EU topics

 

Who’s who in the EU? – SCHULZ

March 2, 2016
a7b22080-b2d0-11e4-829f-bc764e083742_125.4_thumb_169_1423757395_1423757174

Quite often, EU institutions and EU terms are hidden behind names, abbreviations or even word plays. So, if you do not know the key personalities of the EU (Schulz, Tusk, Juncker, Mogherini, etc.) and the main concepts under discussion, you can hardly guess, what is actually meant by a newspaper...

Read More

EU&NEWS – Brexit will shock world economy, warns G20

March 1, 2016
TUSK

A potential British exit from the European Union would be a “shock” that ranks among rising downside risks and vulnerabilities for the world economy, G20 finance ministers said Saturday (27 February) after a meeting in China. While reading the article by Euractiv, find synonyms for the terms and expressions marked...

Read More

Who’s who in the EU? – JUNCKER

February 24, 2016
a7b22080-b2d0-11e4-829f-bc764e083742_125.4_thumb_169_1423757395_1423757174

Quite often, EU institutions and EU terms are hidden behind names, abbreviations or even word plays. So, if you do not know the key personalities of the EU (Tusk, Juncker, Mogherini, etc.) and the main concepts under discussion, you can hardly guess, what is actually meant by a newspaper headline....

Read More

Tusk – EU&Headlines – Guess!

February 1, 2016
TUSK

Quite often, EU institutions and EU terms are hidden behind names, abbreviations or even word plays. So, if you do not know the key personalities of the EU and the main concepts under discussion, you can hardly guess, what is actually meant by a newspaper headline. Look at the headline...

Read More

EU&News – Europe on the v……………. of collapse? Interview with Soros

January 22, 2016
ID-100144403

In an interview with the New York Review of Books, billionaire financier George Soros has warned that the European Union is on the "v............................... of collapse" over the migrant crisis, which has seen more than a million migrants and refugees arrive in the region in 2015. Read the article by...

Read More

Who said it? Star Wars & EU Political Discourse Quiz

January 20, 2016
Star Wars2

Politicians seem to talk alike on the big screen and in real life. Here are some key expressions that you may often hear in political discourse in the news.   committee a ​group of ​people ​chosen to ​represent a ​larger ​organization Examples: the school development committee, Committee of the Regions...

Read More

Who is the EU’s Foreign Policy Chief?

January 20, 2016
EU's foreign policy chief

Who is the EU's foreign policy chief? Do you know? In this short video you can learn about the EU's top diplomat and her job. It comes with a quick, interactive listening quiz to help you get the main ideas. INTERACTIVE QUIZ Practice listening for key information (gist) about the...

Read More

EU&Abbreviations

January 18, 2016
Quiz-1-Abbreviations

While reading the news or working with EU texts you often may come across abbreviations of English or French (!) origin. EPSO, IATE, DG and COREPER are all terms that may occur not only in EU texts but also in other contexts related to the EU.  Our Quiz below helps...

Read More

Follow the Headlines DaybyDay – EU Brexit

January 12, 2016
ID-100246713

On the average, five times as many people read the headline as read the body copy. When you have written your headline, you have spent eighty cents out of your dollar.  —David Ogilvy Indeed, headlines are arguably more important than the article itself… They need to be tricky, unique, creative,...

Read More

EU in 2016: Reports of death exaggerated?

January 11, 2016
ID-100144403

The EU is struggling with problems never experienced before, at least not in this measure. Some analysts and politicans have even been predicting its death. Is the situation that bad? And what to expect from this year? Read the article by Andrew Rettman at euobserver to know more about the...

Read More

CEFR – Plurilingualism explained – Now I know

January 8, 2016

Plurilingualism or Multilingualism? Do these two terms refer to one single concept or to two different ones? Well, the answer is not so evident! If you look at the definition developed by the Council of Europe's CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), you will find that the Council...

Read More

News&English – Angela Merkel’s Year of Living Dangerously

January 4, 2016
BERLIN, GERMANY - DECEMBER 30:  (EDITORS NOTE: IMAGES STRICTLY EMBARGOED FROM ALL USAGE UNTIL 23:00 GMT DECEMBER 30, 2015) German Chancellor Angela Merkel records her televised new year's address at the Chancellery on December 30, 2015 in Berlin, Germany. Integration of the over one million migrants and refugees who came to Germany in 2015 will be among Germany's biggest challenges in 2016. Other major issues will include the fight against Islamist terror both at home and through Germany's participation in the coalition-led war against the Islamic State.  (Photo by Ukas Michael - Pool/Getty Images)

In 2015, Angela Merkel evolved from Germany’s measured voice of reason into Europe’s voice of compassion. Loved and loathed (=hated), the German chancellor heads towards a tumultuous (=busy) 2016. Read the article by Matthew Karnitschnig in POLITICO along with some key terms explained in red and further expressions marked in...

Read More

Follow the Headlines DaybyDay

December 2, 2015
ID-100246713

ROUND #12 On the average, five times as many people read the headline as read the body copy. When you have written your headline, you have spent eighty cents out of your dollar.  —David Ogilvy Indeed, headlines are arguably more important than the article itself… They need to be tricky,...

Read More

Follow the Headlines DaybyDay

November 25, 2015
ID-100246713

ROUND #11 On the average, five times as many people read the headline as read the body copy. When you have written your headline, you have spent eighty cents out of your dollar.  —David Ogilvy Indeed, headlines are arguably more important than the article itself… They need to be tricky,...

