Download presentation on European Union. Presentation on the topic "European Union"

COMPOSITION OF THE EU 1. Austria. 2. Belgium. 3. Bulgaria. 4. UK. 5. Hungary. 6. Germany. 7. Greece. 8. Denmark. 9. Ireland. 10. Spain. 11. Italy. 12. Cyprus. 13. Latvia. 14. Lithuania. 15. Luxembourg. 16. Malta. 17. Netherlands. 18. Poland. 19. Portugal. 20. Romania. 21. Slovenia. 22. Slovakia. 23. Finland. 24. France. 25. Czech Republic. 26. Sweden. 27. Estonia. 28. Croatia

The first step towards the creation of a modern European Union was taken in 1951: Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Italy signed an agreement on the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), the purpose of which was to pool European resources for production of steel and coal, this agreement entered into force in July 1952. Flag of the ECSC

In order to deepen economic integration, the same six states established the European Economic Community (EEC, Common Market) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) in 1957. The most important and broadest of these three European Communities was the EEC, so in 1993 it was officially renamed the European Community (EC).

Accession Criteria (Copenhagen Criteria) Each country intending to become a member of the European Union (EU) must comply with the conditions laid down in Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union and take into account the main provisions set out therein. The criteria for countries to join the European Union were established in 1993 at the meeting of the European Council in Copenhagen and confirmed in 1995 at the meeting of the European Council in Madrid. To become a member of the EU, a state must meet three conditions: - Political criterion: institutional stability as a guarantor of a democratic and legal state structure, the protection of human rights, as well as respect and protection of the rights of minorities. - Economic criterion: a viable market economy and the ability to withstand the pressures of competition and market forces within the Union. - Acceptance of the rules (Acquis) of the Community: the ability to assume the obligations arising from membership in the Union and demonstrate commitment to the goals of political, economic and monetary union (adoption of the “acquis communautaire”, or legal acts of the Community). For the Council of Europe to decide to start accession negotiations, a political criterion must be met. Each candidate country must meet the Entry Criteria.

Development and features of the EU At the initial stage of the existence of the grouping, the main task was to create a single customs area and a market for goods. Later, the countries of Europe took steps towards the creation of a single economic, monetary and political space. Within the organization, in fact, there are no borders and difficulties for the movement of people within the Union. Signing of the Schengen Agreement June 14, 1985 The Schengen Agreement is an agreement on the abolition of passport and visa control at the borders of a number of states of the European Union, originally signed on June 14, 1985 by the European states (Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France and Germany) . It entered into force on March 26, 1995 and ceased to exist on May 1, 1999, being replaced by the EU Schengen legislation.

Monetary union On January 1, 1999, the euro was introduced to the world financial markets as a settlement currency by eleven of the fifteen countries of the union at that time, and on January 1, 2002, banknotes and coins were introduced into cash circulation in twelve countries that are part of the eurozone by that time. The Euro replaced the European Currency Unit (ECU), which was used in the European Monetary System from 1979 to 1998, at a ratio of 1:1. There are currently 19 countries in the Eurozone. The euro is intended to help build a common market by facilitating tourism and trade; elimination of problems related to exchange rates; ensuring transparency and price stability. The eurozone (dark blue) is made up of 19 member states whose official currency is the euro

European Council The highest political body of the EU, consisting of the heads of state and government of member states and their deputy foreign ministers. The members of the European Council are also the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission. The Council determines the main strategic directions for the development of the EU. The development of a general line of political integration is the main mission of the European Council. It meets at least twice a year, either in Brussels or in the presiding state, chaired by a representative of the member state currently presiding over the Council of the European Union. The meetings last two days.

European Commission The European Commission is the highest executive body of the European Union. Consists of 28 members, one from each Member State. When exercising their powers, they are independent, act only in the interests of the EU, and are not entitled to engage in any other activity. Member States have no right to influence members of the European Commission. The European Commission is formed every 5 years as follows. The European Council proposes a candidate for the President of the European Commission, which is approved by the European Parliament. The Commission plays a central role in ensuring the day-to-day activities of the EU towards the implementation of the fundamental Treaties. It comes up with legislative initiatives, and after approval controls their implementation.

