can
now cross most borders within the EU without

1
showing your passport.

You can travel, study, work and live in any

EU country. Free movement of people is
possible thanks to the EU’s single market.
4
When travelling in another EU country you might
fall ill or have an accident. With the European
Health Insurance Card you are entitled to any
medical treatment that cannot wait until you get
home. You will receive state-provided healthcare
abroad and pay the same fees as locals.

2
The EU has removed barriers to free trade
between its members. This means that you can
produce, sell and buy goods wherever you want
in the EU. It also means that consumers have a
larger choice of products and lower prices.
5
Air travel has become much cheaper. The EU has
broken up national monopolies and has permitted
competition in the aviation sector. More cities now have
their own airports and there are more direct flights
between them. Passenger rights have also been
strengthened.

42
 6 9 Bra
nd

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
Mod

66
el refe

kW
renc
e

h/an
nu

16
0L
m

2019/
2016
dB
38
CD

Using mobile phones and smart devices abroad has

AB

become much cheaper in recent years. EU rules have

significantly reduced the costs (by more than 90 %
since 2007) by capping prices. Roaming charges
were abolished in June 2017, which means that As a consumer you might want to ‘buy green’.
when using your phone abroad, you now pay the The EU’s energy label will help you make
same as you do at home. the right choice. Many products such as light
bulbs, washing machines, refrigerators and
televisions carry the EU energy label. This
makes it easier to identify the most energy-
efficient products, which are classified as ‘A’.

7 10
As an EU citizen, you own your data.
Organisations or companies are not allowed to
process your personal information without your
consent and you have the right to know what
information they hold about you.
You can enjoy clean bathing and drinking
water in the EU. As environmental pollution
knows no boundaries, the EU has introduced
compulsory, Europe-wide limits on air and
water pollution. EU countries must make sure

8
that these levels are complied with.

EU law protects you whenever you order or buy goods

anywhere other than in a shop. For example, if you Visit our online
sign a subscription or contract in the street or buy version of this chapter
online, you are allowed to change your mind. You have
europa.eu/!7yxdCJ
the right to cancel your order or return your
purchase within 14 days.

43
 THE EUROPEAN UNION HAS ACHIEVED A LOT SINCE ITS
FOUNDING DAYS. IT HAS DELIVERED MORE THAN HALF A
CENTURY OF PEACE, STABILITY AND PROSPERITY. IT HAS
HELPED RAISE LIVING STANDARDS. AND IT HAS LAUNCHED
THE WORLD’S LARGEST SINGLE MARKET AS WELL AS THE
EURO. SO WHAT’S NEXT? IN THIS CHAPTER, YOU WILL FIND
OUT MORE ABOUT HOW THE EU IS TACKLING TODAY’S
CHALLENGES AND WHAT THE EU’S MAIN PRIORITIES ARE FOR
THE COMING YEARS.

CHAPTER 4

WHAT’S ON
THE EU’S
AGENDA?

44
We live in challenging times. Climate change, When President of the European Commission
biodiversity loss and environmental damage Ursula von der Leyen took office in 2019,
are threatening Europe and the world. At she presented six key ambitions for Europe
the same time, new digital technologies are for the coming years. These ambitions range
transforming the way we live, work and do from leading the transition to a healthy planet
business. These new digital technologies bring and a new digital world to strengthening the
new opportunities, but also new risks. On top EU’s role as a world leader. In response to the
of this, the global COVID-19 pandemic, which global pandemic, the EU has put in place a
hit Europe in 2020, has turned our lives upside recovery plan for Europe to ensure that after
down. It has shown just how quickly the world COVID-19 it is greener, more digital and more
can be thrown into crisis, and how important resilient, and provides plenty of opportunities
it is for the EU to be ready to respond to new for young people. This recovery plan is called
challenges at the same time as dealing with NextGenerationEU. This chapter outlines what
existing ones. the EU is doing in each priority area to make
this happen.

• Promoting
• An economy our European
that works way of life.
• A European for people.
Green Deal. • A new
push for
European
democracy.
• A Europe • A stronger
fit for the Europe in the
digital age. world.

Find out more about the EU’s political

‘We cannot replace the lost time priorities at: ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/
which the pandemic has taken priorities-2019-2024_en
from young people, but we can
build something better and
fairer, for them and with them.
We have to act now, and young
people must play a central role
in this change.’

Ursula von der Leyen,

President of the European Commission,
9 May 2021, at the launch of the
Conference on the Future of Europe,
Strasbourg, France.

45
 Europe’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic
Europe is recovering from the biggest public- EU spending 2021-2027
health crisis in its history, which has also led
to an unprecedented economic slowdown. The
€1 211 billion €807 billion
coronavirus pandemic has affected us all in one
way or another. Many people suffered illness or The EU’s NextGenerationEU
bereavement, others lost jobs and income. 7-year budget Covid-19
recovery package
When the crisis hit in early 2020, the EU acted
swiftly to support healthcare systems, save lives
and keep the economy going. It also secured the
production, purchase and delivery of vaccines to
EU countries. The EU is now working towards Total
greater coordination between EU countries so
they can prepare for – and respond together to – €2 018
future health crises. billion
The EU aims to repair the economic and social
damage caused by the pandemic by investing in
projects and initiatives to make Europe healthier,
greener, more digital and better able to deal with
future challenges. To boost the recovery, the EU
is using the EU budget together with a special
recovery plan, known as NextGenerationEU.
Taken together, this will amount to just over
EUR 2 trillion (EUR 2 018 billion) to boost
Funding Europe’s recovery
the recovery. See more in the section on In 2020, EU leaders agreed the biggest-ever
‘An economy that works for people’ on page 56. package of EU financing to help rebuild after
Find out more: ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/ COVID-19 and prepare a better future for the
recovery-plan-europe_en next generation. This package is made up of the
EU’s long-term budget for 2021–2027 and the
temporary fund created to fuel Europe’s recovery
plan, known as NextGenerationEU. The bulk of
the funding from NextGenerationEU will provide
financial support to EU countries to help them
DID YOU KNOW? recover from the effects of the pandemic. The
EU countries are in charge of their money will be used to help them come out
own national health policies including of the crisis greener, more digital and more
vaccinating their own citizens against resilient. It plans to achieve this by investing
harmful diseases such as COVID-19. in areas that affect all Europeans such as faster
The EU, on the other hand, provides internet connections, clean energy and transport,
support for these efforts. For example, education and training, and making buildings
it set up a system connecting more energy-efficient.
national contact-tracing apps and
coordinated a common system of EU Find out about your country’s recovery plans:
digital certificates to enable people to europa.eu/!wYRggt
travel more easily.
For information and advice on
travelling, visit: reopen.europa.eu/en.

