2009-2009-THE EUROPEAN YEAR OF CREATIVITY AND INNOVATIONTHE EUROPEAN YEAR OF CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION

DECLARED BY EUROPEAN UNIONDECLARED BY EUROPEAN UNION

• The European Year of Creativity and Innovation aims to raise The European Year of Creativity and Innovation aims to raise awareness of the importance of creativity and innovation for awareness of the importance of creativity and innovation for personal, social and economic development; to disseminate personal, social and economic development; to disseminate good practices; to stimulate education and research, and to good practices; to stimulate education and research, and to promote policy debate on related issues. promote policy debate on related issues.

• European projects and programmes for schools in 2009 : European projects and programmes for schools in 2009 : - eTwinningeTwinning- Euro CreatorEuro Creator- Spring DaySpring Day- Elearning Europa Elearning Europa - Life Long Learning Life Long Learning

EUROPEAN UNIONEUROPEAN UNION -SHORT DESCRIPTION--SHORT DESCRIPTION-

Romania in the European Union Romania in the European Union Presentation made by Presentation made by

Teacher Teacher DUMA CORNEL LUCIANDUMA CORNEL LUCIAN- European projects- European projects 2009 2009 - -

EUROPE EUROPE

THE MAP OF EUROPETHE MAP OF EUROPEEUROPEAN UNION SIMBOLSEUROPEAN UNION SIMBOLS

BRIEF HISTORY BRIEF HISTORY MAIN OBJECTIVES MAIN OBJECTIVES POLICIES FOR PROGRES POLICIES FOR PROGRES

INSTITUTIONS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION RROMANIA INTO OMANIA INTO THETHE E EUROPEAN UROPEAN UUNIONNION

THE MAP OF EUROPETHE MAP OF EUROPE

Statele membre ale UE

Statele candidate la aderare

On On 9 May 1950, Robert Schuman 9 May 1950, Robert Schuman (the French minister) presented his proposal on the creation of an (the French minister) presented his proposal on the creation of an organised Europe, indispensable to the maintenance of peaceful relations.organised Europe, indispensable to the maintenance of peaceful relations.

This proposal, known as the "Schuman declaration", is considered to be the beginning of the creation of This proposal, known as the "Schuman declaration", is considered to be the beginning of the creation of what is now the European Union.what is now the European Union.

9 May – Europe Day9 May – Europe Day

In 1986 the European Council adopted the In 1986 the European Council adopted the FLAGFLAG that has become the emblem of the European Union. that has become the emblem of the European Union.

Against the background of blue sky, twelve golden stars form a circle, representing the union of the peoples Against the background of blue sky, twelve golden stars form a circle, representing the union of the peoples of Europe. The number of stars is fixed, twelve being the symbol of perfection and unity. of Europe. The number of stars is fixed, twelve being the symbol of perfection and unity.

The European Anthem (Ode to Joy)The European Anthem (Ode to Joy) - adapted from the final movement of Beethoven's 9th Symphony - - adapted from the final movement of Beethoven's 9th Symphony - was adopted by the Council of Europe in 1972 and has been used by the European Union since 1986. was adopted by the Council of Europe in 1972 and has been used by the European Union since 1986.

The The motto/sloganmotto/slogan of the European Union is of the European Union is “United in Diversity” “United in Diversity”

On On 1 January 20021 January 2002 – the introduction of – the introduction of the Eurothe Euro

The Euro is not the currency of all EU Member States. Two countries (Denmark and the United Kingdom) The Euro is not the currency of all EU Member States. Two countries (Denmark and the United Kingdom) agreed an ‘opt-out’ clause in the Treaty exempting them from participation, while many of the newest EU agreed an ‘opt-out’ clause in the Treaty exempting them from participation, while many of the newest EU members plus Sweden (Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and members plus Sweden (Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania) have to meet the conditions for adopting the single currency. Once they do so, they will replace Romania) have to meet the conditions for adopting the single currency. Once they do so, they will replace their national currency with the euro.their national currency with the euro.

2009 - The European Year on Creativity and Innovation2009 - The European Year on Creativity and Innovation

EUROPEAN UNION SIMBOLSEUROPEAN UNION SIMBOLS

9 MAY – EUROPE DAY9 MAY – EUROPE DAY

• On On 9 May 1950, Robert Schuman 9 May 1950, Robert Schuman (the (the French minister) presented his proposal on the French minister) presented his proposal on the creation of an organised Europe, indispensable creation of an organised Europe, indispensable to the maintenance of peaceful relations.to the maintenance of peaceful relations.

