Section 1

Jacques Delors, a very important person who helped create the European Union's single currency, has passed away at the age of 98. He was a Socialist and had a big political career in France. He served as finance minister under President Francois Mitterrand from 1981 to 1984. Even though he was very popular and had a good chance of becoming the president of France in 1995, he decided not to run because he wanted to stay independent.

From 1985 to 1995, Mr Delors was in charge of the European Commission. During this time, he played a major role in bringing different countries in Europe closer together. He helped create the common market, which made it easier for countries to trade with each other. He also helped establish the Schengen agreement, which allowed people to travel between certain European countries without passport checks. Another important thing he did was create the Erasmus program, which gives students the chance to study in other European countries. And, of course, he was instrumental in creating the euro, the currency used by many European countries.

Some people didn't agree with Mr Delors' ideas, especially the United Kingdom under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. They were worried about giving more power to the European Parliament and having a single currency. But Mr Delors didn't let this stop him. Even after leaving his position, he continued to work to make Europe more united and warned about the dangers of populism.

Many leaders have praised Mr Delors for his hard work and dedication to Europe. French President Emmanuel Macron called him a tireless creator of Europe. He was seen as a great Frenchman and a great European. Mr Delors believed in a peaceful Europe that respected all traditions and cultures and took care of its citizens. He wanted the European Union to be a place where everyone could live in harmony and with dignity.

  1. What position did Jacques Delors hold from 1985 to 1995?
  2. What were some of the things Jacques Delors helped create?
  3. Why were some people against Mr Delors' ideas?
  4. How did Emmanuel Macron describe Jacques Delors?
  5. What were Jacques Delors' beliefs about the European Union?

Section 2

My name is Hannah and I am 11 years old. I live in a small town called Dunmore, located in the beautiful country of Ireland. Today, I want to talk about something very important and interesting – the European Union (EU). The EU is a group of countries in Europe that have come together to work and cooperate on many different things. It's like a big family where everyone helps each other out!

One of the main reasons why the EU was created was to promote peace and avoid wars between European nations. It's amazing to think that just a few decades ago, many countries in Europe were fighting with each other. But now, the EU has helped to bring everyone together and create a sense of unity and friendship.

Another cool thing about the EU is that it allows people to travel and work freely between member countries. This means that if I wanted to visit France or Spain, I wouldn't need a passport or have to go through a lot of paperwork. It's like going on a holiday without any hassle!

The EU also helps to protect our environment and make our lives better. They have set rules and regulations to keep our air and water clean, and they work together to tackle important issues like climate change. It's really inspiring to see so many countries working together for the greater good.

I am proud to be part of the EU, as it has brought so many benefits to Ireland and its people. It has helped our economy grow and provided funding for important projects, like building new schools and hospitals. It also gives us a voice on the international stage, as the EU is a powerful force in the world.

  1. What is the European Union and what is its purpose?
  2. How has the EU helped to promote peace in Europe?
  3. What are some benefits of being a member of the EU?
  4. What role does the EU play in protecting the environment?
  5. How has the EU helped Ireland?

Section 3

Welcome to our special news report on the European Union!

Good evening, I'm your host, and today we will be exploring one of the most important organizations in Europe - the European Union, or EU for short.

The European Union is a group of 27 countries that have come together to work towards common goals. The EU was formed after World War II, with the aim of preventing another devastating war in Europe.

One of the main purposes of the EU is to promote peace and stability among its member countries. By working together, the EU countries can resolve conflicts peacefully and avoid any further wars.

Another important goal of the EU is to promote economic cooperation and prosperity. The member countries of the EU can trade freely with each other, which means that goods and services can move easily across borders. This helps businesses grow and creates more job opportunities for people.

The EU also works to protect the environment and promote sustainable development. By setting common environmental standards, the EU ensures that all member countries are doing their part to protect the planet for future generations.

In addition, the EU plays a role in protecting human rights and promoting equality. It works to ensure that all people, regardless of their background, have the same rights and opportunities.

The EU also provides financial support to its member countries, especially those that are less developed. This helps to reduce economic inequalities among the member countries and ensures that everyone has access to the same opportunities.

  1. Anagram Puzzle 1: CPEA
  2. Anagram Puzzle 2: UOEPLE
  3. Anagram Puzzle 3: RUAEEP
  4. Anagram Puzzle 4: NRTOCIFS
  5. Anagram Puzzle 5: ENUHCT

Section 4

One true event associated with the European Union that happened in Ireland is the Irish financial crisis of 2008. This crisis had significant implications for Ireland's economy and its relationship with the European Union.

In the years leading up to 2008, Ireland experienced a rapid economic boom, often referred to as the "Celtic Tiger." The country became known for its thriving property market and strong financial sector. However, this growth was unsustainable and heavily reliant on foreign investment and borrowing.

When the global financial crisis hit in 2008, Ireland was particularly vulnerable due to its exposure to risky lending practices and a housing bubble. The collapse of several Irish banks, including Anglo Irish Bank, led to a severe financial crisis in the country.

To prevent a complete collapse of the Irish banking system, the Irish government took the controversial decision to guarantee the debts of these failing banks, putting a significant burden on the country's taxpayers. As a result, Ireland's national debt soared, and the government had to implement harsh austerity measures to regain financial stability.

The European Union played a crucial role in assisting Ireland during this crisis. In 2010, the EU and International Monetary Fund (IMF) provided Ireland with a €85 billion bailout package. This financial assistance aimed to stabilize the Irish economy, recapitalize the banks, and support the government's budgetary adjustments.

  1. What event happened in Ireland in 2008?
  2. What was the cause of the Irish financial crisis?
  3. How did the Irish government respond to the crisis?
  4. What role did the European Union play in assisting Ireland?
  5. What were the aims of the EU and IMF bailout package?