In case of violation of EU legislation, the Commission has the right to resort to sanctions, including appeal to the European Court of Justice. The Commission has significant autonomy in various policy areas, including agricultural, trade, competition, transport, regional, etc. The Commission has an executive apparatus, as well as manages the budget and various funds and programs of the European Union (such as the “TACIS "). The main working languages ​​of the Commission are English, French and German. The headquarters of the European Commission is located in Brussels. TACIS Program Headquarters Brussels

Council of the European Union The Council of the European Union (officially the Council, usually informally referred to as the Council of Ministers), along with the European Parliament, is one of the Union's two legislative bodies and one of its seven institutions. The Council consists of 28 ministers of the governments of the member countries in a composition that depends on the range of issues under discussion. At the same time, despite the different composition, the Council is considered a single body. In addition to legislative powers, the Council also has some executive functions in the area of ​​common foreign and security policy. Headquarters in Brussels

European Parliament The European Parliament is an assembly of 751 members directly elected by the citizens of the EU member states for a term of five years. The President of the European Parliament is elected for two and a half years. Members of the European Parliament are united not on a national basis, but in accordance with a political orientation. The main role of the European Parliament is legislative activity. In addition, almost any decision of the Council of the EU requires either the approval of the Parliament, or at least a request for its opinion. Parliament controls the work of the Commission and has the right to dissolve it. European Parliament in Strasbourg

The Court of Justice of the European Union The Court of Justice of the European Union sits in Luxembourg and is the highest judicial body of the EU. The Court regulates disputes between member states; between Member States and the European Union itself; between EU institutions; between the EU and individuals or legal entities, including employees of its bodies. The Court gives opinions on international agreements; it also makes preliminary rulings on requests from national courts for the interpretation of the EU's founding treaties and regulations. Decisions of the EU Court of Justice are binding on the territory of the EU. Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg

The Court is composed of 28 judges (one from each of the Member States) and eight Advocates General. They are appointed for a six-year term, renewable. Half of the judges are renewed every three years. The Court played a huge role in the formation and development of EU law. Many, even the fundamental principles of the Union's legal order, are based not on international treaties, but on precedent decisions of the Court. The EU Court of Justice should be distinguished from the European Court of Human Rights

slide 1

European Union

slide 2

The European Union consists of 27 states:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Great Britain, Hungary, Germany, Greece, Denmark, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, France, Czech Republic, Sweden and Estonia.

slide 3

The EU has its own official symbols
- flag and anthem. The flag was approved in 1986 and is a blue panel in the shape of a rectangle with a ratio of length and height of 1.5:1, in the center of which 12 golden stars are located in a circle. For the first time this flag was raised in front of the building of the European Commission in Brussels on May 29, 1986. The EU anthem is Ludwig van Beethoven's "Ode to Joy", a fragment of his Ninth Symphony (which is also the anthem of another pan-European organization - the Council of Europe).

slide 4

President of the European Council
Herman Van Rompuy (at the G8 summit) Position since 1 December 2009 Head of the European Council Appointed by qualified majority of the European Council Term of office 2.5 years, re-elected Salary €298,495.44 per year Position created2009 First in office Herman Van Rompuy
The Belgian Van Rompuy has taken office since 2009, when the Lisbon Treaty came into force. His first term ended on May 31, 2012. On March 1, 2012, Herman Van Rompuy was unanimously re-elected for a second term from June 1, 2012 to November 30, 2014.

slide 5

Although the EU does not have an official capital (member states hold rotating chairs of the Community for half a year according to the Latin alphabet), most of the main institutions of the EU are located in Brussels (Belgium). In addition, some EU bodies are located in Luxembourg, Strasbourg, Frankfurt am Main and other major cities.

slide 6

European Union (European Union, EU)
economic and political unification of 27 European states. Aimed at regional integration, the Union was legally secured by the Maastricht Treaty in 1992.

Slide 7

Industry union 1951-1957
During its existence, European integration has undergone a number of qualitative metamorphoses. In 1951, the initial "cell" of the future Union was the Coal and Steel Industry Association (ECSC) - the Treaty of Paris, when the cartelization of two basic industries of the economies of six countries took place. France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg joined the EEC-6 Association. For the first time, the national governments of these countries have voluntarily delegated some of their sovereignty, albeit in a well-defined area, to a supranational organization.