46
 DID YOU KNOW?
To help countries cope with the economic slowdown, the EU
has put in place a scheme – the SURE initiative – to provide
financial support for companies. In 2020 alone, this scheme
helped keep around 30 million people in the EU in work.
Find out about the SURE initiative

europa.eu/!ch64Vq

Solidarity in action
EXERCISE 17
European countries showed true solidarity by supporting
each other during the pandemic. For example, hospitals YOUR EXPERIENCE
across the EU took in patients from other countries and DURING THE
sent medical teams to help their neighbours. The EU COVID-19 PANDEMIC
also coordinated the delivery of protective equipment
What did you experience during the
to where it was needed most. The EU is committed to COVID-19 pandemic, in your school,
ensuring that safe vaccines reach all corners of the world. your city and other places? Discuss
The Commission and EU countries are leading donors in groups how people reacted in your
to COVAX, the global initiative that aims to ensure country and how the EU contributed.
equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. They are also Could anything have been done better?
supporting vaccination campaigns in partner countries.
Find out more about European solidarity in action:
europa.eu/!wR98Uj

With a little help from the EU, people across Europe –

from Italian farmers to Croatian teachers and German
small business owners – have been able to weather Find out more about the EU’s response
the coronavirus storm. to the coronavirus crisis:
Discover their stories: europa.eu/!FR96Fq europa.eu/!wNDRGT

A delivery of medical equipment

from rescEU reserve in Prague,
Czechia, 24 October 2020.

47
 A European Green Deal
Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today.
Of the 8 million species on the planet, 1 million are at risk of being lost.
Forests and oceans are being polluted and destroyed. It’s not surprising that
young people, concerned about the state of the planet they will inherit,
have led the calls for greater climate action.
The European Union has been leading global efforts to fight climate
change. It played a key role in securing the landmark global climate
agreement in Paris in 2015. The EU is now determined to become the
world’s first climate neutral continent – where we produce no more
greenhouse gases than our ecosystems can naturally absorb – by 2050.
The European Green Deal is the EU’s action plan to reach this goal and
to transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive
economy. It will mean ambitious cuts in greenhouse-gas emissions,
investing in green technologies and protecting our natural environment,
among other actions. It will also mean addressing the unavoidable
consequences of climate change.

DID YOU KNOW?

The EU’s goal of becoming climate neutral
by 2050 has been set in stone, thanks to
the first-ever European climate law. This
law also makes a legal obligation of the
EU’s intermediate target of reducing net
greenhouse gas emissions by at least europa.eu/!KtCumM
55 % by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.

48
 NEW LONG-TERM
Delivering the European Green Deal TARGET STRATEGY

Achieving the EU’s climate commitments will require action

in all areas – from industry, energy and transport to food
production, agriculture and construction. This will include
- 55 %
increasing the use of clean energy, cutting pollution, making Net-zero
our buildings more energy efficient and rolling out cleaner emission
transport along with fuels to support it. In July 2021, the
European Commission proposed a variety of measures to
set the EU on a path to reach its 2030 climate target. These
include: 2030 2050
• increasing the share of renewable energy in the EU’s energy
mix to 40 %;
• reducing emissions from buildings, road transport and
shipping by applying the emissions trading scheme to these
sectors;
• more ambitious targets for reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions
from new cars and vans;
• restoring Europe’s forests, soils, wetlands and peatlands so they can
absorb and store carbon.
The EU will provide financial support for those facing the greatest
challenges to ensure no person or region is left behind. To underline its
commitment, the EU is dedicating at least 30 % of its spending between
2021 and 2027 to climate-related initiatives.
Products sold in the EU should be designed to last longer, and to be easier
to reuse, repair and recycle. They should also incorporate as much recycled
material as possible. The new circular economy action plan, one of the
main parts of the Green Deal, aims to make sustainable products the norm
in the EU.

Find out about the

Commission’s proposal
to deliver on the
European Green
Deal:
europa.eu/!XwJXrM

49
 40% renewables in the EU’s
energy mix by 2030
Protect and restore European
At least 55% fewer deaths from
forests, plant 3 billion
air pollution by 2030
additional trees by 2030

Cleaner public transport and A fair transition, based on

more sustainable fuels European solidarity

1 million additional green jobs 1 million electric charging points

in the EU by 2030 across the EU by 2025

A modernised and
resilient EU economy

The benefits of the target to cut the greenhouse gas

emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.

EXERCISE 18
THE GREEN CHALLENGE
Is there something you can do as a class or school to contribute
to building a greener Europe? Your teacher can find inspiration for
class discussion in the ‘Green challenge’ teachers’ toolkit. Split
into small groups to discuss your ideas.
The ‘Green challenge’ teachers’ toolkit:
europa.eu/!wKxBm7

DID YOU KNOW? DID YOU KNOW?