• This proposal, known as the "Schuman This proposal, known as the "Schuman declaration", is considered to be the beginning declaration", is considered to be the beginning of the creation of what is now the European of the creation of what is now the European Union.Union.

• Furthermore, 9 May coincides with Victory Furthermore, 9 May coincides with Victory Day, the end of World War II (celebrated on 8 Day, the end of World War II (celebrated on 8 May or 5 in western Europe), in the former May or 5 in western Europe), in the former Soviet UnionSoviet Union states. states.

FFLAG OF EUROPELAG OF EUROPE

• The Flag of Europe consists of a circle The Flag of Europe consists of a circle of twelve golden(yellow) stars on a of twelve golden(yellow) stars on a blue background. It is most commonly blue background. It is most commonly associated with the European Union associated with the European Union (EU), formerly the European (EU), formerly the European Communities, which adopted the flag Communities, which adopted the flag in the 1980s. However, it was first in the 1980s. However, it was first adopted by the Council of Europe adopted by the Council of Europe (CoE), which created it in 1955. (CoE), which created it in 1955.

The EUROPEAN ANTHEM (ODE TO JOY)The EUROPEAN ANTHEM (ODE TO JOY)

•The European anthem is based on the prelude to "The Ode to Joy", 4th movement of Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. Due to the large number of languages in Europe, it is an instrumental version only with the original German lyrics having no official status. The anthem was announced on 19 January 1972 by the Council of Europe after being arranged by conductor Herbert von Karajan. The anthem was launched via a major information campaign on Europe Day, 5 May 1972.• It was adopted by European Community leaders in 1985. It does not replace national anthems, but is intended to celebrate their shared values. It is played on official occasions by both the Council of Europe and the European Union.

THE THE MOTTO/SLOGANMOTTO/SLOGAN OF THE EUROPEAN UNION IS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION IS “UNITED IN DIVERSITY ”“UNITED IN DIVERSITY ”

• United in diversityUnited in diversity was adopted as the was adopted as the European Union's motto in 2000 following European Union's motto in 2000 following an unofficialprocess. It was selected from an unofficialprocess. It was selected from entries proposed by school pupils entries proposed by school pupils submitted to the website www.devise-submitted to the website www.devise-europe.org, and then accepted by the europe.org, and then accepted by the President of the EuropePresident of the Europeanan Parliament, Parliament, Nicole Fontaine. The motto was written Nicole Fontaine. The motto was written into the English-language version of the into the English-language version of the failed European Constitution, and now failed European Constitution, and now appears on official EU websitesappears on official EU websites . .

THE EUROTHE EURO• EuroThe euro is the official EuroThe euro is the official

currency of 16 out of 27 currency of 16 out of 27 member states of the member states of the European Union (EU)European Union (EU)

• The euro was introduced to world The euro was introduced to world financial markets as an accounting financial markets as an accounting currency on 1 January 1999, currency on 1 January 1999, replacing the former European replacing the former European

CurrencyCurrency Unit (ECU)Unit (ECU)

BRIEF HISTORYBRIEF HISTORY • After the end of the Second After the end of the Second WorlWorldd War, moves towards War, moves towards European integration were seen European integration were seen by many as an escape from the by many as an escape from the extreme forms of nationalismextreme forms of nationalism which had devastated the which had devastated the continent. One such attempt to continent. One such attempt to unite Europeans was the unite Europeans was the European Coal and Steel European Coal and Steel Community which, while having Community which, while having the modest aim of centralised the modest aim of centralised control of the previously national control of the previously national coal and steel industries of its coal and steel industries of its member states, was declared to member states, was declared to be "a first step in the federation be "a first step in the federation of Europe". of Europe".

• The founding members of the The founding members of the Community were Belgium, Community were Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and West GermanyNetherlands and West Germany

BRIEF HISTORYBRIEF HISTORY• The European Union was formally The European Union was formally established when the Maastricht established when the Maastricht Treaty came into force on 1 Treaty came into force on 1 November 1993,November 1993, and in 1995 and in 1995 Austria, Sweden and Finland Austria, Sweden and Finland joined the newly established EU. joined the newly established EU.

• In 2002, euro notes and coins In 2002, euro notes and coins replaced national currencies in 12 replaced national currencies in 12 of the member states. Since then, of the member states. Since then, the eurozone has increased to the eurozone has increased to encompass sixteen countries, encompass sixteen countries, with Slovakia joining the with Slovakia joining the eurozone on 1 January 2009. In eurozone on 1 January 2009. In 2004, the EU saw its biggest 2004, the EU saw its biggest enlargement to dateenlargement to date when Malta, when Malta, Cyprus, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Cyprus, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary joined the Union.joined the Union.