Slide 8

Free Trade Zone 1958-1968
In 1957, the same countries signed the historic Treaties of Rome establishing the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community. The Treaties of Rome, together with the Treaty of Paris, created the institutional foundations of the European Community. The founding day of the EEC is January 1, 1958, when the treaties came into force. All treaties had a common goal - economic growth and a higher standard of living, based on the political union of the peoples of Europe. All three Communities (EEC, ECSC, Euratom) had a common Parliamentary Assembly and Court. In 1958, R. Schumann, an active organizer of European unity, was elected chairman of the Assembly.

Slide 9

Customs Union 1968-1986
In accordance with Article 9 of the Treaty of Rome establishing the European Economic Community, the basis of the Community is the customs union, which covers all trade in goods and provides for the prohibition of import and export duties and any equivalent fees in the trade relations of the Member States, as well as the establishment of a single customs tariff in relations with third countries. Thus, the creation of a customs union had two aspects - internal and external.

Slide 10

Common Market 1986-1992
Since 1987, in accordance with the decisions of the Single European Act, the countries of the European Union are moving into the stage of the Common Market. Not only goods, but also all other factors of production are actually moving within the Community: services, capital, etc. In other words, a common market space is being formed. The full functioning of the latter is impossible without the creation of a single monetary and financial space.

slide 11

The current supranational governance structure of the European Union includes:
European Council (decision-making body) European Parliament (representative and advisory body) EU Council of Ministers (legislative body) European Commission (executive body) European Court of Justice (judicial body), European Union Chamber of Auditors (supervisory body) European Central Bank a number of funds and others institutional structures.

slide 12

slide 13

The jurisdiction of the European Union includes matters relating, in particular, to the common market, the customs union, the single currency (with the preservation of its own currency by some of the members), the common agricultural policy and the common fisheries policy.

Slide 14

Stages of development of integration
World practice shows that national economies are approaching in stages, moving from a simple stage of integration to a more complex one according to the scheme: free trade zone > customs union > common market > economic and monetary unions > full economic and political integration.

slide 15

The main declared goals of the Union include:
1. promoting economic and social progress and high levels of employment, achieving balanced and sustainable development, especially through the creation of a space without internal borders, through economic and social cohesion and the establishment of an Economic and Monetary Union, including eventually the introduction of a single currency; 2. contributing to the establishment of the identity of the Union in the international arena, especially through the implementation of a common foreign and security policy, including the progressive formation of a common defense policy that could lead to a common defense; 3. strengthening the protection of the rights and interests of citizens of the Member States through the introduction of citizenship of the Union; 4. maintaining and developing the Union as a space of freedom, security and legality, in which the free movement of persons is ensured in conjunction with appropriate measures of control at external borders, the provision of asylum, immigration, the prevention and fight against crime; 5. fully preserve the achievements of the Communities and build on them

slide 16

In 1994, referendums were held in Austria, Finland, Norway and Sweden on joining the EU. The majority of Norwegians again vote against. Austria, Finland (with the Åland Islands) and Sweden become EU members on January 1, 1995. Only Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein remain members of the European Free Trade Association.

Slide 17

May 1, 2004 Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Cyprus, Malta became members of the European Union.

Slide 18

On December 17, 2005, Macedonia was granted official EU candidate status.

Slide 19

The freedom of movement of persons means that a citizen of the European Union can freely move between the countries of the Union for the purposes of residence (including retirement, work and study. Ensuring these opportunities includes facilitation of formalities when moving and mutual recognition of professional qualifications.
Members of the EU use a standardized burgundy-coloured passport design, showing the member country, the coat of arms, and the words "European Union" in the official language(s) of the country.

Slide 20

In non-cash payments, the euro was introduced on January 1, 1999; in cash since January 1, 2002. Euro cash has replaced the national currencies of 13 (out of 27) countries of the European Union. (in brackets - the national currency before the introduction of the euro): Austria (Austrian shilling) Belgium (Belgian franc) Germany (Deutsche mark) Greece (Greek drachma) Ireland (Irish pound) Spain (Spanish peseta) Italy (Italian lira) Luxembourg (Luxembourg franc) ) Netherlands (Dutch guilder) Portugal (escudo) Finland (Finnish Mark) France (French franc)

slide 21

In addition, the euro was also put into circulation: In the dwarf states of Europe, formally not part of the European Union (Vatican, San Marino, Andorra and Monaco) In the overseas departments of France (Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Reunion) On the islands that are part of part of Portugal (Madeira and the Azores) In the Serbian province of Kosovo, controlled by international peacekeeping forces In Montenegro.
Montenegro
Monaco

