Treaty on European Union

Questions for Further Study

• 1.What historical and economic factors motivated the nations of Europe to form the European Union?
• 2. By joining the European Union, nations give up some of their sovereignty in exchange for certain benefits. What do they give up, and what do they gain?
• 3. Some critics of the European Union argue that nations are forced to cede authority to “bureaucrats” in Brussels, Belgium, who may be insensitive or indifferent to the needs and traditions of member nations. Do you think this is so? Why or why not?
• 4. Assume that you are an average person who lives in one of the European Union's member nations. What do you think your attitude toward the treaty and the union would be? What personal circumstances might influence your attitude?
• 5. The European Union is in part a defense pact, but many observers suggest that as such it is ineffective. Why do they make this argument? If it were in your power, how would you change the EU to make it more effective as a means of defense?