The most important facts on the EU (The Polish Team)

UNITED IN

DIVERSITY

Geographical location

Flag of Europe

The flag of Europe consists of a circle of 12 golden (yellow) stars on an azure background. It is the flag and emblem of the Council of Europe (CoE) and the European Union (EU). It is also often used to indicate eurozone countries, and, more loosely, to represent the continent of Europe or the countries of Europe independent of any of these institutions. The number of stars does not vary according to the members of either organisation as they are intended to represent all the peoples of Europe, even those outside the EU, but inside the CoE.

Prior to development of political institutions, flags representing Europe were limited to unification movements. The most popular were the European Movement's large green 'E' on a white background, and the "Pan European flag„. With the development of institutions, aside from the Council of Europe, came other emblems and flags. None were intended to represent wider Europe and have since been replaced by the current flag of Europe.

Where is the Euro Used?The countries in the European Union that use the euro are:Belgium, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Finland. The euro is the second largest reserve currency as well as the second most traded currency in the world after the United States dollar

EUROThe name euro was officially adopted on 16 December 1995. The euro was introduced to world financial markets as an accounting currency on 1 January 1999, replacing the former European Currency Unit (ECU) at a ratio of 1:1 (US$1.1743). Euro coins and banknotes entered circulation on 1 January 2002.

PARTNER COUNTRIES

Cyprus

Date of approaching: 1.05.2004 capital :

Nicosia

Date of approaching:

1.01.1986 capital : Madrid

Spain

Date of approaching : 1.01.1995

capital : Helsinki

Finland

Date of approaching : 1.05.2004 capital : Warsaw

Poland

źródło zdjęć: www.europa.eu