Buildings are responsible for Energy production and use accounts for 75 %
40 % of the EU’s energy use of EU emissions. Saving energy through energy-
and 36 % of energy-related CO2 efficiency measures and the massive scale-up of
emissions. The good news is that, renewable energy will directly reduce emissions,
by 2030, 35 million buildings air pollution and dependence on fossil fuels.
in the EU could be renovated,
Find out more about energy
significantly cutting emissions and
with this series of short videos:
creating 160 000 new jobs in the
europa.eu/learning-corner/eu-energy-policy_en
construction sector.

50
 Protecting and restoring
nature
Nature is our greatest ally in the fight
against climate change and outbreak
of disease. However, the web of life
we depend on is under threat from
unsustainable human activities.
Making nature healthy again is a
central element of the European Green
Deal. The EU plans to achieve this by
expanding the network of protected
areas on land and at sea (a network
Natura 2000 areas are indicated throughout Europe.
known as Natura 2000), planting
billions of trees and encouraging
sustainable farming practices, among
other actions. It is also working to
Leading the global fight against make sure that the food we eat is
climate change healthy, affordable and produced in
an environmentally friendly way. This
Climate change is a global problem
includes reducing harmful pesticides
that cannot be solved by the EU alone.
and increasing organic farming.
The European Union is working with
other countries and regions in the world to Find out more about the EU’s
achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. 2030 biodiversity strategy:
This agreement sets the goal of keeping europa.eu/!Hw37Bu
global warming to ‘well below 2 °C’ above
temperatures seen before the Industrial
Revolution, while pursuing efforts to limit
this increase to 1.5 °C. Countries meet to DID YOU KNOW?
discuss progress towards these goals every
year at the United Nations Climate Change The EU and the EU countries are
together the biggest providers
Conference, known as the COP (Conference
of climate finance in the world.
of the Parties).
In 2019, they contributed
EUR 21.9 billion to support
developing countries in their
efforts to tackle climate change.

Visit the ‘Our planet, our future‘ website

to learn more about climate change:
europa.eu/learning-corner/our-planet-our-future_en

Find out more about the European

Green Deal at: europa.eu/!Tr74bn

51
 A Europe fit for the digital age
The COVID-19 pandemic has turbo-charged Europe’s shift to a digital
world. Digital technologies kept families and friends connected, classes
operating and businesses working. They have now become an essential
part of our lives. However, not everyone has the same access to these
technologies or the skills to fully benefit from them.
The EU aims to make the next 10 years Europe’s digital decade. It is
working to make sure that the digital transformation works for all and not
only for a few. This means, for example, ensuring everyone has high-speed
internet access and the skills necessary to benefit from the possibilities
of the digital world. At the same time, new technologies like artificial
intelligence are transforming our world by bringing many benefits but
also new concerns. The EU aims to lead the development of new global
standards to ensure that Europeans can trust what these technologies have
to offer.
The digital transition and smarter use of technologies will also be crucial in
helping the EU to become climate neutral by 2050 and achieving the goals
of the European Green Deal.

Making Europe’s digital decade a reality

In March 2021, the European Commission set out a vision for Europe’s
digital transformation by 2030, along with a series of concrete targets and
a plan to ensure these are delivered. The targets aim to achieve four main
goals: a tech-savvy continent – with a digitally skilled population and
highly skilled digital professionals; top-notch trustworthy and secure digital
infrastructures; for Europe to have a large share of digitalised businesses;
and modernised public services that respond to the needs of society. The
first-ever digital Europe programme, with a budget of EUR 7.5 billion
for 2021-2027, will provide funding for projects in important areas such
as artificial intelligence, supercomputing, cybersecurity and advanced
skills. As part of the EU’s recovery plan, EU countries must invest at least
20 % of the money they receive from the NextGenerationEU fund in digital
initiatives.

52
 Key targets for Europe’s digital
transformation by 2030 include:

SKILLS

GOVERNMENT INFRASTRUCTURES

BUSINESS

• at least 80 % of all adults to have basic digital skills;

• 20 million specialists in ICT – including more women working in
digital fields;
• gigabit connectivity for all EU households and all populated areas
covered by 5G;
• Europe to have its first quantum computer;
• three out of four companies to use cloud-computing services;
• all key public services to be available online;
• all citizens to have access to their medical e-records;
• 80 % of citizens to use digital ID.
More information about the digital targets for 2030:
europa.eu/!qg48yY

53
 Skills for the digital age
Digital know-how is essential for study and students in higher education the opportunity to
work. It is also essential to access a growing gain hands-on professional experience in digital
number of online public services – from opening fields demanded by the jobs market.
a bank account to applying to study abroad.
Discover the world of digital possibilities with this
Yet today, more than 1 in 5 young people lack
digital explorers cartoon series: europa.eu/!fPwNr6
basic digital skills. Although responsibility for
education and training lies with individual EU
countries, the EU provides support in this area.
It is supporting EU countries by investing in
programmes such as the European skills agenda
and the digital education action plan to train
Europeans and expand Europe’s talent pool.
The European Commission has a wide variety
of projects aimed at helping EU countries
to improve the level of digital skills. These
include the annual EU code week and ‘digital
opportunity’ traineeships, both of which give

Building trust in technology

DID YOU KNOW?
Artificial intelligence (AI) can help us in many
According to the 2020 ‘women in ways, for example through more accurate
digital scoreboard’, only 18 % of ICT medical diagnosis and by minimising the
specialists in the EU are women. The environmental impact of farming. However,
EU is taking action to boost women’s
some people worry that their jobs may be at
participation in the digital sector by
risk from AI, or wonder whether the technology
challenging stereotypes, promoting
education and training in digital can be trusted. To address these concerns, the
skills, and encouraging more female Commission has proposed new rules to make
entrepreneurs in the sector. sure that AI systems used in the EU are safe,
transparent, ethical, unbiased and under human
control.
europa.eu/!FD36qK

EXERCISE 19
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE – A QUESTION
OF TRUST
What are the advantages and risks associated with AI? Discuss in small groups.

