European Union countries came together as a result of the integration process in Europe, which began after the Second World War.This structure was to help rebuild Europe and to promote the peaceful coexistence of the peoples living in it.For the first time the concept was voiced Winston Churchill in 1946.After that, it took nearly 50 years for the idea to become a reality, and in 1992 was approved the creation of the European Union.
Today, EU countries have common institutions that have part of their sovereign powers.This allows, without violating the principles of democracy, decision-making at the European level on certain issues affecting the mutual interests of all States Parties.EU countries have a common currency and a common market allowing the free movement of people, services, capital and goods.The entire territory of member states of the Union, known as the Schengen area.Thus, the Schengen countries provide their citizens as well as citizens of the several states applying for EU membership, the ability to move freely on the territory without the need for additional processing of visas.
Because all EU countries are equal members of the organization, the official and working languages of the European Union are the languages of all member countries.Since several States have the same language, only the Union received 21 official language.
decision to create a single currency was adopted in 1992.And in 2002, the EU finally began to use the single currency, which replaced the national currency of each participating State.
European Union has its own official symbols: the flag and the anthem.The flag represents the image of the twelve gold stars arranged in a circle on a blue background.The number 12 has nothing to do with the number of participating countries, and represents absolute perfection.The circle is a symbol of the union of states.Blue background reflects the idea of the peaceful sky over the head of all European nations.
Regarding the national anthem, then it was based on the music of the Ninth Symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven, which he wrote in 1823 - namely, the "Ode to Joy."This composition reflects the idea of union and brotherhood of nations, which enjoy and fully supports the great composer.Thus, today in the universal language of music without words European anthem conveys to the listener the ideals of freedom, peace and solidarity, which are fundamental for the whole of Europe.
Member States
At the root of the establishment of the European Union were the following states: Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.Later joined the organization, and other countries: United Kingdom, Denmark, Ireland, Greece, Portugal, Spain, Austria, Sweden, Finland.In 2004, a number of states joined the EU: Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Malta, Slovenia, Slovakia and Hungary.In 2007, the number of countries participating replenished Bulgaria and Romania.In 2012, the first among the countries of the former Yugoslavia, Croatia joined the EU.Also today, several States have the status of candidate for membership in this organization.
