European Union

Foundation and the entrance of each country in the European Union

Initially the European Union was called the European Economic Community, was established in 1992 by the Maastricht Treaty which replaced the Treaty of Rome, only came into force in 1993.
He has only 12 countries: Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, Greece, Portugal and Spain. In 1995 he received the accession of Austria, Sweden and Finland. Currently it consists of 27 member countries.
In 1951 he was admitted to the European Union in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.
In 1973, Denmark, Ireland and the UK.
In 1981 Greece
In 1986, Portugal and Spain.
In 1995, Finland and Sweden
In 2004, Estonia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia.
In 2007, Bulgaria and Romania

European Union headquarters

The headquarters of the European Union is in Brussels

President of the European Union

The president of the European Union is the first Belgian Minister Herman Van Rompuy, chosen by European leaders.

European Union Flag

The flag of Europe as well as symbolize the European Union also represents the unity and identity of Europe.
The circle of gold stars represents solidarity and harmony among the peoples of Europe.
The twelve stars are because this number is traditionally a symbol of perfection, completeness and unity. Thus, the flag will remain unchanged regardless of future EU enlargements.

Hymn

European Anthem or Hymn of the European Union. It was composed by Beethoven in 1823, inspired by the poem "Ode to Joy" by Schiller, written in 1785.

(Baritone)
Oh Friend, let's change of tone!
Intone something nicer
And full of joy!

(Baritones, quartet and chorus)

Joy, more beautiful glow divine,
Daughter of Elysium,
Drunk with fire we get
In thy heavenly sanctuary!
Thy charms unite again
What fashion strictly separated.
All men should fraternize
Where to hang your smooth flight.
Who has the good fortune favored
To be a friend of a friend
Who has won a sweet companion
Rejoice with us!
Yes, even one that only a soul,
can call her on earth.
But who could have never
Free of their mourning the Alliance!
All beings drink joy
Within Nature:
All good, all bad,
Follow his trail of roses.
She gives us kisses and vines
A friend tried to death;
The pleasure was given to the worm
And the Cherub stands before God!

(Tenor solo and chorus)

Happy, as his suns fly
Through the splendid vault of heaven
Follow your route brothers
Joyful as the hero to victory.

(Chorus)

Embrace it if millions of people!
Send this kiss for everyone!
Brothers! About the starry vault
Must live the Father Amado.
Prostrate yourselves, Crowds?
World, senses the Creator?
Seek beyond the starry vault!
Of the stars must He dwell