54
 DID YOU KNOW?
Vega, the EU’s first world-class supercomputer, was
launched in Maribor, Slovenia, in April 2021. It can perform
an incredible 6.9 million billion calculations per second!
Named after the country’s famous mathematician Jurij Vega,
it is one of eight top-of-the-range supercomputers that will
help European researchers, industry and businesses to make
advances in many areas – from designing medicines and
new materials to fighting climate change.

DID YOU KNOW?

Keeping safe on the internet The EU-funded network of safer internet
centres helps raise awareness about
The EU has some of the strictest data-protection online safety. Each of these centres has a
and privacy rules in the world. These help youth panel, where young people provide
ensure that the online environment is safe valuable tips and advice for their peers
and fair. They also help to protect people, in based on their own experience of online
particular children, from illegal and harmful technologies.
content. However, online platforms can be
misused to spread illegal content such as
hate speech or terrorist content, or to sell
dangerous goods and counterfeit products.
The European Commission is working to
ensure that what is illegal offline is also illegal
online. It is also taking action to strengthen
europa.eu/!xy48wN
cybersecurity across the EU and to protect
its governments, citizens and businesses from
global cyber threats. As part of this work, the
EU has helped to set up a joint cyber unit to Find out more about a Europe
bring together resources and expertise available fit for the digital age at:
to the EU and the EU countries. The aim is to europa.eu/!fG74BH
effectively prevent, deter and respond to mass
cyber incidents and cyber crises.

55
 An economy that works for people
The coronavirus pandemic caused a major shock to European
economies, affecting people’s livelihoods and businesses in all
sectors. Young people, many of whom work in hard-hit sectors such
as tourism and hospitality, were particularly affected by job losses.
As well as taking action to shield businesses and workers from
the economic fallout of the pandemic, the EU has also designed
a recovery plan to get Europe back on its feet. This plan, called
NextGenerationEU, focuses not only on repairing the damage
caused by the pandemic but also, as its name suggests, on investing
in the next generation of Europeans and the long-term future of
the EU. The financing for NextGenerationEU comes on top of the
EU’s budget for 2021–2027, providing a unique opportunity for all
EU countries to speed-up the recovery and accelerate the green and
digital transitions across the EU. The total recovery package is worth
more than EUR 2 trillion.
The EU is working to strengthen the economy across all countries
and regions, with a strong focus on supporting young people. It is
also working to reduce inequalities and improve living standards for
all Europeans.

56
NextGenerationEU
The NextGenerationEU recovery fund is worth more
than EUR 800 billion. It will largely finance reforms
and investments in Member States up to 2026. The
European Commission will borrow on the capital
markets on behalf of the EU over this period. The
money raised will be distributed to EU countries to
spend on projects and initiatives. To benefit from
financial support, EU countries had to set out national MAKE IT
plans showing how they would invest the money. REAL
These had to include a specific share of their spending
on climate and digital initiatives. This will help the
EU to achieve its target of climate neutrality by 2050
and contribute to Europe’s digital transition, creating
jobs and boosting economic growth in the process.

Investing in the decades ahead with NextGenerationEU

57
 Supporting Europe’s youth
The EU is working to ensure that young people have the skills and
competences that they need for the rapidly changing world of work – in
particular those that will enable them to thrive in the green and digital
transitions. The Commission has put forward targeted initiatives to
support Member States in reducing unemployment and help young people
who are entering the job market. Through the youth employment support
initiative, the youth guarantee scheme was reinforced, and it now covers
a broader target group of young people aged 15–29. It also provides a
boost for apprenticeships, including renewing the European alliance for
apprenticeships, which now benefits better both employers and young
people, and reforms to make vocational education and training more
modern, attractive and flexible.
A new EU initiative called ALMA (Aim, Learn, Master, Achieve) will
help young people who are not in any kind of employment, education
or training find their way to the job market. It will combine support for
education, vocational training or employment in their home country with
a work placement in another EU country.
The Commission is also working to improve conditions for those in non-
standard forms of employment – such as work organised through digital
platforms – which have become increasingly prevalent among young
people.
The overall goal is for EU countries to invest at least EUR 22 billion of
EU funding on measures to support youth employment between 2021
and 2027. For example, EU resources can be used for bonuses for small
businesses to hire apprentices, start-up loans and grants for aspiring
entrepreneurs and training sessions to help young people acquire new skills
needed on the jobs market.
More information on employment support for young people: europa.eu/!xd44DP

58
Towards a fair and inclusive recovery
From the right to equal opportunities and employment support
to fair wages that provide for a decent standard of living, the
European pillar of social rights sets out 20 principles that aim to build
fair labour markets and welfare systems that work for everyone.
Delivering on these is a shared responsibility for the EU institutions,
national, regional and local authorities, social partners and civil
society.
A set of targets for the EU to reach by 2030 aims to ensure that
more Europeans have access to both the skills they need and equal
opportunities in a more digital, sustainable and inclusive economy.
Being inclusive means ensuring that the needs of all people in
society are taken into account. It also means that everyone should
have the chance to work and earn their own money. For instance,
the European Commission will work to make sure that people with
disabilities can take part in training courses and learn new skills, and
that they can get a job and be independent.
The Commission is also proposing new measures to ensure that
women and men get equal pay for equal work. These measures will
increase awareness of pay conditions within a company and give
more tools to employers and workers to tackle pay discrimination
at work.

