Oh, and if you were thinking of eating your pet horse? A lot of people go for a glass or bottle of water when they’re thirsty. Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, Tragic Facts About Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII’s First Wife, These People Shared The Worst Moments Of Their Lives…And They’re Utterly Brutal, These Ultra-Spoiled Brats Made Our Eyes Roll Into Our Heads, Everyone Has A Limit: These Moments Made People Say “Enough Is Enough”, The Truth Always Comes Out: Dark Family Secrets Exposed. The European Union was created by the Maastricht Treaty. Europe Facts | Animals: In Europe, there are 270 species of mammals, such as boar, bat, deer, hare and otter. Without a doubt, this amazing city is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It took until 2008 for this instruction to be forgotten, for fear that the growers were throwing out perfectly good food just because of how it looked. So among all the legislation of household items, they have actually found time to make some useful laws. They also have some influence over the European Union’s budget and can bring questions to light to either the aforementioned Council of Ministers or the European Commission. Keep in mind, though, that the UK is made up of four countries: England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. When we do, we depend on our loyal, helpful readers to point out how we can do better. England was the only country whose votes to leave outnumbered those wanting to stay. Is Andorra the world’s only coprincipality? Catherine of Aragon was King Henry VIII’s first wife and longest-lasting Queen of England. Since ancient times, Magical Istanbul has united Asia and Europe through the mighty Strait of Bosphorus. Funding climate action The EU demonstrated its resolve to fight climate change by using 20% of its overall budget between 2014 and 2020 to fund actions which contribute to mitigating and adapting to climate change. The EU or European Union is a union of European member countries. Wait, what? However, despite our best efforts, we sometimes miss the mark. The EU is a political economic... Top 20 EU Facts. The EU helps its member countries with issues such as trade, security, and the rights of citizens. This is a little over half of the countries on the continent, meaning the majority of European territories are members. One of the most iconic foods in this European nation is the tomato. Known formally as the Treaty on European Union, the Maastricht Treaty was approved in December 1991 by heads of government of the states making up the European Community (EC). Here are 15 interesting facts about Europe. Their intention is also to emphasize the roles of European countries in the broad scheme of things in the world as a whole. They only use a few, select languages to conduct their business. The centuries after the fall of Rome are often cited as the nascent beginnings of the European Union, as many European states saw themselves as successors of the Roman Empire (for example, the Frankish Empire and the Holy Roman Empire). Since 2013, the EU has 28 members, but this will change after 31 January 2020. I wouldn’t mind living in the EU, but if I can’t take my Dyson with me, I’m not going. This union consists of 28 nations from Europe. 50 Amazing Facts About Europe. The idea is that all citizens, no matter what participating European country they are in, can access the health care they need, if they need it. A large governmental body collectively won the Peace Prize. Years later, I was using her phone when I made an utterly chilling discovery. In fact, it fell to its lowest value in over 30 years because of the decision. Our editors are instructed to fact check thoroughly, including finding at least three references for each fact. After the announcement that the UK would be leaving the EU, the markets took a tumble and the British pound lost value. These continual attempts at a unity of various states are the seeds from which the European Union developed. As of 1950, the European Coal and Steel Community begins to unite European countries economically and politically in order to secure lasting peace. Here are 42 little-known facts about the European Union. EU referendum: 40 facts about Britain and the EU to help you decide how to vote. Do you question the accuracy of a fact you just read? Instead it has to go by the weight. In fact, the first nation to exit was Greenland, who left in 1985. By 2013 the group had 28 member countries. These representatives are elected in their home countries and come together to discuss the issues at play. Most people also recognize the EU as an initiative to unite European countries after the two major Global Wars. Thanks for your time! Northern Europe can be categorised in several ways, but for the purposes of this article, we will focus on facts about the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden and their dependent territories.. Apparently, that also includes how its member countries are allowed to dispose of dead livestock. At Factinate, we’re dedicated to getting things right. Because of the restrictions, they sometimes have to throw their catch back into the water, and those fish could already even be dead. Arrangements have to be made in order for a country to leave, with decisions made as to how any dealings between that country and the Union in the future would be taken care of. Oh, and the European Union likes to dictate what power of vacuum can be bought and sold. Sort out the facts in thiz quiz of European cities, countries, and culture. The transition was also made more complicated when Prime Minister David Cameron stepped down following the vote. They’d never made the switch over to the euro, hence the reason why they still had the pound. The European Union is set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between neighbours, which culminated in the Second World War. Population: 60.6 million. It is comprised of 50 countries, 47 of which are united as the Council of Europe. “The evidence provided is insufficient to establish