#European Union: A Night-Before Review 🇪🇺

Welcome! Let's get you exam-ready with a focused review of the European Union. We'll cover key concepts, challenges, and exam tips to ensure you feel confident and prepared. Let's dive in!

#🌍 From Competition to Cooperation: The Genesis of the EU

* The goal: to foster interdependence and prevent future wars by making conflict too costly. * This led to the formation of the **European Union (EU)**, a powerful political and economic bloc.

#Key Stages of Development:

1. European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) (1952):

* _Analogy:_ Think of it as the foundation of a house, the first step towards a larger structure. 2. **European Economic Community (EEC) / Common Market:** * _Analogy:_ The walls and roof of the house, building upon the foundation. 3. **European Union (EU):** * _Analogy:_ The complete house, with all its rooms and functions.

Caption: Map of the European Union, highlighting the 27 member states.

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#🏛️ Structure of the EU: How It Works

The EU has a complex structure with several key institutions:

#The Four Main Institutions:

1. European Parliament:

* _Analogy:_ The voice of the people. 2. **European Council:** * _Analogy:_ The compass guiding the EU. 3. **Council of the European Union:** * _Analogy:_ The engine of the EU, negotiating and adopting legislation. 4. **European Commission:** * _Analogy:_ The management team of the EU.

#Supporting Institutions:

1. Court of Justice of the European Union:

* _Analogy:_ The legal system of the EU. 2. **European Central Bank:** * _Analogy:_ The financial heart of the EU. 3. **European Court of Auditors:** * _Analogy:_ The financial watchdog of the EU.

* _Example:_ Trade policy is set at the EU level, not by individual member states.

#⚠️ Challenges to the EU: Navigating the 21st Century

The EU faces several significant challenges:

#📉 Euro Crisis

* Triggered by the 2007-2008 global financial crisis and exacerbated by high debt and economic imbalances. * Led to high unemployment, financial instability, and questions about the eurozone's viability. * _Example:_ Bailouts of heavily indebted countries by the European Central Bank.

#🛬 Refugee Crisis

• Caused by conflicts and instability in the Middle East and North Africa.
• Strained resources, infrastructure, and caused tensions between member states.
• Example: Establishment of a common European asylum system and refugee relocation mechanisms.

#💔 Diverging Values

* Erosion of the rule of law, independent judiciaries, and media freedom. * _Example:_ EU Article 7 procedures launched against Hungary and Poland. *

#🤨 Euroskepticism

* Driven by concerns about loss of national identity, control over domestic policy, and economic costs. * * _Example:_ The United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU (**Brexit**).

#🎯 Final Exam Focus

#High-Value Topics:

• The evolution of the EU: From ECSC to the current EU structure.
• Key EU institutions: Their roles and functions.
• Challenges to the EU: Euro crisis, refugee crisis, democratic backsliding, and Euroskepticism.
• Impact of EU policies: How they affect member states.

#Common Question Types:

• Multiple Choice: Testing your knowledge of key terms, institutions, and events.
• Short Answer: Requiring you to explain concepts and analyze challenges.
• Essay Questions: Asking you to synthesize information and develop arguments about the EU's past, present, and future.

#Last-Minute Tips:

• Time Management: Allocate time for each question and stick to your plan.
• Common Pitfalls: Avoid vague answers; be specific and use examples.
• Strategic Approach: Start with questions you know well to build confidence.
• Stay Calm: Take deep breaths and trust your preparation. You've got this! 💡

Good luck on your exam! You are well-prepared and ready to succeed. 💪