European Union

Easy to read – about the EU | European Union

Adapted from this book and these websites. 

Learning resources | Youth Hub | European Parliament

Ireland's Statutory, Independent Electoral Commission

Save the date: next European elections on 6-9 June 2024

European elections in Ireland - 7 June 2024. Irish and other EU citizens resident in Ireland and aged 18 or over can vote provided they register by 20 May 2024. www.checktheregister.ie

Voters in Ireland will elect 14 Members of the European Parliament in 2024.

What do Members of the European Parliament do? Members of the European Parliament are called MEPs. MEPs represent the 450 million people who live in the EU. MEPs look at plans for new EU laws. MEPs also change laws to make them better. MEPs and the Council of the EU decide on the EU budget. MEPs check how the EU is working. MEPs vote on trade agreements with countries outside the EU. MEPs elect the President of the European Commission.

The European Union is a group of 27 countries in Europe. These countries came together to make things better, easier and safer for people. They agreed to work together and help each other.

The idea to make the European Union came after two big wars happened in Europe. Countries in Europe saw that it is better to work together than fighting against each other.

In every country of the European Union people speak their own language. The European Union protects the right of people to communicate in their own language. That is why the European Union makes all important information and documents in all the languages that people speak in its countries.

Most countries that are part of the European Union use the same money. This money is called the ‘Euro’. Using the same money helps countries in the European Union to do business together. For example, people from Spain can buy things they want from Belgium easily and without extra costs. Using the same money makes it easier for people to travel, buy things online from other countries and have more options.

In the beginning, only 6 countries in Europe started working together: <ul><li>Belgium</li><li>France</li><li>Germany</li><li>Italy</li><li>Luxembourg</li><li>Netherlands</li></ul> Soon, more and more countries in Europe joined them and the European Union was made.

Today, 27 countries are part of the European Union. These countries are: <ul><li>Austria</li><li>Belgium</li><li>Bulgaria</li><li>Croatia</li><li>Cyprus</li><li>Czechia</li><li>Denmark</li><li>Estonia</li><li>Finland</li><li>France</li><li>Germany</li><li>Greece</li><li>Hungary</li></ul>

<ul><li>Ireland</li><li>Italy</li><li>Latvia</li><li>Lithuania</li><li>Luxembourg</li><li>Malta</li><li>Netherlands</li><li>Poland</li><li>Portugal</li><li>Romania</li><li>Slovakia</li><li>Slovenia</li><li>Spain</li><li>Sweden</li></ul>

The European Union has 3 main bodies: The&nbsp;European Commission <ul><li>The people of the European Commission suggest laws for the European Union.</li></ul> The&nbsp;European Parliament <ul><li>The people of the European Parliament are elected by all people in Europe to stand for their rights.</li></ul> The&nbsp;Council of the European Union <ul><li>People who make decisions in every country of the European Union come together and make the Council of the European Union.</li></ul>

These 3 bodies are very important for the EU. They work closely together to make things better in Europe.

<ul><li>The&nbsp;European Commission&nbsp;suggests laws.</li></ul> <ul><li>The&nbsp;European Parliament and the&nbsp;Council of the European Union discuss these laws and decide if they want these laws to happen in Europe.</li></ul> <ul><li>If they decide that a law must happen in Europe, all countries of the European Union must work to make this law happen in them.</li></ul> 	Other bodies that are important 	for the European Union are: <ul><li>The&nbsp;Court of Justice of the European Union that makes sure that all laws happen correctly in the European Union.</li></ul> <ul><li>The&nbsp;Court of Auditors that checks if the money of the European Union is spent in the right way.</li></ul>

The European Parliament Explained

What are the election constituencies?

There are 3 Electoral Constituencies. There have been some changes since the last election. The amount of MEPs per country is based on the population. Dublin 4 Seats Midlands - North - West 5 Seats South 5 Seats

European Movement Ireland European Elections Information Hub

Click on this link to find out all about the candidates running to be elected as an MEP to represent us.

After the European Union was created, there were no more wars between the countries that are part of the European Union. Thanks to the European Union, all countries in Europe work together in peace. In 2012, the European Union won a big award which is called ‘the Nobel Peace Prize’. This award was given to the European Union for its good work keeping peace in Europe.

The European Union made it easier for people to move freely from one country to another. They can live, study or work in any country of the European Union they want. For example, a person from France can choose to move to Italy and work there. Or a student from Ireland can go study in a university in Greece. Things, services and money can also move freely from one country of the European Union to another.

The countries of the European Union share some important values. For example, they work to make sure that all people are equal and their rights are respected.

All countries that are part of the European Union work together to make sure that: <ul><li>there is peace in Europe</li><li>people have good lives</li><li>things are fair for all people and nobody is left out</li><li>the languages and cultures of all people are respected</li><li>there is a strong European economy</li><li>countries use the same coin to do business together.</li></ul>

The flag of the European Union is blue and has a circle of gold stars on it. It is a symbol that shows that the countries of the European Union are united and stand by each other.

Can you name all of the countries in the EU? 

What Has the EU ever done for us? - ED Blanchardstown & Hartstown CS

What has the EU ever done for us? ED Blanchardstown and Hartstown CS

See how many you get before you turn the page!

Name

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