a cause and effect relationship between the consumption of dried plums of ‘prune’ cultivars (Prunus domestica L.) and maintenance of normal bowel function,” the Union announced. But apart from these, there are a lot of fun facts that you probably did not know about the European Union. Factinate is a fact website that is dedicated to finding and sharing fun facts about science, history, animals, films, people, and much more. Click to Subscribe: http://bit.ly/1eaMRfj Growers of these two food items were told that they needed to get rid of bananas that were too curvy, and cucumbers that weren’t straight enough. The EU has strongly shown concerns that diabetic people should not be allowed to drive. Alright, well, maybe that’s cheaper in the long run? Madame de Pompadour was the alluring chief mistress of King Louis XV, but few people know her dark history—or the chilling secret shared by her and Louis. The EU has a number of rules which are fairly strict on how hot you can power up your oven, as well as how powerful vacuum cleaners can be. All Rights Reserved. The Brexit vote to leave was pretty close. We’ll just have to look wistfully at the EU passport express line the next time we’re traveling. I suppose it’s a delicacy? The UK has dismissed such measures, even ahead of Brexit. Algeria decided to be a part of France after its independence in 1962. European Union Fast Facts About the European Union. Europe was named after the Phoenician princess Europa. There are now 27 countries which are member states of the EU, following Brexit. In 2014, the EU ruled that vacuums which had powerful motors over 1,600 watts were no longer allowed. Europe Facts | Religion: Most of the European people are Christians (76%) and there are smaller numbers of Muslims (6%) and Jews and other beliefs. Its members have a combined area of 4,233,255.3 km (1,634,469.0 sq mi) and an estimated total population of about 447 million. The twelve stars is generally thought of as a symbol of unity and perfection. They are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg. Husbands hiding things from wives, mothers from children, and generation from generation. Dinner may be served anytime between six and eight then? There are several countries which are not part of the EU yet are still thriving on the continent. The British exit from the the EU is not the first time a country decided to leave the Union. Our credibility is the turbo-charged engine of our success. Let’s start with the basics. The EU was created by the Maastricht Treaty, which entered into force on November 1, 1993. Brexit was a pretty major deal in the UK, with people divided over what to do. At that point, the six countries involved were trying to establish better trade among themselves and were attempting to establish a common market. It was the predecessor of European Union. Alright, well, I don’t know how I feel about this. Thanks for your help! Critics also suggest that the lower quota of fish leads to higher pricing and fewer fishing fleets. The best revenge might be living well, but that doesn't mean we can always turn the other cheek. If water isn’t supposed to help you stay hydrated, then prunes can’t help you, uh, pass a bowel movement either. The EU released a Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (or WEEE) order, with some fridges being deemed as hazardous materials which would have to be disposed of as such. The European Union (EU) was formed to bring together the countries of Europe. The original guidelines came about in 1996 with multiple amendments being added throughout the years following. The Trans-European Transport Networks was created to help move people and goods throughout the EU efficiently, by means of road, air, rail and water. Italy. Interesting facts about Europe as a continent. The European Commission uses English, French and German, while the European Court of Justice mainly uses French and the European Central Bank is mostly English. Although Catherine's successor Queen Anne Boleyn suffered an infamously dark fate, Aragon's own life was somehow even more tragic. Let’s just…, Entrancing Facts About Madame de Pompadour, France's Most Powerful Mistress, These People Got Revenge In The Most Ingenious Ways, Say No To The Dress: These Bridezillas Horrified Shop Owners, Beyond Belief: These Eerie Experiences Simply Can’t Be Explained, Commanding Facts About Queen Matilda, Tuscany's Ferocious Ruler. Nope. We want our readers to trust us. Little-Known Facts About the European Union 1. How do you pay for eggs? It contains facts on official languages, government websites and other useful data about each country. … This union allows the use of one currency in all the independent European countries and it is also bestowed with the authority to combine the economic and military power of these countries. Iceland doesn’t have mosquitos. The biggest country in the EU by area is Germany, while the smallest is Malta. This sounds like an esoteric attempt at satiric allegory, but it’s not. Had whoever picked that not seen A Clockwork Orange? What do you think is the most visited attraction in Europe? They even introduced the Personal Protective Equipment Legislation for it. As the most commanding mistress in the French court, she bettered the lives of many and became a beloved figure…. Click on a continent to discover some fascinating facts for every country…, © 2021 FactCity.com   In 2004, membership jumped to 25 countries, with the addition of Slovenia, Slovakia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Estonia, Hungary, Cyprus, Lithuania and Malta. Amazing facts about the European Union: Just like the UN, the European Union is another universal governing body that governs Europe.Above all, this organization focuses on political and economic matters in Europe. I tried to get my ex-wife served with divorce papers. The guy who managed Guinness Breweries in the 1950s went to a shooting party, where he missed his shot at a golden plover. Like we mentioned, the European Union has its own policies. Site Map, 13 Excellent Facts about The European Union. Though the whole world knows a lot about Europe, there are plenty of unknown but exciting facts about Europe, which is part of its fascinating history. The UK is not the first country to leave the EU. Any country is allowed to leave if they so choose, but they obviously must notify the European Council of that decision. Are they in the pocket of big Gatorade or something? Here’s a full fact file on the EU, and why it remains an important institution. Stephanie Kelsey loves trivia, but she's terrible at playing Jeopardy. 