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What the EU’s values and principles mean in practice.

Discuss with your buddy what you think a country must do and should never do if it wants to be part of the EU.

Who does what in the EU? Put a cross with your buddy in the box

That was a lot of institutional background to take in! However, it is important to understand what so-called Brussels actually is and who is responsible for what in the EU. Take the test below to see how much you remember. Put a cross in the box against the institution(s) that match(es) the description.

A common currency in 19 EU countries: the euro

Euro banknotes and coins were introduced in 12 EU countries in 2002, and 19 have now replaced their national currencies with the euro. More than 340 million EU citizens, i.e. 75 % of all EU citizens, use the euro on a daily
basis. There are a number of advantages in using a common currency in a single market where people from different countries trade together. Consumers can compare prices more easily at home, abroad and online. Companies can calculate and charge customers in one currency and are not at risk of exchange rate fluctuations, and getting rid of transaction costs keeps prices stable.

DID YOU KNOW?

Euro coins have a common side that portrays a map of Europe, but on the other side each country has its own design. Do you recognise the symbol on this €2 coin? Can you guess where it comes from?

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE EURO

WHICH COUNTRIES ARE IN THE EURO AREA?

The table below lists all 27 EU countries. Tick the 19 that are in the ‘euro area’ and use the euro as their currency.

Free movement of goods, services and capital in the EU

Thanks to the EU’s single market, it is not only people who can move around freely in the EU, but also goods, services and capital. ‘Capital’ does not only mean ‘money’. It also includes investments, loans and credit, and other operations with financial institutions such as legacies and endowments. This makes it easier for EU businesses to operate in more than one country, and to compete globally. Whatever their size, companies have access to the national markets of all EU countries and to around 446 million potential customers. Why does this benefit you as well? Because greater competition leads to lower prices as well as a wider choice of products and services.

WHAT DOES FREE MOVEMENT MEAN FOR YOU IN PRACTICE?

Match the examples to the four aspects of the single market (free movement of people, goods, services and capital) and tick the appropriate box.