The new European social fund plus will support people, regions and
countries in the EU facing challenges that range from recovering from
the pandemic to meeting the EU’s targets for employment, social
inclusion, education and climate (europa.eu/!djQfMd).

Find out more about the Commission’s initiatives to turn the 20 principles of
the European pillar of social rights into reality: europa.eu/!kt34bC.

59
 EXERCISE 20
YOUR PRIORITIES FOR A FAIRER AND MORE
INCLUSIVE EUROPE
Below you can find a list of areas covered in the European Pillar of Social Rights.
Choose the three areas that you consider most important, then discuss your choices
in small groups.
Education, training and lifelong learning
Gender equality
Childcare and support to children
Information about employment conditions and protection in case of dismissals
Social dialogue and involvement of workers
Work–life balance
Fair minimum wages
Healthcare
Inclusion of people with disabilities
Housing and assistance for the homeless

Find out more about the EU’s plans for an economy that works for people at:
europa.eu/!MM38Gv

60
A stronger Europe in the world
The European Union is home to around 447 million people – the world’s
third largest population after China and India – and plays an important
role on the global stage. Operating as a single market with 27 countries,
the EU is the world’s largest trading bloc. International trade deals generate
economic growth for Europe and its partners. They also help to promote
European principles and values, such as democracy, human rights, social
rights and the fight against climate change.
The EU’s relationships with the rest of the world are based on solidarity
and cooperation. Challenges like climate change, violent extremism,
trafficking and irregular migration do not respect borders, while extreme
poverty can only be tackled by working with partner countries in the
developing world.
The EU works to make the world a safer place, where people are treated
fairly and laws are respected. Its external actions are guided by the
principles that inspired its own creation and development, including peace,
democracy, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The EU is working to strengthen its partnerships with its immediate
neighbours to the east – notably the western Balkans – as well as those
further afield (for details on candidate countries for EU membership see
Chapter 1 ‘What is the European Union?’).

DID YOU KNOW?

The EU has more than 45 trade agreements in force with almost
80 partners around the world. In 2020, the EU reached a new
agreement on trade with Mexico, and its trade deal with Vietnam
entered into force.
Following the United Kingdom’s departure from the European
Union on 31 January 2020, the EU and the UK signed the
EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement on 30 December 2020.

61
 DID YOU KNOW?
More than 35 million European jobs are directly or indirectly
supported by trade with countries outside the EU.

Free and fair trade

Trade deals make it easier for countries to do business with each other
and help create more jobs, boosting economic growth. They also give
shoppers in the EU a greater choice of products from different parts of
the world, along with lower prices. In addition, they help EU companies
to compete abroad. The EU has negotiated trade agreements with many
countries in the world. Speaking with one voice, it carries considerably
more weight in international trade negotiations than any of its individual
countries would alone.
Trade policy can play an important role in combating climate change and
environmental degradation. The EU aims to make compliance with the
Paris Agreement on climate change an essential element in future trade and
investment agreements.
The EU is leading efforts to reform global trade rules to make sure they are
better able to respond to today’s challenges.

The EU–US summit in

International cooperation
June 2021 marked the
The EU works closely with its neighbours and with other countries and beginning of a renewed
international organisations, such as the United Nations and the World transatlantic partnership
Health Organization, to tackle common challenges such as COVID-19 and set a joint agenda
for cooperation
and climate change. It aims to build new alliances with countries outside
between them in the
the EU and to strengthen cooperation with multilateral and regional post‑pandemic era.
organisations.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Global Gateway is the
EU’s new strategy to improve
connections in digital, energy and
transport sectors, and strengthen
health, education and research
systems across the world. €300
billion in investments will ensure
these links are democratic,
transparent, green, safe and
smart.
Find out more:
europa.eu/!DfYv4w

62
 The EU co-finances
the business school
that enables young
Africans to become
pilots, cabin crew
or flight engineers.
President of the
European Commission
Ursula von der Leyen
visits the Ethiopian
Aviation Academy
in Addis Ababa on
27 February 2020.

The EU is building stronger and deeper cooperation with Africa. It has proposed a
series of partnerships around shared interests and values focusing on key areas
such as the green transition, digital transformation, migration and mobility.

DID YOU KNOW? DID YOU KNOW?

The EU has 140 offices, The EU, together with the countries that make it up,
known as delegations, is the world’s leading donor of humanitarian aid. It
throughout the world. Their provides and coordinates relief assistance to people in
role is similar to embassies. areas hit by disasters in Europe and around the globe.
They play a vital role in Early 2022, shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,
representing the EU and the Commission announced an additional €90 million
its citizens and building for emergency aid programmes to help civilians affected
networks and partnerships. by the war in Ukraine.

EXERCISE 21
THE EU IN THE WORLD
Here are some examples of the EU’s role on the world stage. Pick the three that
are the most important to you and explain your reasons for choosing them.
Compare your answers with those of your classmates.
The EU has led and supported peace talks around the world to stop conflicts. Find out more about
The EU stands for democracy and the rule of law throughout the world. It the EU’s work for a
has made human rights a central aspect of its relations with other countries. stronger Europe in
the world:
The EU has taken a lead in the global fight against climate change.
europa.eu/!gR8BVU
The EU promotes and financially supports equality and women’s
empowerment across the globe.
The EU and the EU countries together constitute the world’s largest donors
of development aid and humanitarian aid.

