UF experts can talk about 50th anniversary of European Union

March 28, 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — In March 1957, as the world was still reeling from World War II, six European countries forged an alliance in hopes of preventing future war among the neighboring nations of Germany and France. This week marks the 50th anniversary of the European Union (EU). The following experts at the University of Florida’s Center for European Studies are available to provide broad insight into the history and politics of the EU and of Europe as a whole:

Amie Kreppel, director of the UF Center for European Studies and the European Union Studies Program, can comment on the EU in general and the politics of Europe and its institutions. 352-392-8902, ext. 210. kreppel@ces.ufl.edu

Petia Kostadinova, assistant director of the UF Center for European Studies, is an expert on the economies of former Communist countries. She can also discuss the economics and history of the EU. 352-871-4590. petiak@ces.ufl.edu

The European Union comprises 27 countries committed to the shared goals of promoting peace, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights both within and beyond Europe’s borders. The union shares a common currency, the Euro, and allows for the free movement of workers and trade among member nations. It also has many shared initiatives, including a strong campaign to combat global warming through the reduction of carbon emissions.

Members are France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, Portugal, Spain, Greece, Austria, Sweden, Finland, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. Three countries are official candidates for membership — Turkey, Croatia and Macedonia — and others have expressed an interest in applying, including Ukraine, Yugoslavia and Albania.