Advantages and Disadvantages of the European Union

Trade is easier because many EU countries use one single currency, called the Euro.

• Advantage

• Disadvantage

Trade is easier and people and businesses make more money because EU member countries do not have to pay tariffs (taxes) on goods traded between EU countries. This means that the EU is a free trade zone.

• Advantage

• Disadvantage

Countries together can afford to improve infrastructure by building roads, schools, hospitals, and railways across Europe.

• Advantages

• Disadvantages

Poorer member countries benefit from richer member countries. EU membership increases GDP per capita by approximately 12%.

• Advantage

• Disadvantage

- People have the right to travel, live, study, and work in any EU country.

• Advantage

• Disadvantage

You do not need to show a passport or go through border security when traveling between most European Union countries. Thus, travel is easier.

• Advantage

• Disadvantage

Everyone gets access to health benefits regardless of which EU country they are in.

• Advantage

• Disadvantage

When member countries disagree, they have a procedure in place to resolve their problems. Thus, they are less likely to go to war with one another.

• Advantage

• Disadvantage

Member countries are required to protect human rights. 

EU policy promotes the rights of women, children, minorities and displaced persons. 

EU policy is against the death penalty, torture, human trafficking, and discrimination.

• Advantage

• Disadvantage

They have more power to fight climate change. The European Climate Change Program was started in June 2000 and its purpose is to prevent dangerous climate change.

• Advantage

• Disadvantage