MERITS AND DEMERITS OF EU MEMBERS.

European union  is  an international organisation of European   countries formed after world war 2 to reduce trade barriers and increase cooperation among it`s members. It consists of 27 countries.

The countries include,Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom.

Being a member of the EU has its merits and demerits.One of   the advantage  is the establishment of a common market this leads to the cancellation of the border control hence there is free flow of goods and people and public contracts are open to bidders from any member and there is no tariffs or duties charged for buying a product from a company owned by a fellow member of EU.(Amadeo,2012). There is a list of advantages and disadvantages below of EU membership.



ADVANTAGES.

1. Political stability.
2. Increased Trade.
3. Increased competition.
4. Increased inward investment.
5. Social policy`s and subsidies.
6. Economic developments.
7. Progress toward greater harmonisation has been established.

DISADVANTAGES.

1. Cost; The EU costs the UK £6.4bn. (see UK government spending).
2. Inefficient policies;  Most spending goes on the common agriculture policy.
3. Problem of Euro; The EU is placing great emphasis on the single currency.
4. Net migration;Free movement of labour has caused overcrowding in UK cities.
5. More bureaucracy less democracy. (Pettinger,2012)

All in all, countries growth and unity is built up by most unions that's why there more than five unions worldwide that bring countries together and establish harmony.

References.
Amadeo, K.(2012)What is the European Union?Available at:
http://useconomy.about.com/od/worldeconomy/p/european_union.htm (Accessed:23 October 2012).
Pettinger,T.(2012)Economics Help. Available at: http://www.economicshelp.org/europe/disadvantages-eu.html (Accessed: 24 October 2012).
Pettinger,T.(2012)Economic Help. Available at: http://www.economicshelp.org/europe/benefits-eu.html
  (Accessed: 24 October 2012).