Section2.Belgium

** 1.History/Background of E.U. Country **

Click on the flag to take a look inside a church in Belgium! || "A Belgian is born with a brick in his stomach," is the saying that all of Belgium understands. Belgians have been known to want to build houses out of bricks, nothing else. It definitely describes Belgian houses in Belgium. The vast kingdom of Belgium spreads 11,780 square miles, making it slightly larger than Maryland in the United States. Belgians have a fear of being flooded from storms in the sea; therefore, they have put up sea-walls blocking harsh storms and floods from getting to the Belgians. The temperature in the summer is usually 54ºF to 72ºF, and in the winter, the temperature does not go below 32ºF. Even though there are many religions in Belgium, 75% of the people are Catholic, making this their main religion. Belgium is currently a constitutional monarchy being ruled by King Albert II. French, Dutch, and German are all official languages. French and Dutch combine to make a commen language called Flemmish. German stays alone but is still spoken in many parts of Belgium. Most Flemmish families send their children to Catholic schools. Those who go to public school have to go from age 6 to age 18. Public education is free in Belgium. Belgium is known for its troubled past. Its ancient ancestors were a part of a Celtic tribe, who were admired by Julias Caesar for their bravery in wars and battles including other major countries of Europe. To this day, Belgians remember their past. They live in the present and focus on the future of Belgium and the European Union. ||
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 * 2. Year of Admission to E.U. History and General Information about the E.U.**
 * [[image:BE_001.jpg width="227" height="254"]] || In 1957, the kingdom of Belgium was admitted to the European Union. Belgium formed the largest trade block in the European Union. The EU's headquarters are in Brussels, Belgium. In the fifth century, Germanic Franks took control of Belgium. Belgium split into 4 separate regions. Belgium gained independence from the Netherlands in 1830. Belgium became a horrible battlefield again in the 20th century. Belgium ruled Rwanda and Burundi for some time. The people of Belgium have been with the European Cooperation since 1940. Belgium gave a home to thousands of Belgians along with thousands of other countries' citizens. Belgium is the home of the European Union, making it an international global capitol of the EU. Belgium is important to the EU, in busness and diplomacy. In 2007 and 2008, the Belgium government faced nine months of rumors and deadlock and became the prime minister of the EU. Belgium has made great achievment in the fine arts in the past, and no one can imagine what Belgium will come up with next to help the European Union thrive. ||

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 * 3. How d oes the E.U. and your country feel about global temperatures/climate change? (//environmental issue)// **
 * [[image:BE_012.jpg width="181" height="339" caption="An un-poluted river in Belgium"]] || The E.U. (European Union) has created a package to tackle energy and climate change. Part of the package is to reduce greenhouse gases by 20% by 2010. Also, cars must be efficient to drive on the roads. The E.U. is researching for impacts on climate change or weather. E.U. financial contributions related to climate change have increased over the last few years. The E.U. is recognizing that the public should be aware of global warming theories. By 2012 the E.U. is trying to limit climate change by 2ºC Celsius. Significant adaption efforts are required even if global temperatures are kept below 2ºC. They believe that there are three challenges to achieve this: targets and action, financing, and building an effective global carbon market. The E.U.'s dependence on imported fossil fuel has increased leading to concerns about energy security. The rise in final energy consumption has been driven to large growth in demand for energy in transport.

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 * 4. How does the E.U. and your country feel about supporting the war in Afghanistan? //(political issue)// **
 * || The E.U. and the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan are fond to a secure, stable, free, prosperous, and democratic Afghanistan. The E.U.'s assistance reflects the priorities set out in Afghanistan's National development strategy adopted at the Paris conference on June 12, 2008, including support for justice and law and order. The European council reiterates the E.U.'s strong commitments to promote stability and development in Afghanistan and Pakistan The European council recalls that the E.U. has initiated decisive steps to strengthen and achieve a more structured Afghanistan.

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 * 5. What is the economic background of your country and how does your country feel about supporting the economies of weaker countries in the E.U? //(economic issue)// **
 * || The economic background of our country has been a very prosperous background. The kingdom of Belgium is the central power in all of Europe. This is one of its greater advantages. Belgium has invested greatly in its infastructure. The majority of this investmant went toward transportation of people and goods. Netherlands & Belgium were once one country. When they did split, the economies of both countries increased greatly. 75% of Belgium's people are in the services. Less than 25% of them are in industries and businesses. Agricultural workers make up only 1% of Belgium's work force, though there is an abundant amount of food and natural resources.