slide 22

However, the euro has not been introduced in the following countries and territories (currency in parenthesis): Liechtenstein (microstate of Europe) (Swiss franc) Netherlands Antilles (autonomous region of the Netherlands) (Antilian guilder) Aruba (autonomous region of the Netherlands) (Aruba florin)

slide 23

Russia and the EU
Since 2003, economic relations between the EU and Russia have been governed by the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA). The European Union is Russia's main trading partner. The EU accounts for 54% of Russian imports and 39% of Russian exports. After the enlargement of the European Union, Russia's exports to the EU will amount to more than 50% of its total exports. Russia's share in EU foreign trade is also significant. In 2008, Russia was the EU's fifth trading partner after the US, Switzerland, Japan and China.

slide 24

creation of the Schengen area
The Schengen Agreement is an agreement on the abolition of passport and customs control of a number of states of the "European Union", originally signed on June 14, 1985 by five European states (Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Germany). It entered into force on March 26, 1995. The agreement was signed in Schengen, a small town in Luxembourg. Since then, several other states have joined the agreement; As of the end of 2007, the agreement has been signed by 30 states and is actually valid (with the abolition of border controls) in 25 states: Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Germany, Greece, Denmark, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands , Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, France, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden, Estonia.

Slide 25

Visa categories
* Category A. Airport transit visa. Issued to those who make an air flight in transit through a country of the Schengen group. It implies permission to stay in the transit territory of the airport zone of the participating country, but does not give the right to move within the country. * Category B. Transit visa, which gives its holder the right to pass one, two or, as an exception, several times through the territory of one of the Schengen member states on the way to a third state, and the duration of the transit stay cannot exceed five days. Not issued since 04/05/2010 Replaced by an ordinary short-stay visa "C" marked "transit", * Category C. Tourist visa, valid for one or more entries, and the duration of continuous stay or the total duration of several stays, starting from the moment of first entry may not exceed three months within six months. This type of visa is not granted to citizens of states that have a visa-free agreement * Category D. National visas for a period of stay exceeding 90 days, but not exceeding 365 days. * Category C+D. A visa that combines the 2 previous categories. Such a visa is issued by one of the Schengen states for a long-term stay for a period not exceeding 365 days in the territory of the state that issued the visa. In addition, it allows its holders to stay in all Schengen countries for the first 3 months

slide 26

In addition to these types of visas in some of the Schengen conventions, there are also other types of visas, the emergence of which is associated with the use of the flexibilities of the Schengen system. * FTD (UTD) and FRTD (FTD-RHD). Simplified transit document. A special type of visa issued only for transit between the main territory of Russia and the Kaliningrad region. * LTV category. Visas with limited territorial validity (Limited territorial validity visa). Short-stay or transit visas issued at the border in exceptional cases. Such a visa gives the right to transit (LTV B) or entry (LTV C) only to the territory of the country or Schengen countries in which it is valid.

Slide 27

This stage of integration is characterized by the following features:
scale of expansion; low socio-economic level of candidate countries; strengthening the urgent need for institutional reform in the EU; priority of political considerations over economic ones.

The EU is an international entity that combines the characteristics of an international organization and a state, but formally it is neither one nor the other. The Union is a subject of international public law, has the authority to participate in international relations and plays an important role in them.

1993 - economic + political union - Maastricht agreements - EU and "Three pillars" EU: 1.economy, 2.foreign policy and security, 3.justice and foreign affairs Sweden Finland Austria

1999-Amsterdam Treaty-confirmation of the "three pillars". Introduced into circulation EURO Nice Treaty-on the participation of new states in the work of the EU. May 1, 2004 - Estonia Latvia Lithuania Poland Czech Republic Slovakia Slovenia January 1, 2007 - Romania Malta Hungary Cyprus Bulgaria

European Council Political directions. Consists of the heads of state and government of the EU member states. European ParliamentCouncil of MinistersEuropean CommissionEuropean Court of Justice Adopts Legislative acts, political control. 626 deputies. Direct general elections. For 5 years. Strasbourg. Brussels. Secretariat in Luxembourg. Adopts legislative acts. State ministers. Brussels. Legislative initiative, supervision of compliance with EU rights. One representative each, two from large states. Sim Kallas. Brussels. Interprets legal acts, resolves disputes. Strasbourg.