63
 Promoting our European way of life
The European Union is more than a single market for goods and services.
It is a union of people who share a set of common values. These values are
spelled out in the EU treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the
European Union, which guarantee rights to people living in the EU. These
values, including democracy and the rule of law, are the foundation of
our societies. For example, no democracy can thrive without independent
courts guaranteeing the protection of fundamental rights and civil liberties,
or without an active civil society and free media.

The European way of life is inclusive, which means no one should be left
out. Everyone living in the EU should have the opportunity to thrive,
participate and lead, regardless of differences based on sex, racial or ethnic
origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. The European
Commission is putting in place policies and actions that challenge
discrimination and the stereotypes that are all too often present in society.
Building on lessons learned from the coronavirus pandemic, the EU is
working to strengthen its response to health crises while also taking action
to improve all aspects of citizens’ health.

64
Building a union of equality
DID YOU KNOW?
The European Union has some of the most
extensive anti-discrimination legislation in the Around 87 million people in the
world. However, more still needs to be done EU have some form of disability.
to address inequalities that persist in the EU Find out how the EU plans to
and to ensure that everyone can participate in protect the rights of people with
European life. The Commission is stepping up disabilities over the next decade:
its work in all areas – from action to combat europa.eu/!My47xQ
racism and antisemitism to action to ensure that
people coming to Europe and those from ethnic
minorities are not marginalised or excluded from
society. The Commission is also continuing its
work to ensure that people with disabilities can DID YOU KNOW?
enjoy their rights and have the same chances in Almost 6 in 10 Europeans
life as everyone, and to combat discrimination think discrimination based on
against LGBTIQ people. ethnic origin or skin colour is
More information about the EU’s plans to combat widespread in their country.
all forms of discrimination: europa.eu/!rk44Jn Source:
Eurobarometer 2251

EXERCISE 22
FIGHTING DISCRIMINATION
Can you think of times where you have seen – or maybe experienced –
discrimination? What do you think can be done to fight it? Discuss this in small groups
and present your thoughts to the class.

65
 Upholding the rule of law
DID YOU KNOW?
The rule of law has a direct impact on the life of
every citizen. It is necessary for ensuring equal More than 8 in 10 citizens say
treatment before the law and the defence of that effective judicial protection
individual rights. It is also necessary to prevent by independent courts, equality
before the law and the proper
the abuse of power by public authorities and
investigation and prosecution of
for ensuring that decision-makers are held
corruption are important to them.
accountable.
Source: Eurobarometer 2235
Find out what the EU is doing to promote,
protect and enforce the rule of law in Europe:
europa.eu/!Hm38wc

A new approach to managing migration and asylum in Europe

The European Union is an area of protection refugees and the return of those with no right to
for people fleeing persecution or serious harm stay.
in their country of origin. Every year, thousands
Early 2022, shortly after Russia’s invasion of
of people come to Europe seeking international
Ukraine, the EU applied for the first time
protection or a better life. The EU is working
the temporary protection scheme for persons
together with EU countries on ways to better
fleeing the war in Ukraine, allowing them to
manage the flow of people arriving on its shores.
enjoy harmonised rights across the EU, such as
In 2020, the Commission put forward proposals
residence, housing, medical assistance, access to
to improve the migration and asylum system
education for children.
in Europe. These proposals include looking at
ways of improving cooperation with countries Find out more about EU solidarity with Ukraine:
of origin and transit, successful integration of europa.eu/!CrG9bC

europa.eu/!wt69FQ

DID YOU KNOW?

Migrants and EU citizens with a migrant background play an important role in European
society and in different sectors of our economy. The EU is working to ensure that
they can participate fully in society through action in areas such as education, jobs,
healthcare and housing.

Suaad Alshleh came to

Europe as a refugee from
Syria. She is now following
her dream of becoming a
doctor in Ireland.

WATCH THE VIDEO:

Interview with Suaad Alshleh
audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-195435

66
Protecting the health of Europeans
The EU is working to ensure that EU countries the European health union – will equip the EU
prepare and respond together to health crises to better prevent and tackle future pandemics,
and that medical supplies are available and make Europe’s health systems stronger and better
affordable. It is also working to improve protect the health of citizens.
prevention, treatment and aftercare for diseases
such as cancer. This work – which is behind europa.eu/!VT48Dt

The EU will invest more than EUR 5 billion in actions with an EU added
value to complement EU countries’ health policies under its 2021–2027
EU4Health funding programme.
Areas of actions: ec.europa.eu/health/funding/eu4health_en

Improve and foster health in the Protect people in the Union from
Union. serious cross-border threats to
health.

Improve medical products, medical

devices and crisis-relevant Strengthen health systems.
products.

Find out more about the EU4Health programme in this short video: europa.eu/!7YpYFT

DID YOU KNOW?

In 2020, 2.7 million people in the
European Union were diagnosed with
cancer and another 1.3 million people lost
their lives to it, including over 2 000 young
people.
Find out how Europe’s ‘Beating cancer’
plan aims to cut the number of deaths
from the disease and improve cancer
prevention, treatment and care:
europa.eu/!yV98ru

A nurse setting up
the machine for a
patient’s MRI scan,
Find out more about EU’s work for Liège University
promoting our European way Hospital, Belgium,
of life at: europa.eu/!uj93JY 24 January 2020.

