LECTURE 2 : Introduction to the EU
• European Union: It is a community of member states, which by establishing a common market and an economic and monetary union, and by implementing common policies and activities, aims to promote throughout the community a harmonious and balanced development of economic activities, sustainable and non-inflationary growth respecting the environment, a high degree of convergence of economic performance, a high level of employment and a social protection, the raising of the standard of living and quality of life, an economic and social cohesion and solidarity among member states.
• The EU (1957) is an economic an partly political union of 27 member states, which are located in Europe. It has developed a common market throughout all member states and ensures the free movement of people, goods, services and capital. It is committed to peace and solidarity through regional integration.
• Founding members: Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Germany, Italy
• A single currency: € shared by 16 countries
A motto: United in diversity
A flag: circle of 12 gold stars on a blue background
• Citizens of the EU: they can travel across most of the EU without passport and they can live, work, study or retire in another EU country.
• Who can join: Any European country that has a stable democracy, that ensures the rules of law, that respects human rights and protection of minorities and to have a functioning market economy
• The EU law has become an integral source of lax in all member states.

LECTURE 3: History of the EU
• Why the EU was created:
- WW1 and WW2
- Fear of the spread of communism
- Fear of US domination
- Pressure from the USA
- Marshall plan
- For peace and unity
- To protect human rights
- To promote democracy
- To protect each other by political and military means
• Supremacy of European Law: EU laws take priority over. The supremacy of European law over national law is the single most important