The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. Twenty members of the Commission (two representatives from each of the 5 large member countries - France, Germany, Italy, Great Britain and Spain and one from each of the 10 small countries - Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal , Finland and Sweden) are appointed for five years by the national governments, but are completely independent in the performance of their duties. The composition of the Commission is approved by the European Parliament. European Union European Parliament

Presidency rotation order: Ireland 1 January - 30 June 2004 Netherlands 1 July - 31 December 2004 Luxembourg 1 January - 30 June 2005 United Kingdom 1 July - 31 December 2005 Austria 1 January - 30 June 2006 Finland 1 July - 31 December 2006 Germany 1 January - 30 June 2007 Portugal 1 July - December 31, 2007 Slovenia January 1 - June 30, 2008 France July 1 - December 31, 2008 Czech Republic January 1 - June 30, 2009 Sweden July 1 - December 31, 2009 Spain January 1 - June 30, 2010 Belgium July 1 - December 31, 2010 Hungary January 1 - June 30, 2011 Poland July 1 - 31 December 2011 Denmark January 1 - June 30, 2012 Cyprus July 1 - December 31, 2012 Ireland January 1 - June 30, 2013 Lithuania July 1 - December 31, 2013 Greece January 1 - June 30, 2014 Italy July 1 - December 31, 2014 Latvia January 1 - June 30, 2015 Luxembourg July 1 - December 31, 2015 NetherlandsJanuary 1 - June 30, 2016 Slovakia July 1 - December 31, 2016 Malta January 1 - June 30, 2017 United Kingdom July 1 - December 31, 2017 Estonia January 1 - June 30, 2018

The EU Council of Ministers should not be confused with the Council of Europe, which is an international organization, and the European Council, which includes the Heads of State or Government of the 15 member states of the European Union, as well as the President of the European Commission. According to the regulations, the European Council meets twice a year (usually in June and December). During these meetings, the general situation and the most important problems of the EU are discussed, priority areas of activity are determined, programs and decisions of a strategic nature are adopted. Meetings are held in the state that currently presides over the Council.

Estonia has 6 representatives in the European Parliament: Katrin Sachs (SDPE), Marianne Mikko and Andres Tarand from the Social Democratic Party of Estonia (Party of European Socialists faction), Siiri Oviir from the Center Party, Toomas Savi from the Reform Party (both are members of the European Socialist Party faction). Liberal Democrats and Reformists) and Tunne Kelam from the Union of the Fatherland (a faction of the European People's Party - Christian Democrats).

Parliament has the right to dissolve the European Commission (which, however, it has never used). The approval of the Parliament is also required for the admission of new members to the Community, as well as for the conclusion of agreements on associate membership and trade agreements with third countries. The Parliament appoints an Ombudsman who is empowered to take complaints against EU institutions or bodies and to send reports to Parliament. The last elections to the European Parliament were held in 1999. The European Parliament holds plenary sessions in Strasbourg (France) and Brussels (Belgium).

The European Court of Justice sits in Luxembourg and is the highest judicial body of the EU. The Court regulates disputes between member states; between Member States and the European Union itself; between EU institutions; between the EU and individuals or legal entities, including employees of its bodies. The Court gives opinions on international agreements; it also makes provisional rulings in cases referred to it by the national courts, though without legal effect. Of course, areas not covered by EU treaties, such as criminal law, do not fall under its jurisdiction.

The Court of Accounts began its work in 1977 with the aim of auditing the budget of the European Union and the institutions it created. It consists of 15 members, elected for six years and completely independent in their activities. The Court of Accounts is located in Luxembourg.

The European Investment Bank was established in 1958 under the Treaty of Rome. Its task is to provide financial assistance to the balanced and sustainable development of the common market in the interests of the Union. The Bank provides loans and guarantees for projects that are of interest to the Union as a whole and to several Member States and/or, due to their size, cannot be fully financed from the own resources of the EU Member States. The board of the bank, consisting of the ministers of finance or economy of 15 member countries, approves the main directions of the credit policy. The Board of Directors (25 members) is responsible for the management of the bank, approves loans and credits. The bank is located in Luxembourg.

The Economic and Social Committee is an advisory body to the EU and also oversees the functioning of the single internal market. The committee consists of 222 members who represent different sectors of the economy and social groups and are independent in the performance of their duties. Members of the Committee are appointed by the Council by unanimous decision for a period of 4 years. The committee meets once a month in Brussels.