67
 A new push for European democracy
Democracy is the foundation on which the European Union is built. In a
healthy and thriving democratic system, citizens are able to freely express
their views, choose their political leaders or become one themselves, and
have a say about their future.
Recent years have shown a resurgence of popular political engagement and
increased turnout in elections. But as in many places around the world,
democracy in the EU and in the EU countries is facing challenges. These
challenges range from rising extremism and election interference to threats
against journalists and a perceived distance between people and their
elected representatives.
The EU wants to strengthen democratic processes and encourages citizens
to get involved in shaping their future in the EU. It also strives to make its
own structures more transparent and democratic.
Find out more about how you can get involved and make your voice heard in
section ‘Your voice in the EU decision-making’ (p. 25)

Making EU democracies stronger

Individual rights and freedoms, transparency and accountability are at
the heart of the European Commission’s plan to make EU democracies
stronger. It focuses on actions to promote free and fair elections, support
free and independent media and tackle disinformation. The European
Union and the EU countries are stepping up their actions to counter efforts
by those who try to exploit crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, as
well as those who spread propaganda or hatred. One of the ways in which
they are doing this is by detecting and exposing disinformation and by
working with online platforms to limit the spread of fake news.

europa.eu/!hq63Wv

DID YOU KNOW?

73 % of female journalists globally
have experienced online violence in
the course of their work (UNESCO/
ICEF survey, 2020).

68
 Giving children a voice
Every child in Europe – and everywhere else – should enjoy the same
rights and live free from discrimination and intimidation. The first-ever
EU strategy on the rights of the child aims to ensure protection and
support to all children (young people under the age of 18), regardless of
their background, origin, social or residence status. It proposes action in
europa.eu/!jmqwcJ several areas, including those relating to children’s right to be free from
violence and to be safe online. At the same time, the EU is working to
break cycles of poverty and disadvantage across generations. The new
European child guarantee aims to make sure that children who are at risk
of poverty or social exclusion have access to healthy meals, education,
healthcare and adequate housing.
europa.eu/!hK88MU

1/5
of EU Population
are children
or young people
under 18

WATCH THE VIDEO:

The EU’s strategy on the rights of the child
More than europa.eu/!7hvXnG
10 000 children
and young people
contributed their ideas
and helped shape the
EU strategy on the
rights of the child.

DID YOU KNOW? DID YOU KNOW?

In 2019, 22.2 % of children The European Commission will set up a children’s
in the EU were living in participation platform to give children space to
households at risk of poverty become a part of the decision-making processes
or social exclusion. That’s at EU level. For example, children will be actively
nearly 18 million children involved in the implementation of the European
in need. Climate Pact and the European Green Deal.

69
 DID YOU KNOW?
In May 2021, the EU launched a debate giving people across the
EU the chance to say what kind of Europe they want to live in. The
discussions and events were organised both online and in person
in all countries. This feedback is important as it will help shape the
future of the EU.
For more information about the Conference on the Future of Europe,
see: futureu.europa.eu/?locale=en

A changing Europe
From longer life expectancy to lower birth rates, Europe’s societies are
changing. Addressing demographic changes is key to building a more
resilient, sustainable and fair European Union. For example, rural areas
across the EU are often affected by population decline, and at the same
time inhabitants are on average older than in urban areas. Rural areas
provide us with our food, homes, jobs and essential ecosystem services.
To ensure they can continue to play these essential roles, the European
Commission has set out an action plan to help rural communities and
businesses reach their full potential in the coming decades.
Take a look at what Europe will look like in the decades to come:
europa.eu/!jH37uX

EXERCISE 23
CITIZENS’ DIALOGUES
Citizens’ dialogues between Commissioners and the public take place regularly
across the EU. If you are not able to take part in one of these events, why not
organise one of your own in class? Three or four students taking the role of a
Commissioner should choose one of the topics presented in this chapter as a
starting point for the discussion. In individual study time, they can look into the
details of the chosen policy in order to prepare a 5-minute statement. In the
classroom, once the ‘Commissioner’ has delivered their short statement, hold a
15-minute question and answer session, moderated by the teacher.
Visit our online version
of this chapter
europa.eu/!D4T7Cg
Find out more about the EU’s new push for
European democracy: europa.eu/!Ck78uh

70
ANSWERS TO THE EXERCISES

CHAPTER 1 ‘WHAT IS THE EUROPEAN UNION?’

EXERCISE 1
WHO IS A MEMBER OF THE EU?

71
 EXERCISE 3
WHAT DO THE EU’S VALUES AND
PRINCIPLES MEAN IN PRACTICE?
Part 1. Put a cross in the correct column for each of the nine questions below. In
small groups, discuss what you think a country can or cannot do if it wants to be
part of the EU.

(A) (B)
A country …
can join the EU can’t join the EU

1. that does not have freedom of the press NO YES

2. that applies the death penalty NO YES

3. that allows its citizens to protest against the

YES NO
government

4. in which the parliament is elected on a regular basis YES NO

5. in which the army determines policy and may even

NO YES
intervene in internal affairs with military power

6. in which people are considered innocent until their

YES NO
guilt has been established by a court

7. in which there is only one party which is always in

NO YES
government

8. which protects minorities, even when the majority is

YES NO
against them

72
CHAPTER 2 ‘HOW DOES THE EU WORK?’

EXERCISE 7
WHO DOES WHAT IN THE EU?
Who …? European European Council of European European
Parliament Council the European Commission Court of
Union Justice
1. makes proposals for
NO NO NO YES NO
EU laws

2. approves EU laws YES NO YES NO NO

3. consists of (only) one

representative/member NO YES YES YES YES
per EU country

4. is directly elected YES NO NO NO NO

5. manages the budget NO NO NO YES NO

6. represents the interests

YES NO NO NO NO
of the people

7. represents the interests

of EU countries/their NO YES YES NO NO
governments

8. represents the interest

NO NO NO YES NO
of the EU as a whole

9. decides on
the interpretation NO NO NO NO YES
of EU laws

10. defines the general

political direction of the NO YES NO NO NO
EU

73
 EXERCISE 8
LAW-MAKING IN THE EU

74
 EXERCISE 9
WHO IS WHO?
You now know a lot about the European institutions, but do you know the names
and faces of the people leading them? Do you know who is the current:
1. President of the European Parliament (europa.eu/!9dR4kW).
2. President of the European Council (europa.eu/!wW73CM).
3. President of the European Commission (europa.eu/!Xd39kv).
4. High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security
Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission
(europa.eu/!g9kXjH).

