Web Drop-In #2

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

 

Introduction:

This assignment will concern the “Big Three” of the European Union (EU): France, the United Kingdom, and Germany.  These three nations contribute the largest amount of resources to the operation of the EU.  Every time the EU wants to create new legislation, programs, or treaties; it is a given that, at the very least, two of these three nations must be in agreement for them to pass.  If two of these nations don’t agree on a proposed course of action in the EU, it can create much disruption amongst the other member-states.  Also, most of the other member-states usually follow the lead of one of the “Big Three” for guidance on how to proceed.  Throughout the EU’s history, France and Germany have gotten along the most effectively.  The United Kingdom tends to be the odd man out most of the time.

 

Information/Problem:

Since these three countries are so important to the operation and well-being of the EU, it would probably help to learn more about them, wouldn’t it?  Now, here is what you have to do.  First choose one of the three countries you would like to learn more about.  Next, go to the homepage of that nation and find out the following information listed below.

 

  1. Population
  2. Area (size of the country)
  3. National language or languages
  4. Length of membership in the EU
  5. Current political leader (Prime Minister or President)
  6. Most current Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

 

France – http://elysee.fr/

 

Germany – http://bundesregierung.de/

 

United Kingdom – http://ukonline.gov.uk/Home/Homepage/fs/en

 

 

The next step that I would like you to take is to find out how the country you have chosen views the situation in Iraq.  Using the three news sites listed below, search for an article that states this nation’s position on the U.S. led attack on Iraq.  Then answer the following three questions given below.

 

Europe Media – news site devoted to current news events around Europe – http://europemedia.net/

 

BBC – home of the renowned British Broadcasting Company – http://bbc.co.uk/

 

New York Times – U.S. newspaper with excellent coverage of world events – http://www.nytimes.com/

 

 

Questions:

 

  1. How does this nation feel about the U.S. war on Iraq? 
  2. Do they agree with the U.S. or not? 
  3. Has this country helped the U.S. with its operations in Iraq?  If so, how?