BE1002 Shape & size of the EU 1

The European UnionThe European Union

European Union will not be complete without the creation of a Europe-wide industrial relations system in which trade unions and employers exercise joint power and responsibility (Mr. Padraig Flynn 1999 – former European social affairs commissioner replaced by Vladimir Spidla, Czech Republic )

There needs to be an “ economic dimension” but also a “social dimension”

BE1002 Shape & size of the EU 2

Membership of the EUMembership of the EU

Why was the EU founded?Which countries were the founder (six)

members of the EU?How many members states are there at

present?Which countries were the most recent

members (2004 & 2007)Who is likely to join in the future?What is the population of the EU

compared with those of Japan, USA, Russia, India?

BE1002 Shape & size of the EU 3

BE1002 Shape & size of the EU 4

Population from March 2009

EU USA Japan0

100

200

300

400

499 million

302 million

128 million

Relative SizesRelative Sizes

500 China: 1.306 m

India: 1.103 m

Russian Fed.: 143 m

BE1002 Shape & size of the EU 5

The Institutions of the EUThe Institutions of the EU

The European Commission: the executive executive bodybody of the EU. Its main purpose being to propose measures and ensure their implementation.

Consists of a President (Jose Manuel Barroso 2004-2009, Portuguese), 2 Vice Presidents, 17 Commissioners.

BE1002 Shape & size of the EU 6

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Den Swe Fin Aus Ger Fra Bel NL Ita Ire UK Spa Por

Price level index

BE1002 Shape & size of the EU 7

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

Bel Ita Fin Den Net Lux Fra Ger Aus Swe Ire Gre Spa Por UK

Hours worked per week

BE1002 Shape & size of the EU 8

Life expectancyLife expectancy for a selection of EU for a selection of EU countries countries – (2006 statistics)

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Unemployment rateUnemployment rate

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Annual Earnings – industry & services Annual Earnings – industry & services (full-time employees in enterprises with > 10 staff)(full-time employees in enterprises with > 10 staff)

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Increase in area

82%

18%

As from May 2004!

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Population change

17%

83%

As from May 2004!

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EU Budget Revenue 2004

1%

10%

14%1%

74%

Agricult. leviesCustomsVATOtherWelfare Cont.

BE1002 Shape & size of the EU 14

EU Budget Expenditures 2004

43%

4%

4%

36%

5%

8%

CAPExternal policiesR&DStructural FundsAdministrationOther

Total budget: €115 billion = 1,1% of GDP