5 x Fun Facts about Europe. Although there are more than 3,000 types of mosquitoes in the world, Iceland doesn’t... 3. Any democratic country in Europe is allowed entry under the stipulations that they are in good standing when it comes to human rights and have positive economic policies. Now, I’m not exactly sure who had the time to figure this out, but, in 2002, when the Euro came into play, the first letter of each country who was going to be using the new currency spelled out “baffling pigs”. Sir James Dyson, of the Dyson vacuum fame, took offense to this decision, citing that German vacuums were given an unfair advantage over his own. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They believe that drinking water does nothing for dehydration. No really, this one is true! 23. Currently, there are five countries up for possible entry into the EU, including Turkey, Albania, Serbia, Macedonia, and Montenegro. Europe is the world’s second smallest continent. In 1979, a referendum was held in Greenland, with the majority in favor of leaving. Enjoy reading the following top 10 ten interesting and fun facts about Europe. They also have their own anthem! Your suggestions can be as general or specific as you like, from “Life” to “Compact Cars and Trucks” to “A Subspecies of Capybara Called Hydrochoerus Isthmius.” We’ll get our writers on it because we want to create articles on the topics you’re interested in. I’d rather not burn myself, thank you very much! The European Union is basically a trading union that allows citizens of the included nations to move freely and trade with each other without tolls. 1. The EU has developed an internal single market through a standardised system of lawsthat apply in all member states in those matters, and only those matters, where members have agreed to act as one. EU Facts | European Union European Union Facts. Want to tell us to write facts on a topic? Oh, the vacuum. They found out that over two million pet horses has been used for meals and decided that the practice was no longer allowed. On June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom voted by way of referendum to leave the European Union. EU countries also have something else in common: their passports. Whereas the members of the Council of Ministers represent the interests of their own countries, representatives for the Commission have to stay impartial, taking a look at things on a wider scale and opting for policies that would benefit the EU as a whole. I say try it for yourself, if you need to, and make up your own mind on this one. He was campaigning to stay a member of the EU. 1952 : European Coal and Steel Community 1.1. Please reach out to us to let us know what you’re interested in reading. The European Union is an international organization made up of 27 European countries. Pax Romana 2. However, in 2016, one member—the United Kingdom—voted to leave the EU. Browse Search. And the rest of us? Probably along the same lines of the vacuums, this likely has to do with power consumption. 15 Glistening Facts about The Mediterranean Sea, 10 Enticing Fасtѕ about Thе Empire State Building, There are several countries which are not part of the, Membership of the EU has expanded hugely over the years. They have made it illegal for a workplace to make employees work more than 48 hours. Freedom to work and live between the UK and the EU also comes to an end, and in 2021, UK nationals will need a visa if they want to stay in the EU more than 90 days in a 180-day period. Twice a year, the presidency of the council switches between the members. With its creation, many of the lingering wounds from the wars of the early 20th century began to heal, and the world opened up to its citizens, as well as a new wave of excited travelers. It’s not actually enforced, but former British Prime Minister Cameron was against the policy and once said, “do you suppose anyone in China is thinking, ‘I know how we’ll grow our economy—let’s get those diabetics off our roads’?”. Each country is given a quota they must follow, but fishermen aren’t too pleased about it. The European Union actually began as the European Economic Community, or EEC, all the way back in 1957. And it’s one you may recognize: “Ode to Joy”, from Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Ninth Symphony” which was composed way back in 1823. European Union countries often have a red passport (the suggested color), with “European Union” written at the top, followed by the country a person resides. Learn more about the EU … The European Union is a confederation (or a group) of 28 member countries in Europe, started in 1957. Those five different institutions mentioned earlier? When you’re cleaning up after dinner, the EU hopes your washing gloves can withstand detergent. What’s longer: The United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, or the European Union’s criteria for materials allowed in toilet paper? France’s President, Charles de Gaulle, said no in both 1963 and 1967. Until Brexit occurred, the largest city in the Union was London. Your email address will not be published. The European Union is a forum that creates binding treaties for its member countries like the federal government creates laws for the U.S., but instead of states, it oversees 28 European … The criteria for it is almost 60% longer than the UN’s assertion for human rights. There's something about the family structure that encourages secrets. Europe as a continent. Unemployed translators: take note! This booklet comes in a handy small format and gives essential information on the European Union, its institutions, member states and candidate countries. There are 24 official languages in the European Union, including Spanish, Polish, Maltese, Greek, Danish, Croatian and English, just to name a few. But what about those nitty-gritty, weird and interesting facts about the EU? EU leaders endorsed a binding EU target of a net domestic reduction of at least 55% in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990. You may know a lot about Europe — but we bet there is much about this vast continent that you don't know.. Home to some of the most visited countries in the world, fascinating history, spectacular art and towering feats of nature, Europe boasts some truly amazing facts.. 