The EU started at first as the EEC the European Economic Community.
First aim was to create a common market by abolishing all tariffs between member countries and putting a common external common tariff on all imported goods.
- In 1991 it was decided to replace national currencies with the euro. Only 11 countries joined the euro zone.
- Second change is to increase the membership of the European. Many invites have been made.
- The EU has great impact on business and many other aspects of life since the UK joined in 1973.
- Britain's trade with EU countries has increased from 40% to 56%.
- The EU has strict control over British farming which was shown in 1996 when the EU banned all exports of British beefs because of the mad cow disease.
- The EU tells each country how much fish it should have.
- The EU has introduced a wide range of laws to protect the environment.
Enlargement of the European Union (animation) Euro...
european union stars
Animated map of European Union, enlargements up to...- The EU guarantees workers a minimum wage, a maximum working week of 48 hours and a minimum annual holiday of four weeks.
- VAT is imposed on all EU countries with a minimum of 15%.