A political and economic union of 27 member states (excluding the UK) that are located primarily in Europe
The EU has a combined area of 4.233 million km² and an estimated total population (2021) of about 447 million
The EU has developed an internalsinglemarket through a standardised system of laws that apply in member states which have accepted these
In June 2016 the United Kingdom decided to stop being part of the EuropeanUnion. So from 31 January 2020, the United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union
The 27EUcountries
Austria
Bulgaria
Cyprus
Denmark
Finland
Germany
Hungary
Latvia
Malta
Poland
Romania
Slovenia
Croatia
Czechia
Estonia
France
Greece
Ireland
Lithuania
Netherlands
Portugal
Slovakia
Spain
Malta
Sweden
The simplified goals of the EU are: to ensure peace, good lives for people, fairness for all, respect for languages and cultures, and a strongeconomy with a commoncurrency
After the EU was created, there were no more wars between the countries that are part of the EU. In 2012, the EU won the Nobel Peace Prize for its good work in keeping peace in Europe
Values of the EU
justice
tolerance
inclusion
solidarity
non-discrimination
There are three main EU institutions: The Council of the European Union, The European Parliament, and The European Commission
European Council
The major institution in the EU responsible for decision making, with each EU member state leading the council for a period of 6 months
European Parliament
The citizens of each EU country are represented, with elections taking place every 5 years
European Commission
This entity has commissioners which are appointed for a period of 5 years, chosen from different member countries, and is politically independent from the Council and Parliament
Helena Dalli is Malta's current Commissioner for Equality
Schengen visa
A short stay visa allowing its holder to circulate in the Schengen area, which covers 26 countries without border controls between them
Malta joined the EU in 2004 and the Eurozone in 2008
Malta has been a member of the European Union since May 2004.
The population of Malta is around 450,000 people.
Malta is the smallest member state, with an area of only 316 km2.
On January 1st, 2008, Malta adopted the euro as its official currency, becoming the eighteenth member state to do so.
Malta is one of the most densely populated states within the EU.
Malta became independent from Britain on September 21st, 1964.
Malta's economy is based primarily on services, including financial services, tourism, manufacturing, and information technology.