21 random fun facts about Europe you never knew 1. Now serving countries in double figures, it started. My mom never told me how her best friend died. In Britain, they had previously been taken to the local landfill and crushed. Brexit isn’t something that can just happen overnight. Download as PDF At some point, the name was changed to the European Union and expanded even further. 2020, 88 Pages, Paperbacks. In his defense, he argued it was the fastest game bird in Europe, … The European Union has its own flag, complete with twelve stars. The EU also has restrictions on the power of ovens. Check out these facts on Europe, about a land that stretches nearly 4 million sq. While several countries... More EU Facts. Did you know these facts about the European Union? Fact #1: 24 tongues of fire There’s a European Health Insurance Card which is offered to all residents of the European Union as well as other major European countries not included in the EU. Here are 40 Interesting Europe facts. We’ve got ‘em! Sort out the facts in thiz quiz of European cities, countries, and culture. Yes, you read that right. In its 2015 report on “People in the EU: who are we and how do we live?” the official statistics agency of Eurostat finds that Europe is a diverse place with ever-changing lifestyles and population trends. Europe is a continent located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and mostly in the Eastern Hemisphere. © Copyright 2021 by Factinate.com. The country officially left in 1985, six whole years after the referendum. The EU says that you can buy a dozen eggs, but it has to be by the weight of the package, not just your typical dozen. Twenty-eight countries are in the European Union, which sets economic and political laws for the region. In 2010, they declared that food items can’t be priced per number, like our example of the dozen eggs. Write for us | miles. Europe refers to the continent that spreads from Iceland to Istanbul. In fact, they’ve told bottled water producers that they can’t put anything on their labels that may imply that drinking water would help with dehydration. Istanbul, the City of Two Continents. Required fields are marked *. 52% of those who voted opted to leave the EU. “The contribution which an organized and living Europe can bring to civilization is indispensable to the maintenance of peaceful relations.”—Robert Schuman, one of the architects of the European Union. The publication is available in 24 EU languages. In the European Commission, each country is represented by one commissioner. This means that any citizen from a European Union country can move to another EU country to work or live. Top 10 facts about the EU IN the wake of David Cameron’s momentous speech on a referendum on Britain’s European Union membership, here are a few facts about the EU. Oh, and oven gloves have to be able to withstand heat of 200 degrees Celsius, which I think I’m okay with. The European Union has won the Nobel Peace Prize. But, even the Queen weighed in and gave her consent that the split should go forward. You can’t do that in the EU. The European Union is known in the world as one of the biggest economies. With the addition of five more countries using the Euro, the new phrase became “begs piffling scams.” Well, okay. Learn more through these fun facts about the European Union. Europe is a continent that is located totally in the northern hemisphere and mostly in the eastern hemisphere. Well, that’s what the European Union says. Privacy Policy | With a total of 28 member countries, the European Union oversees many policies for those members, such as security and economy. As we prepare for the European Parliament elections taking place in May, let’s review some of the interesting facts about one of the most powerful institutions of the European Union. Treaty of Paris establishes the European Coal and Steel Community between France, (West) Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Believe it or not, the EU’s legislation for proper toilet roll material across member states is longer than its legislation for human rights. The... 2. 16 Interesting Facts About Europe I knew that she was going to take it badly, but I had no idea about the insane lengths she would go to just to get revenge and mess with my life. The European Parliament can’t suggest new legislation. Madame de Pompadour didn't just share King Louis XV's bed, she also shared his power. Madrid went to the EU in 2009 appealing these laws because Spanish vultures were essentially starving to death. No really, that’s a thing. When making decisions and tending to policies, the Union takes a look at the broader impact, coming to conclusions based on what’s best for the members as a whole. Okay, this is good. It took them six years to complete the process following a referendum on the matter. The EU’s common currency is the euro. Annually, Asia ships over 6,000 tonnes of frog’s legs to European Union countries. Facts about the EU by Zayn ch 1. What’s pretty neat about the European Union is that citizens can live and work in any member country, much like they would in America, going between states. Diabetics: take warning. By the package or by the weight? Back in 1995, the EU set out guidelines for how bananas and cucumbers should look. Eurasia is the name given to the combined land area of Europe and Asia.