1 2 3 4
Roberta Metsola Charles Michel Ursula von der Leyen Josep Borrell Fontelles
President of the President of the President of the European High Representative of the Union
European Parliament European Council Commission for Foreign Affairs and Security
Policy and Vice-President of the
European Commission

CHAPTER 3 ‘HOW IS THE EU RELEVANT TO YOUR

DAILY LIFE?’

EXERCISE 12
WHICH COUNTRIES ARE IN THE EURO AREA?

EURO Austria EURO France EURO Malta

EURO Belgium EURO Germany EURO Netherlands
NO Bulgaria EURO Greece NO Poland
NO Croatia NO Hungary EURO Portugal
EURO Cyprus EURO Ireland NO Romania
NO Czechia EURO Italy EURO Slovakia
NO Denmark EURO Latvia EURO Slovenia
EURO Estonia EURO Lithuania EURO Spain
EURO Finland EURO Luxembourg NO Sweden

75
 DID YOU KNOW?
(PAGE 31)
This EUR 2 coin is from Greece.
It depicts a scene from a mosaic in Sparta
(third century AD), showing Europa being
abducted by Zeus, who has taken the form of
a bull. Europa is a figure from Greek mythology
after whom Europe was named.

EXERCISE 14
WHAT DOES FREE MOVEMENT MEAN FOR
YOU IN PRACTICE?
Free Free Free Free
Examples movement movement movement movement
of people of goods of services of capital
1. I can buy a second-hand car abroad
and take it back home without paying NO YES NO NO
customs duties.
2. I can travel anywhere I like within the EU. YES NO NO NO

3. I can study in another EU country. YES NO NO NO

4. My parents can have their bathroom

renovated by a tiler from another NO NO YES NO
EU country.
5. My parents can send money to me,
without any extra charges, in the country NO NO NO YES
where I am studying.
6. I can work in another EU country. YES NO NO NO

7. I can buy goods online from another

EU country without paying customs NO YES NO NO
duties.

76
EXERCISE 15
EUROPEAN LABELS
EU laws have put strict rules in place for the labelling of food, drinks, cosmetic
products and electronic appliances. Some labels help protect consumers, while
others let them know about certain characteristics of the product. For example,
there are labels to indicate which products are organic or energy efficient. Without
proper labelling, a product will not be allowed onto the market.

Insert here
product
QR code

A
SUPPLIER’S NAME MODEL IDENTIFIER

A
B B
C
D C
E
F
D
G E The EU organic
The CE marking XYZ kWh/annum F logo tells you
is a safety label, G that the product
The EU ecolabel meets EU rules
showing that the
is awarded to XYZ L XYZ L

for the organic The three EU quality

product complies
environmentally
XY dB

with EU health, farming sector. logos indicate

2019/2016

AB CD

friendly products For processed characteristics of

safety and
and services. It products this food products derived
environmental The EU energy
is a voluntary means that at from the geographical
standards. label tells you how
scheme that was least 95 % of location in which
energy efficient an
introduced in 1980 the agricultural they are produced or
appliance is on a
by EU law. ingredients are from their traditional
scale from A to G. A
(green) is the most organic. composition or
energy efficient and production method.
G (red) is the least
energy efficient. A
brand new version
of this label was
introduced on
1 March 2021 for
certain product
categories
(fridges, freezers,
dishwashers,
washing machines
and television sets).
Other products will
follow in the coming
years.

77
 FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE EU

EU & ME online quiz

After reading this booklet,

you probably know more about
the European Union than most of
your friends and family! Test your
knowledge and challenge your friends
with the online EU & ME quiz, available
at: europa.eu/!bPtRnY
See who gets the
highest score!

78
Europa
Information about the EU, in all 24 EU official languages:
europa.eu

Learning Corner
Teaching material, games and much more about
the European Union and its activities, for teachers,
children and teenagers:
europa.eu/learning-corner/home_en

The history of the European Union

Information and videos about the history of the EU:
• the EU timeline
europa.eu/learning-corner/eu-timeline/overview_en
• the EU pioneers
europa.eu/european-union/about-eu/history_en

European Youth Portal

European and national information about education,
jobs, travel and much more for young people:
europa.eu/youth/EU_en

Your Europe
Help and advice for EU nationals and their families:
europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/index_en.htm

EU Publications
An online bookshop containing many titles, PDFs
and e-books in the 24 official languages of the EU
op.europa.eu/en/web/general-publications/publications

79
 The EU in your country
• EU information centres located throughout
Europe. You can ask your questions by freephone
(00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11) or by email, or visit a
centre near you: europa.eu/european-union/contact_en
• The European Commission representations:
ec.europa.eu/info/contact/local-offices-eu-member-
countries_en
• The European Parliament liaison offices:
europarl.europa.eu/at-your-service/en/stay-informed/
liaison-offices-in-your-country

The EU in other parts of the world

The European Union delegations: eeas.europa.eu/
headquarters/headquarters-homepage/area/geo_en

Follow the European Commission on social media

@europeancommission
instagram.com/europeancommission

European Commission
facebook.com/EuropeanCommission

#EU_Commission
twitter.com/eu_commission

EU Spotify
open.spotify.com/user/v7ra0as4ychfdatgcjt9nabh0

Did you find this publication useful? Let us know:

comm-publi-feedback@ec.europa.eu

80