Key issues to reflect... and record

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Every EU country is a democracy, where rights are important. The European Union does not only work together in areas like the economy, security and the environment, but devotes considerable attention to upholding these values both within Europe’s borders and beyond. If a country wants to become a member of the EU, they also have to respect these values and implement them in their own country. Of course this applies to all of the countries that are already a member of the EU.

European values: Freedom & Equality 

All European citizens are free to travel, work and live anywhere in the EU. You are also free to say what you want, think or feel as long as you do not restrict other people’s freedom by discriminating against them. 

• Would you want to live in a country where your religion, opinion or sexual orientation was discriminated against?

The Netherlands is the only country in the EU with bars where you can buy soft drugs legally, (‘coffee shops’). The other countries think this is a bad idea, but the EU has no say in this. Since 2005 in Spain men can get married to men and women to women. This is called a same-sex marriage. This regulation is not European law. The EU is of the opinion that every country should decide such matters for themselves.  

• Would you want the EU to have a say on gender equality policy or not? Explain your view.

Everyone is different: in their language, culture, religion, appearance, opinion and origins. We want these differences to be respected within the European Union so that we can live, learn and work side by side, just like we do in school. We want to live in a society where there is mutual respect, where there is no discrimination and where everyone has the same opportunities. The European Treaty for Human Rights states that every EU citizen has equal rights. Which means that policemen, lawyers, teachers, farmers, carpenters, job seekers, or disabled people, in short all European citizens, must be treated equally. 

• Do you think that everyone in Spain has the same rights? Give an example if you agree or disagree. 

You can regard Europe as one big society where countries and citizens, wherever they come from, try to respect the values of freedom, religion, equality, solidarity and democracy. 

• Do you think this is possible or impossible? Explain why.