The European Union (EU) has developed since its inception after World War II and has become a major global player. However, the EU experienced a split due to Brexit.
Here are some facts about the European Union.
Number two
The bloc of 27 countries with a total population of 450 million people is the second largest economy in the world. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the European Union has a total gross domestic product (GDP) of around US$19.3 trillion.
This puts the European Union behind the United States (GDP US$28 trillion) and ahead of China (US$18.6 trillion). Several other institutions, for example the World Bank, rank the EU third after China.
When dividing each GDP by population or accounting for exchange rate fluctuations, the ranking becomes more open to debate.
Who’s the boss?
The EU has three presidents who lead its main institutions. Currently they are Ursula von der Leyen from the European Commission, Charles Michel from the European Council, and Roberta Metsola from the European Parliament.
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There is no doubt that von der Leyen has become the most globally recognized figure representing the bloc. But there are also other constellations of presidents circulating in bodies such as the European Central Bank, the European Court of Justice and the European Court of Auditors.
To liven things up a bit, there is also an EU presidency which is filled in rotation by each member country for a six-month period. Ministers from the EU presidency chair many meetings in Brussels and influence the agenda.
Stars and symbols
With 27 member states, you’d think the EU flag would have 27 stars, right? Just like the 50 stars on the US flag representing the 50 US states?
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It is not like that. The EU flag has only 12 stars in a circle on a blue field.
The reason is, this design has been around since 1955 and is taken from the same flag of the Council of Europe. This non-EU institution is the main human rights organization in Europe and has 46 member states.
Officially, the EU flag symbolizes European identity and unity. The circle of stars is a symbol of unity.
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What is less mentioned is that one of the designers, Arsene Heitz, once explained that the astral circle was inspired by the starry crown seen above the icon of the Christian figure of the Blessed Virgin Mary. But the European Council stated that this was just a coincidence.
An additional thing to note is that the official EU song is Ode to Joy, by Beethoven. This was also borrowed from the Council of Europe.
But in practice, perhaps the most powerful symbol of the EU is the euro. Despite this, the single currency is only used by 20 of the 27 EU countries.
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What is the capital of the European Union?
This is a trick question. There is not technically a single capital of the European Union.
De facto, Brussels is the capital of the bloc as it hosts the European Commission, the European Council and the European Parliament complex. Under EU treaties, the official seat of the European Parliament is France. The exact location is in the border area with Germany, namely the city of Strasbourg, as a tribute to post-war reconciliation.
Many EU lawmakers have complained about the cost of train, plane and road trips from Brussels. This almost monthly trip is necessary to attend the week-long parliamentary plenary session in Strasbourg. France insists that the wording of the agreement remains in effect.
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Much EU business is also conducted in Luxembourg, the seat of the European Court of Justice. The various EU institutions are deliberately spread across its member countries.
Makes life easier
The EU boasts a list of achievements that have made life easier for residents and businesses in the bloc such as a common currency, air and rail passenger rights, passport-free travel, mobile phones roaming like at home, international protection for geographically specific traditional products such as Champagne , and increased online privacy.
However, many decisions that must be taken must go through a long negotiation process, between member countries and between these countries and the European Parliament. There are several key areas that give veto rights to each of the 27 countries, such as EU membership, citizenship, EU finances, as well as aspects of common foreign and defense policy and taxation.
Other issues can be decided through weighted majority voting across countries. However, as it looks to expand its territory in the future, the EU has an assessment of the 10 countries it wants to eventually join, including Ukraine and Turkey.
Many member states are now recognizing the need for simplified processes. But some smaller countries are particularly reluctant to see their voices undermined. Therefore, this will be one of the important questions that the next European Parliament, European Council and European Commission should focus on. (AFP/Z-2)
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