Question 1
Negative population growth rate means that the death rate is higher than the birth rate of the European region. This scenario has many consequences both socially and economically. One of the consequences of this negative growth rate is a decline in the use of fuels. This especially relates to use of fossil fuels and other non-renewables. This is because the decline in the number of people means less usage in terms of heating requirements, fueling of vehicles and other areas that involve the use of fuel by human beings. Such countries will enjoy reduced demand for fuel. This means that the funds spent on imports can be redirected towards other development ventures within the country.
The decrease in population would eventually result in a reduction in the urban population. This would help to replace urban ghettos with better residences for the citizens of the country. The standard of living would definitely improve and hence the life expectancy would increase. Social amenities such as hospitals and public schools would become less congested hence improving the services offered in such institutions. An understanding of the population age structure is an indicator of whether the population will increase in the future. If the age structure is such that the majority of the people are within the productive age (20 to 40 years) then the population is bound to increase in future. This is especially so if the people have healthy diets hence making them extremely fertile. This may determine if the country will adopt a stricter immigration policy to ensure immigrants are kept under control. However, if a majority of the population is ageing then the population is bound to decrease in future (negative population growth). The immigration policy adopted in this situation will tend to encourage foreigners to come into the country and even proliferate and procreate.
Question 2
The Symphony No. 9 is a musical composition from an orchestra. It is Europe’s anthem and helps promote the unity of the European region. Therefore, the anthem is played at functions that involve a meeting of European nations. It is a significant symbol in Europe and some countries have used it as their national anthem prior to developing their own after independence. The fall of the Berlin wall is significant in Europe’s history since it marks the end of the cold war. The wall marked the end of a long war that marked a fight among superpowers. It shaped the culture of many people especially in East Germany. It marked the end of Nazism and Communism and a new kind of freedom and peace in Europe. The European Economic Community marks a significant time in Europe’s history since it marked the treaty of Rome that was signed in 1957. It acts to unify European nations in economic matters such as the pricing of agricultural products and trade agreements.
The Schengen Agreement is significant in Europe’s history he signing of the treaty in 1985 led to the creation of a borderless area, Schengen Area. This meant there would be no vehicle checks within this area and harmonization of visas for the states of the EEC that signed the treaty. The Euro was a consequence of the creation and development of the European Community. This is whereby the European nations use a common currency, the Euro, for ease of trade. Furthermore, this strengthens their currency against those of other countries in the world. This makes their goods competitive and acts as a unifying factor for the member states (McCormick, 2011).
Question 3
The European Parliament is based on election of its members. This entity is empowered by the European Community to implement functions in accordance with its mandate. The legislative competency is mentioned in its constitution as to which area the entity has competence to exercise its legislative powers. It also has budgetary function and is a major determinant of the budget of the European Union. Furthermore, the parliament monitors and controls the democratic process among member states and makes the necessary intervention in case of conflict. Inter alia, it comprises of the secretariat general, the presidency, the bureau and the forum of presidents. The Council of the European Union comprises of agents from the member states. The members meet to discuss various issues. This means that the representatives may change depending on what is under discussion. A good example is the Ecofin council that comprises of economic and financial representatives. They hold their meeting monthly. Other issue discussed may include agriculture, fisheries, education and cultural heritage (McCormick, 2011).
The European Commission is the body of the European Union that proposes legislation. It comprises of commissioners (currently they are 27 in number) who cover various policy areas and one is the president. The commissioners meet weekly in confidential meetings on policy issues depending on the predetermined work program. The commissioners, upon appointment from a list provided by the member countries, cease to represent the interest of their member countries and instead represent the interest of the European Union.
Question 4
The treaty of Maastricht is very important since it was a starting point for integration of European Unions. The treaty led to the creation and establishment of the European Monetary Union (EMU). This is the union that later led to the creation of a common currency, the Euro, among the member states. It also set stage for the creation and development of other important treaties such as the Treaty of Amsterdam. The treaty also had important propositions for member countries such as the establishment of the European Central Bank. This was closely linked to the establishment of the European Regional Development Fund. In order to improve cohesion and reduce economic differences among the member states of European Union, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) was established. The existence of the Euro as a common currency further sets an excellent platform for measurement of economic performance of each member state. The funds are then channeled to where they are required with utmost supervision by the ERDF.
The European Capital of Culture program is a program whereby one city within the European region is selected as a designated point for culture events in the European line. The opportunity is a great one for the city selected since it allows for economic and cultural empowerment together with marketing of the city’s image, especially to tourists.
The three European Union’s programs are related in that they all seek to increase the cohesion of the Europeans. This is through celebrating the various European cultures, creation of even economic arena in all countries and providing a means of funding development for underdeveloped areas (McCormick, 2011).
References
McCormick, J. (2011). Understanding the European Union: A concise introduction. Houndmills,
Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan.