The Committee of the Regions, an advisory body to the Council of Ministers and the Commission, began its work in 1994. The Committee consists of 222 members - representatives of regional and local bodies, completely independent in the performance of their duties. The Committee gives opinions on all issues affecting the interests of the regions. Plenary sessions are held in Brussels 5 times a year. Council of Ministers Commission

European Parliament - : Information office Political groups - Links to other parliaments - Council of the European Union - : Page of the Presidency of the European Union - European Commission - : Directorate-General External Relations Review of relations between the European Union and the Republic of Belarus European Social Fund - Office of Statistics of the European Communities - Joint Research Center - Other Agencies and Institutions - Translation Center - European Network for Information and Environmental Observation - Information Service - European Documentation Centers - European Center for the Development of Vocational Education - Information Society Project Office (ISPO) - Court of Justice - Chamber of Auditors - European Central Bank - Economic and Social Committee - Committee of the Regions - European Investment Bank - EUR-OP Publications Office - EU Official Journals, Treaties, Legislation (EUR-Lex) - EU Official Journal Supplement, daily electronic tenders - European Ombudsman - European Police Office (EUROPOL) - Who's who in the European Union? - inter-institutional directory - European University - Historical Archives of the European Communities -

Euro page - Dialogue with citizens and businesses - Online governments - Council of Europe - : Information center of the Council of Europe in Russia - Parliamentary Assembly - European Court of Human Rights - European Council of Municipalities and Regions - Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe - Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development - European Youth Parliament - European Agency for Drug Evaluation - European Educational Foundation - Delegation of the European Commission in Belarus - Delegation of the European Commission in Ukraine - Delegation of the European Commission in Russia - Center for European Documentation (Moldova) - Center for European Union Law, Chair Law of the European Union of the Moscow State Academy of Law - Russian-European Center for Economic Policy (RECEP) - Russian website of European Documentation Centers - Europe by Satellite (Europe by Satellite) - A complete description of the possibilities of satellite reception of the programs of the European Union news service CELEX (Communitatis Europeae Lex - Legislation European Community) - a wide source of information on the legislation of the European Union. Contains the full texts of legislative acts adopted on the basis of the founding Treaties, decisions of EU institutions and advisory bodies, court cases of the European Court of Justice and the Court of First Instance. CORDIS (Community Research and Development Information Service - Information Service for Research Works in the European Community) - The purpose of the CORDIS information base is to disseminate complete information about research activities and scientific and technical developments in the European Community to the widest possible audience. The database is an important source of information for various institutions: research institutes, industrial enterprises, small businesses, universities who wish to participate in EU research programs, get acquainted with the latest news about research and development, find a partner for joint research work. ECLAS (European Commission Library Automated System - European Commission Automated Library System) EUDOR (European Union Document Delivery Service on the WEB - European Union Document Distribution Network) - EUDOR - European Union document repository, which is an interactive (on-line) form of information provision on official publications of the EU institutions. Contains data published in the Official Journal of the EU, series L,C. EUROPA (The European Union on the Information Highway - Information about the European Union) - EUROPA - The most complete database on all aspects of European integration. Accessible and easy to use, it promotes the openness of institutions PROSOMA (Turning Innovation into Business - Innovations in business) - The database was created to support the ESPRIT Information Technology Program, provides a link between program participants who have contributed to the development of the technological base of the information society, and those who who can benefit from these achievements. REM (Radioactivity Environmental Monitoring - Observation of radioactivity

Other useful links: (environment) - The database contains the results of observations of the state of environmental radioactivity in the EU Member States after the Chernobyl accident - regarding air, radioactive fallout, water, food - taking into account the obligations of the Member States under the Treaty establishing European Atomic Energy Community. The information contains data for the 15 EU Member States and, to a lesser extent (environment and food), also for other European countries. The total amount of data exceeds records, of which may be provided to foreign users. SCADPlus (Practical Information for European Citizens - Practical information for European citizens) - The purpose of the database is to provide practical assistance to European citizens in understanding the policies of the European Union. It offers summaries of articles from periodicals around the world on the EU. It may be useful to employees (professionals of all levels), teachers and students, as well as to all those who are interested in the affairs of the European Union. TED (Tenders Electronic Daily - Daily information about tenders) TED offers tenders for state (public) works and supply contracts not only for EU member states, but also for Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, countries that are associated members of the EU, and those that do not have it (Japan, USA). Traditionally, the following types of tenders are offered: work, supplies, services

Council of Europe. May 5 Strasbourg (France). Estonia was admitted in 1993. Protection of human rights.

