Section6.Greece

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

Click this photo to see the waterfall of Arapitsa in Greece. || Greece is 50,942 square miles of beauty. This country is just smaller than the state of Alabama. It has sparsley populated mountains and a meditterranean climate. City states began forming here around 1000 BC! It was under foreign rule. In 1832, Greece won it's independence. Since the 1950's, hundreds of thousands of Greeks have moved from rural areas to cities in search of better jobs and a more comfortable lifestyle. Greece is very cultural. The Greeks have many holidays, as we do in the United States. Like the US, Greece celebrates New Year's Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Christmas, and Easter. Unlike the US, however, they celebrate Assumption, on August 15th, and Ohiday, on October 28th. Greeks eat a lot of the same food that the US eats. For breakfast, the usual meal is bread, honey, or cheese. Greeks eat lunch and dinner later than many countries. Dinner can be served as late as 10:00 PM, and children can stay up. They eat a lot of meat, especially lamb. Greeks love to socialize in cafes and restaurants. Sports, like basketball and soccer, are very popular in Greece. Water sports, such as swimming and sailing, are popular also. Like the United States, the country provides free education between the ages of six and fifteen. Greece is a very interesting country! ||
 * [[image:Buildings_of_Greece.jpg width="305" height="204" link="http://www.360cities.net/image/waterfall-of-arapitsa-in-naousa-greece"]]

Click on the European Union flag to view the European Council. || The E.U. is a supernational organization that helps certain countries solve problems and unite them. There are 27 countries that members of the E. U. and a population of half a billion. Robert Schuman helped this process. Greece became a part of the E.U. in 1981, and it was the tenth country to become a part of it. Greece is in MAJOR debt, but the E.U. is trying to help the situation. The E.U. has certain rules that some countries dislike, but the E.U. makes sure the countries are proud to be Europeans, especially with holidays. ||
 * 2. Year of Admission to E.U. History and General Information about the E.U.**
 * [[image:EU_Flag.gif link="http://www.360cities.net/image/european-council-strasbourg-france"]]

media type="file" key="Maia 1.wav" width="300" height="50" Click on the link to hear our view! ||
 * 3. How does the E.U. and your country feel about global temperatures/climate change? (//environmental issue)// **
 * [[image:http://photosbymartin.com/images/pcd3321/kefalonia-cove-20.3.jpg width="229" height="153"]] || The E.U. is trying to stop greenhouse gases. They want to go green. At the same time that energy and climate change package was agreed, a regulation setting emission performance standards for new passenger cars was passed. Also, an obligation was agreed to for fossil fuel. The E.U. could help Greece with it's climate problem. Yes, Greece has a mild climate but this warm climate is attracted by tourists. These tourists are harming animals and ruining the beaches. Greeks are now afraid of global warming also.

media type="file" key="Maia 2.wav" width="300" height="50" Click on the link to hear our view! ||
 * 4. How does the E.U. and your country feel about supporting the war in Afghanistan? //(political issue)// **
 * || The E.U. needs to maintain a comprehensive approach with the challenges in Afghanistan. The European Council (E.C.) recalls that the E.U. has special steps to strengthen and achieve a more concerted approach to E.U. action in Afghanistan. Greece, in fact, is grateful for the participation of their country. Greece will continue contributing to the effort of the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

media type="file" key="Maia 3.wav" width="300" height="50" Click on the link to hear our view! ||
 * 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)// **
 * || Greece is in major debt. Greece can not support any countries because of this. People think they should turn to the E.U. for help instead of the IMF, which helps many countries with their issues. They believe the E.U. could give them money. They are afraid their taxes will increase and they will not have enough for schools and education. Greece can not support countries, but the countries could support them. Germany refuses, though. They believe they will get enough money from the E.U. This also may be connected to Greece getting a 95.7 of his or her salary after retirement and Germany only getting 43 percent. Europeans hope that the E.U. will help Greece.