• On 1 January 2007, Romania and On 1 January 2007, Romania and Bulgaria became the EU's newest Bulgaria became the EU's newest members and Slovenia adopted members and Slovenia adopted the euro.the euro.

THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE EUROPEAN UNIONTHE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

• Promoting economic and social progress, Promoting economic and social progress, achieving the single market and single currency.achieving the single market and single currency.

• Affirmation of European identity on the Affirmation of European identity on the international humanitarian aid for countries, international humanitarian aid for countries, foreign policy and security policy, involvement in foreign policy and security policy, involvement in resolving international crises. resolving international crises.

• The introduction of European citizenship: The introduction of European citizenship: complements national citizenship and provides a complements national citizenship and provides a European citizen certain civil and political rights.European citizen certain civil and political rights.

• To develop an area of freedom, security and To develop an area of freedom, security and justice: the free movement of persons.justice: the free movement of persons.

• The existence and consolidation in the law: all The existence and consolidation in the law: all the legal texts adopted by the European the legal texts adopted by the European institutions together with the founding treaties. institutions together with the founding treaties.

INSTITUTIONS OF THE EUROPEAN UNIONINSTITUTIONS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

1.1. EUROPEAN PARLIAMENTEUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

2.2. CCOUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNIONOUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

3.3. EUROPEAN COMISSIONEUROPEAN COMISSION

4.4. EUROPEAN COURT OF JUSTICEEUROPEAN COURT OF JUSTICE

5.5. EUROPEAN COURT OF AUDITORSEUROPEAN COURT OF AUDITORS

1.EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT1.EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

• Represents the democratic Represents the democratic forum of the EU, the forum of the EU, the position of having to position of having to participate in the participate in the legislative process and to legislative process and to control the activity.control the activity.

• Members are elected by Members are elected by directdirect and and universal universal vote vote , , of 5 in 5 years, and meet in of 5 in 5 years, and meet in plenary sessions a week plenary sessions a week per month in Strasbourg.per month in Strasbourg.

• It It has 20 committees who has 20 committees who held working meetings in held working meetings in Brussels following the Nice Brussels following the Nice Treaty the number of Treaty the number of members was increased to members was increased to 732, of which there are 732, of which there are currently 626 members, currently 626 members, the remaining seats being the remaining seats being reserved in order to extendreserved in order to extend

2. CO2. COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNIONUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

• Council of the European Council of the European Union is a community Union is a community institution with legislative institution with legislative powers. Take the opinion powers. Take the opinion of the decision or of the decision or procedure of co-decision procedure of co-decision with it.with it.

• Aims to coordinate Aims to coordinate economic policies for the economic policies for the Union to conclude its name Union to conclude its name in international in international agreements, to approve, agreements, to approve, together with Parliament, together with Parliament, the Community budget.the Community budget.

• Also, decisions to Also, decisions to coordinating actions of coordinating actions of Member States in fields Member States in fields related to public order and related to public order and judicial cooperation in judicial cooperation in criminal matters.criminal matters.

3. 3. EUROPEAN COMMISIONEUROPEAN COMMISION• Is the main institution of the Is the main institution of the

European Union. Together European Union. Together with the Council of the with the Council of the European Parliament and European Parliament and drawn up triangle institutional drawn up triangle institutional decision at Community level. decision at Community level. Powers of the European Powers of the European Commission are: Commission are: - For control, monitoring - For control, monitoring compliance with treaties; compliance with treaties; - The initiative, entitled the - The initiative, entitled the initiative in matters of initiative in matters of Community competence Community competence - For performance, the role of - For performance, the role of government in the government in the Community; Community; - The internal representation - The internal representation as ambassadors to the EU of as ambassadors to the EU of different states present different states present letters of accreditation letters of accreditation Commission President. Commission President. - The external representation, - The external representation, as the Commission delegation as the Commission delegation has the rank of Ambassador in has the rank of Ambassador in third countries and offices in third countries and offices in the Member States of the Member States of E.U.E.U.

4. 4. EUROPEAN COURT OF JUSTICEEUROPEAN COURT OF JUSTICE

• The Court of Justice of the The Court of Justice of the European Communities, European Communities, usually called the European usually called the European Court of Justice (ECJ), is the Court of Justice (ECJ), is the highest court of the highest court of the European Union European Union ..

