Fun Facts about the European Union

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The European Union (EU) is a major political, economic, and military endeavor on the world stage. Established in 1993, the EU is comprised of 28 different nations, covering more than 4.2 million square kilometers, and with a population of over 500 million citizens. For more than two decades, the EU has served as an important intersection for commerce, travel, and culture not just within Europe, but around the world. Here are twelve fun facts about the European Union that you may not have known.

  1. The Member Nations of the EU

The EU has 28 members that make up the union, with the most recent additions being Croatia in 2013, and Bulgaria and Romania in 2007. The countries of the EU are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

  1. The Official Languages of the EU

The official languages of the EU are 24 in total. These are Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, and Swedish.

  1. The Largest Country of the EU

Though Germany has the largest population of any EU country, France is the largest by land area. It covers an area of 643,801 square kilometers, making it the largest member state of the EU.

  1. The Capital Cities of the EU

The capital cities of each member state are important hubs of culture, politics, and international diplomacy. There are 28 different capital cities in the EU, including London (UK), Paris (France), Berlin (Germany), Madrid (Spain), Rome (Italy), and more.

  1. The European Flag

The European Flag is one of the most iconic symbols of the EU, and is made up of a circle of 12 gold stars against a blue background. This flag can be seen throughout the EU, whether in official ceremonies or simply as a show of national pride.

  1. The Schengen Area

One of the most important achievements of the EU is the Schengen Agreement, established in 1995. This agreement provides for open borders between the member states, allowing people to travel freely throughout the EU and eliminating the need for passports and border controls.

  1. The European Central Bank

The European Central Bank (ECB) is the central bank of the eurozone, which is made up of 19 of the EU member states. The ECB was established in 1998 and is one of the most powerful financial institutions in the world.

  1. The Euro

The euro is the official currency of the eurozone, and is used by 19 of the 28 member countries of the EU. It was adopted by these countries in 1999, after three years of preparation and deliberation by the European Council.

  1. The Symbols of the EU

The EU has several important symbols, from the flag to its anthem. For example, the anthem of the EU is “Ode to Joy” by Ludwig van Beethoven. This anthem is used in official ceremonies and serves as a vital symbol of European Unity.

  1. The European Parliament

The European Parliament is made up of 751 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), who are elected by citizens of the EU every five years. It serves as the legislative arm of the EU, and is responsible for creating and passing laws and budgets.

  1. The European Union and the United Nations

The EU is an active participant in international organizations, such as the United Nations (UN). The EU was granted a seat and voting rights in the General Assembly of the UN in 1974, and has since become a permanent observer in the UN Security Council.

  1. EU’s Contributions to Global Development

The EU is a major player in global development and international cooperation. Through its programs, the EU has invested more than €3 trillion in development initiatives across the world. From helping to fight poverty, to funding scientific research and development, the EU works to promote global understanding and peace.

The European Union is an incredibly important political, economic, and cultural entity that spans the entire continent of Europe. From its 28 members to its unique symbols, there is no shortage of interesting facts about the EU. Whether you are a student of European history or just curious about this amazing endeavor, it’s worthwhile to learn the facts about the EU, its achievements, and its contributions to the modern world.

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