The European Union in 2014...

• Work restrictions across the EU are lifted for migrants from Romania and Bulgaria.
• Greece takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first six months of the year; Italy will preside the last six months.
• Latvia joins the Eurozone.
• European Parliament elections take place in May.
• Riga and Umeå are the new European Capitals of Culture.
• 2014 is "European Year for the fight against food waste".

British politics in 2014...

How the European elections may define British politics in 2014 (GQ)
Comedian Russell Brand does not vote...

In May, European Union citizens will vote to elect their MEPs. In many nations, the nationalist anti-EU parties will probably win many votes. The United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) could win the most votes. Nigel Farage is its leader (see above photo).

In September, the Scots will vote in a referendum on whether to remain part of the UK.

In 2015, there will be the general election.

Large-scale disengagement from politics is a danger.

Questions (answer in your own words!):

1. What is an MEP?
2. Who are the Scots?
3. What is a referendum?
4. What is a general election?
5. Why do you think there may be disengagement from politics?
6. Why might David Cameron, the Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party, be worried about 2014-2015?

When will Ukraine join the EU?

Ukraine crisis explained (9/12/13)

Huge rally in Kiev in support of closer ties with EU (15/12/13)

Anti-government protests continue (17/12/2013)

Russia offers Ukraine major economic assistance (17/12/13)

Ukraine opposition demands Russia agreement details (18/12/13)

Ukraine country profile

Why the protests?

East or West?

To do/questions:

1. Give a brief description of Ukraine (geography, history, politial and economic situation).
2. Describe the situation in Ukraine.
3. Why, according to protesters, should Ukraine have closer ties with the EU?