• It has the ultimate say on It has the ultimate say on matters of EU law in order to matters of EU law in order to ensure its equal application ensure its equal application across all EU member states. across all EU member states.

• The court was established in The court was established in 1952 and is — unlike most 1952 and is — unlike most other Union institutions — other Union institutions — based in Luxembourg. based in Luxembourg.

5. 5. THE EUROPEAN COURT OF AUDITORSTHE EUROPEAN COURT OF AUDITORS

• The European Court of The European Court of Auditors is the fifth institution Auditors is the fifth institution of the European Union (EU).of the European Union (EU).

• It was established in 1975 in It was established in 1975 in Luxembourg to audit the Luxembourg to audit the accounts of EU institutions. accounts of EU institutions.

• The Court is composed of one The Court is composed of one member from each EU member from each EU member state and its current member state and its current president (as of 2008) is Vítor president (as of 2008) is Vítor Manuel da Silva Caldeira.Manuel da Silva Caldeira.

PROCESS INTEGRATION OF ROMÂNIA PROCESS INTEGRATION OF ROMÂNIA

IN THE EUROPEAN UNIONIN THE EUROPEAN UNION • The integration of our country in the Community has been possible The integration of our country in the Community has been possible

only through the adoption of reforms in all sectors. To achieve these only through the adoption of reforms in all sectors. To achieve these reforms, the EU granted Romania and other candidate support: reforms, the EU granted Romania and other candidate support: PHARE Program (projects to adapt the legal and administrative PHARE Program (projects to adapt the legal and administrative systems), SAPARD (projects in agriculture). systems), SAPARD (projects in agriculture).

• Our country has intensified cooperation with all European Our country has intensified cooperation with all European institutions and with countries of the EU, hoping that thus easier to institutions and with countries of the EU, hoping that thus easier to pass over this transition period and to achieve the proposed goals: pass over this transition period and to achieve the proposed goals: creating a genuine democracy and economic progress is made to creating a genuine democracy and economic progress is made to them give the right to stand alongside other developed countries of them give the right to stand alongside other developed countries of our old continent. our old continent.

• In the country report in 2003, drawn up by Baron Emma Nicholson, In the country report in 2003, drawn up by Baron Emma Nicholson, stated that "Completion of the accession negotiations in late 2004 stated that "Completion of the accession negotiations in late 2004 and integration is impossible in 2007 if Romania does not solve two and integration is impossible in 2007 if Romania does not solve two problems endemic structural: the eradication of corruption and the problems endemic structural: the eradication of corruption and the implementation of the reform.implementation of the reform.

• Recommendations for the Romanian authorities relating to: the Recommendations for the Romanian authorities relating to: the corruption, the independence and functioning judiciary, press corruption, the independence and functioning judiciary, press freedom, stop abuse of police.freedom, stop abuse of police.

ROMROMÂNIA HAS SUCCEFFULLY ÂNIA HAS SUCCEFFULLY INTEGRATED IN THE BIG FAMILY OF INTEGRATED IN THE BIG FAMILY OF

EUROPEAN UNIONEUROPEAN UNION

• Romania reacted immediately by completing an action Romania reacted immediately by completing an action plan for the years before accession. By the end of 2004, the plan for the years before accession. By the end of 2004, the EU gave good signals about Romania and the Summit in EU gave good signals about Romania and the Summit in Brussels in 2004, the first of the enlarged Union, Romania has Brussels in 2004, the first of the enlarged Union, Romania has received assurances that part of the first wave of enlargement received assurances that part of the first wave of enlargement together with Bulgaria and the EU are the integration from 1 together with Bulgaria and the EU are the integration from 1 January 2007, as planned, unless the reported serious January 2007, as planned, unless the reported serious violations of the agreements reached, in which case the violations of the agreements reached, in which case the accession will be postponed by one year until 1 January 2008. accession will be postponed by one year until 1 January 2008.

• European Commission published in October 2005 a new European Commission published in October 2005 a new country report on progress made by Romania in the EU country report on progress made by Romania in the EU accession. The report states that "a serious implementation of accession. The report states that "a serious implementation of the structural reforms of their own will allow them to cope with the structural reforms of their own will allow them to cope with competitive pressure and market forces within the EU.“competitive pressure and market forces within the EU.“

• Due to the fact that Romania has followed the advice and Due to the fact that Romania has followed the advice and reforms imposed by the European Union on 1 January 2007 it reforms imposed by the European Union on 1 January 2007 it was successfully integrated within the larger European family. was successfully integrated within the larger European family.

THE EUROPEAN UNIONTHE EUROPEAN UNION