Estonia in NATO. At the Prague Summit in November 2002, Estonia, along with Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, received an official invitation to start negotiations on joining the North Atlantic Alliance. Negotiations, which began in December 2002, were completed on March 26, 2003 with the signing of accession protocols. Estonia, along with the above-mentioned countries, officially became a member of NATO, having deposited on March 29, 2004 documents on joining the organization for safekeeping to the US government (NATO depositary). Until the official entry into the alliance, Estonia participated in NATO missions as a partner and as an invited party. Today, Estonia continues its peacekeeping activities as a full member of the organization. Today, the priority of Estonian security policy is participation in the implementation of NATO tasks in Europe, as well as even more expanded participation in international operations.

To date, Estonia has provided the following tools in crisis management during international operations: infantry military police service personnel medical personnel engineer team air traffic control military surveillance transit maintenance / cargo airmail Participation in NATO-initiated peacekeeping missions and operations remains an important focus of Estonian policy .

Since 1996, Estonia has participated in the NATO mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (SFOR) in rotation as part of the Danish military contingent. From August 2001 to February 2002, the Estonian mission was represented by a reconnaissance company of 98 people as part of the Baltic Squadron. Estonia continues to participate in the mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of EUFOR (EU military forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina), as SFOR moved from NATO to EU structures and was renamed EUFOR as a result. – Estonia has been participating in the NATO mission in Kosovo (KFOR) since 1999 with one unit of the Estonian military police as part of the special forces unit of the Italian carabinieri. Since 2003, Estonia has been periodically represented in Kosovo by a reconnaissance company as part of the Danish military contingent, in which Estonian soldiers will again take their place in February 2006 - At the call of the US government, since June 2003, Estonia has been participating in the mission in Iraq Iraqi Freedom a light infantry battalion and an airmail Cargo operations team. Infantrymen are replaced every 6 months. The Estonian Parliament has extended the mission of the Estonian Defense Forces in Iraq until December 31, 2005, reserving the right to review the deadline if the UN extends the mandate of the coalition. – In order to support the interim government of Iraq, Estonia is sending weapons and ammunition to Iraq, and also offered to equip a computer room and allocated EUR to the Iraq Trust Fund. – Estonia contributes to the war on terrorism by participating in the Operation Enduring Freedom mission in Afghanistan by a bomb disposal team with specially trained dogs and since March 2003 in the ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) mission by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal sapper team in Kabul. The ISAF mission is a priority for Estonia. As a result, the contribution to this mission was doubled in 2005. The current parliamentary mandate to deploy military forces to Afghanistan expires in September 2006. In addition, Estonia intends to participate in the Provincial Reconstruction Team for reconstruction work in Afghanistan. In addition to NATO missions, Estonia participates in the OSCE Border Control Mission in Georgia, the UN Observer Mission in the Middle East and the European Union Police Missions in Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

BALTBAT - Baltic Battalion. It was created in 1994 as an infantry battalion to participate in international peacekeeping operations. It was dissolved on September 26, 2003, in connection with the achievement of goals and the completion of the mission. Further cooperation between ground forces is aimed at training national units according to relevant NATO standards. BALTRON - minesweeper squadron. It was established in 1996 to ensure the safety of navigation and reduce the risks of environmental pollution. After joining NATO, the squadron will serve as a training unit for the mine search unit (MCM) of NATO. In the future, the right to cooperate with MSM will be rotated between the Baltic States. BALTDEFCOL - Higher Military College. A joint project of the three Baltic States, with the support of partner countries. It was established in 1998 and is located in Tartu. Training complies with NATO standards and is conducted in English. In the 2004/05 academic year, students from Europe, North America and Asia studied at BALTDEFCOL. BALTNET - Unified Airspace Control System of the Baltic States. Established in 1998, BALTNET's coordinating center is located in Lithuania.

Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). 25 June Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe 1 August Signing of the Helsinki Final Act 1 January Formation of the OSCE. 25 June Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe 1 August Signing of the Helsinki Final Act 1 January Formation of the OSCE. Vein. On September 10, 1991, Estonia joined. 59 International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRCS). League of Red Cross Societies () International Committee of the Red Cross May 5 League of Red Cross Societies. Geneva, Switzerland).

