What has the EU done for us?

The above question was posed in a tabloid newspaper which I came across some time ago. Whilst it did provide some of the answers, it did so in what can only be described as basic, un-detailed and in a somewhat discrediting style to its readers. So, instead I thought  I would research and provide the answers myself. 

For those unaware of what exactly the EU is, in brief it is a political and economic partnership that currently contains 27 member countries. It was created in the aftermath of WW2 in the attempt to end the constant destructive wars that occurred. In 1958 it began with six member countries and since then has grown in importance and control by increasing both the number of new member states and the power it holds with the addition of new policy areas.

As a member since 1973, the UK held its referendum in 1975, it seems only fair to question while the power of the EU has increased, what benefits have the UK and its citizens have received.

1. Peace
   The EU has achieved its initial aim and aided peace in Europe for over half a century. It has also ensured that this will be maintained through the implementation of policies that protect against threats.
2. Reducing Crime
   The introduction of the Europol has enabled police in all member states to co-operate more effectively. Arrest warrants now enable the movement of suspects between countries without extradition procedures, increasing the overall process.
   
3. Single Market
   A unique market has developed that guarantees the ‘free movement’ of goods, services, people and capital. It provides EU citizens with the benefit of enjoying competitively priced goods and services as well as enjoying this ‘free movement’ to study, work and do business.
   
4. International Influence
   The EU represents over half a billion people, giving it a great deal of power in trade and diplomacy, especially beneficial in relation to the USA and China.
   
5. The Euro
   As well as the practical advantages to travelling with a single currency it has also benefitted economic growth, in turn strengthening the international role and political integration of the EU.
   
6. Consumer Protection
   In all member states consumers are protected against faulty products, misleading advertisements and ensuring product safety.
   New food labelling standards have also been introduced to ensure increased safety, these include listing all ingredients as well as any GM ingredients, chemical additives and preservatives.
   
   Intellectual Property is also more stringently protected now with increased laws that allow the protection of both companies and individuals knowledge throughout member states.
   
7. Environmental Protection
   European ministers have passed laws, put in place standards and created annual reports that have resulted in member states being forced to ‘clean up’ their act and do this a lot quicker than before. Now all of the member states have benefitted from cleaner beaches, rivers and air.
   
8. Travel
   As well as being covered for emergency hospital treatment, driving licenses are now valid in all member states, increasing travel opportunities.
   
   Member citizens are also benefitting form the improvement in air traffic management and the increased number of carriers operating in the EU which resulted in a 40% drop in flight prices between 1992-2000 and continues to improve.
   
   Travel has also improved for students, with numerous exchange programs being created to aid in the education of different cultures and broadening horizons of students.    Illustrated perfectly with the ERASMUS program under which 1.2 million people have benefitted.
   
9. Cheaper Telecommunications
   As with flights, the telecoms industry has been opened up to a dramatic increase in the number of competitors. This has resulted in cheaper tariff prices for the citizens of the EU.
   
10. Parental Rights
    The amount of parental leave allowed has been increased and standardised.
    - Parents are entitled 13 weeks of parental leave for a child under 5.
    - Parents of adopted children are entitled to take 13 weeks of leave, this must be before the 5th anniversary of their placement with the family or before their 18th birthday.
    - For disabled children parents are entitled to 18 weeks of leave, which has to be taken before the child’s 18th birthday.
    
11. Workers Rights
    EU law has also standardised workers rights in regards to time off and holidays. Now employees must get at least one day off a week, receive 11 hours rest in every 24 hours, are entitled to 4 weeks worth of paid holiday a year and can opt out of working more than 48 hours a week. As well as standardising breaks and working conditions amongst many other aspects.