1	European Union The Future of Europe
2	The Maastricht Treaty Belgium Denmark France Germany Great Britain Greece Ireland Italy Luxembourg the Netherlands Portugal Spain The European Union was established on November 1, 1993, when the Treaty on European Union, or Maastricht Treaty, was ratified by the 12 members of the European Community (EC).
3	Terms of the Treaty Upon ratification of the treaty, the countries of the EC became members of the EU. In 1994 the EU admitted three more members—Austria, Finland, and Sweden. Under the Treaty on European Union, European citizenship was granted to citizens of each member state. Customs and immigration agreements were enhanced to allow European citizens greater freedom to live, work, and study in any of the member states, and border controls were relaxed. The EU also set a goal of establishing a single European currency by 1997; this date was later extended to 1999.
4	Organization of The European Union Decision-making in the EU is divided between the European Commission and the European Parliament. Both are administered by the European Union and individual governments of member states. Each member sends ministers to the Council of Ministers. The Court of Justice serves as the final arbiter in legal matters or disputes among EU institutions or member states.
5	European Commission Currently there are 23 commissioners, who are appointed by the member governments and are supported by a large administrative staff. The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain each appoint two commissioners; the other countries appoint one each. The European Commission is the highest administrative body in the EU. It is also responsible for the general financial management of the EU and for ensuring that member states adhere to EU decisions.
6	Council of Ministers and European Council The European Council. Summit meetings among the top leaders of the member states are called at least once every six months by the country holding the presidency of the Council of Ministers. This is a meeting of the heads of state (Presidents and Prime Ministers) of each member state. The Council of Ministers This is the main lawmaking body of the EU. It is composed of a single representative from each of the member states. The council cannot draft legislation, but it can accept, reject, or request proposals from the commission.
7	The European Parliament It must be consulted about matters relating to the EU budget. It can reject the EU budget It has the power to remove the European Commission through a vote of no confidence. It can veto the succession of new member states. The European Parliament is the only body of the EU whose members are directly elected by the citizens of its member states. The 567 seats are allotted based on the population of each member state. In 1994 Germany had the largest representation, with 99 seats.
8	Important Committees The Economic and Social Committee This is one of the most important committees. Its 189 members are appointed to four-year terms by the Council of Ministers to represent employer and employee groups, as well as other interest groups. Committee of the Regions It’s purpose to bring the EU closer to its citizens and to give regional and local authorities a voice in government. The committee has 189 members that are allocated based on the population of each country. The Court of Auditors This body is made up of 15 members, one from each EU member state. The court oversees the finances of the EU and ensures that all financial transactions are carried out according to the EU budget and laws.
9	The Court of Justice The final arbiter in all matters of EU law is the Court of Justice. The court is composed of 15 judges who are appointed to six-year terms, with at least one judge from each member country. The court ensures that other EU institutions and the member states conform with the provisions of EU treaties and legislation.
10	The European Central Bank A very powerful body that began operations in 1998. The ECB has exclusive authority for EU monetary policy. That includes Setting interest rates Regulating the money supply. The ECB played and continues to play a major role in overseeing the inauguration and consolidation of the euro as the single EU currency.
11	Front of New Euro Bills The New European Currency
12	The End