The European Union (European Union) is an association of 27 European states that have signed the Treaty on European Union (Maastricht Treaty). The EU is a unique international entity: it combines the features of an international organization and a state, but formally is neither one nor the other. The Union is not a subject of international public law, but it has the authority to participate in international relations and plays an important role in them.

To date, the EU includes: Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, France, Great Britain, Denmark, Ireland, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Hungary, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia , Slovenia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Bulgaria, Romania.

The first step towards the creation of a modern European Union was taken in 1951: Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Italy signed an agreement establishing the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), the purpose of which was to pool European resources for the production of steel and coal, by virtue of This agreement entered into force in July 1952.

Since the establishment of the EU, a single market has been created on the territory of all member states. At the moment, the single currency is used by 18 states of the Union, forming the eurozone. The Union, if considered as a single economy, produced in 2009 a gross domestic product in the amount of 14.79 trillion international dollars in terms of purchasing power parity ($ 16.45 trillion at nominal value), which is more than 21% of world production. This puts the economy of the Union in first place in the world in terms of nominal GDP and second in terms of GDP at PPP. In addition, the Union is the largest exporter and largest importer of goods and services, as well as the most important trading partner of several large countries, such as China and India.

The principles governing the monetary union were laid down already in the Treaty of Rome in 1957, and the official goal of the monetary union was in 1969 at the summit in The Hague. However, it was only with the adoption of the Maastricht Treaty in 1993 that the countries of the union were legally obliged to establish a monetary union no later than January 1, 1999. On this day, the euro was introduced to world financial markets as a settlement currency by eleven of the fifteen countries of the Union at that time, and on January 1, 2002, banknotes and coins were introduced into cash circulation in twelve countries that by that time were part of the eurozone Treaty of Rome 1957 summit Maastricht Treaty monetary union banknotes coins

The European Parliament is an assembly of 754 deputies (as amended by the Nice Treaty) directly elected by the citizens of EU member states for a term of five years. The President of the European Parliament is elected for two and a half years. Members of the European Parliament are united not on a national basis, but in accordance with a political orientation. The main role of the European Parliament is legislative activity. In addition, almost any decision of the Council of the EU requires either the approval of the Parliament, or at least a request for its opinion. Parliament controls the work of the Commission and has the right to dissolve it.
Science in the European Union has a pronounced innovative orientation. A large-scale research network Future and Emerging Technologie operates under the auspices of the European Union, coordinating the efforts of scientists in the development of problems of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, robotics, neurophysiology and other high-tech areas.

Block 2. Areas of interaction between Russia and the EU: economics. Topic 5. Relations between the EU and the Russian Federation in the trade and investment sphere Dynamics of volumes, characteristics and significance of trade between the EU and Russia. Articles of the ATP relating to trade and investment. The practice of applying anti-dumping measures by the European Union in relation to Russian exports. Other methods of restricting imports from Russia. Restrictions on trade with the European Union by the Russian government. Russia, EU and WTO. Current problems of trade relations. Dynamics, structure and problems of investment flows. Evolution of the principles, goals, directions of EU policy to promote economic reform in Russia within the framework of the TACIS program. Russia and the financial instrument of the "neighborhood" policy. 2001 initiative to create a common economic space (CES). Roadmap of the EPA 2005: goals and directions of activity. Progress and problems of the implementation of the "Road Map" of the EEP. EPA and Partnership for Modernization. Topic 6. Interaction between the EU and Russia in the oil and gas sector Interaction between the USSR and Western European countries in the energy sector. EU and energy reform in Russia. Russia, the EU and the Charter Process. Investments of European TNCs in the Russian economy. Creation in the 1990s new pipelines for the supply of Russian energy resources to Europe. Factors behind the establishment of the EU-RF Energy Dialogue mechanism. Goals, tasks, forms, levels, directions of interaction within the framework of the "Energy Dialogue". Characterization and evaluation of the results and prospects of "Energy Dialogue". Features of the modern Russian approach to interaction with the EU in the energy sector. Competition between Russia and the EU in relation to producing countries and transit states. The impact of the "energy wars" of the Russian Federation with Ukraine and Belarus on relations with the EU.