Read More

Mea Culpa – Paris attacks show flawed use of Schengen rules?

November 22, 2015
ID-10078806

A ‘mea culpa’ emerged from the emergency meeting on security matters on Friday (20 November), as EU member states acknowledged they did not use all the tools at their disposal to address the terrorist threats. Read the EurActiv.com article by Jorge Valero along with some key expressions to know. Questions for You:...

Read More

Eurotariff – Roaming prices to be cancelled?

November 18, 2015
ID-100255414

Did you forget to switch off the automatic updates on your smartphone? You don't need to worry about accidentally running up a huge bill: unless you agree differently with your operator, the cost of your data roaming is automatically capped. Moreover, roaming charges will cease to exist in the EU...

Read More

Migrant crisis: Migration to Europe explained in graphics

November 16, 2015
ID-10078806

Migrant crisis: Migration to Europe explained in graphics How many people are coming? Where do they come from? What is the plan for their resettlement? And will it work? A number of questions that  have been raised by politicians, decision-makers or anybody living in Europe - or elsewhere. Check out...

Read More

Leaving EU would be a ‘disaster’, British universities warn

November 13, 2015
ID-10018268

Leaving EU would be a 'disaster', British universities warn What are the impacts of a potential UK exit from the European Union? How will the economy, industry, agriculture, or even education be affected? Below, you will find one view from the world of academics,  as published in an article of...

Read More

Follow the Headlines DaybyDay

November 2, 2015
ID-100246713

ROUND #9 On the average, five times as many people read the headline as read the body copy. When you have written your headline, you have spent eighty cents out of your dollar.  —David Ogilvy Indeed, headlines are arguably more important than the article itself… They need to be tricky,...

Read More

EURO QUIZ

October 26, 2015
EUtopics_Euro Quiz

How much do you know about the official currency of the EU? Take this quiz to find out!

    Do you feel like doing another quiz? Here are a few more: EU Abbreviations Quiz French Words in (EU) English European Citizens' Initiative What(ever) do you mean? - Spoken Idioms   Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono at FreeDigitalPhotos.net   If you like this quiz, share it...

Read More

EU Lobbying in Numbers

October 25, 2015
ID-100190494

DID YOU KNOW that lobbyists are estimated to influence as much as 75% of European legislation? EU insitutions often find themsleves put under intense pressure from corporate and national interests. Find out more about how many lobbyists are actively employed in Brussels, how many meetings MEPs have with lobbyists, etc…. in our short Quiz.

DID YOU KNOW that lobbyists are estimated to influence as much as 75% of European legislation? EU insitutions often find themsleves put under intense pressure from corporate and national interests. Find out more about how many lobbyists are actively employed in Brussels, how many meetings MEPs have with...

Read More

PM, MP or MEP? Quiz on Top Jobs in EU and National Contexts

October 19, 2015
ID-10011901

PM, MP or MEP?
Do You know the difference? Learn more about Top Positions in national and EU contexts.

PM or MP? MP or MEP? Are you confused with all these abbreviations? Take our Quiz to clear up your confusion. Start NOW! Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono at FreeDigitalPhotos.net If you like our lessons, share them with friends and colleagues by using the button below. Thanks!

Read More

2iN1 News & English – Big rise in German attacks on migrant homes in 2015

October 12, 2015
ID-10078806

Big rise in German attacks on migrant homes in 2015 More people on the move than ever before.... For weeks, the migrant crisis has dominated the headlines across Europe. Follow us for UPDATES EVERY DAY and extend your vocabulary at the same time! Start now by filling in the missing...

Read More

#7 Follow the Headlines DaybyDay

September 30, 2015
ID-100246713

ROUND #7 On the average, five times as many people read the headline as read the body copy. When you have written your headline, you have spent eighty cents out of your dollar.  —David Ogilvy Indeed, headlines are arguably more important than the article itself… They need to be tricky,...

Read More

#6 Follow the Headlines DAYbyDAY

September 28, 2015
ID-100246713

ROUND #6 On the average, five times as many people read the headline as read the body copy. When you have written your headline, you have spent eighty cents out of your dollar.  —David Ogilvy Indeed, headlines are arguably more important than the article itself… They need to be tricky,...

Read More

Follow the News #3 – Split over EU Refugee Quotas

September 25, 2015
ID-10078806

This East-West split over EU refugee quotas will have long-lasting consequences More people on the move than ever before.... For weeks, the migrant crisis has dominated the headlines across Europe. Follow us for UPDATES EVERY DAY and extend your vocabulary at the same time! Start now by filling in the...

Read More

2 in 1 NEWS & ENGLISH – The European migrant crisis explained

September 15, 2015
Refugees

As the migrant crisis is escalating in Europe, leaders of the EU must step up and find a way to solve the problem. This short yahoo video gives a good overview of the issue and a great opportunity for you to learn & revise powerful words to use in your...

Read More

Sick Abroad? No Need to Worry!

September 6, 2015
ID-100207217

Sometimes there is just no getting around it: You get sick while you are abroad.... ThE GOOD NEWS IS: if you are insured in any EU country plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, you can access state-provided healthcare in any of these countries under the same conditions as locals. You may...

Read More

Your passenger rights infringed? Check out what to do!

August 21, 2015
ID-10091603

Denied boarding, cancellation or long delay? No need to worry! The EU has set minimum standards for compensation and assistance in the event of overbooking, cancellation or long delay. So, what should you do if you believe your passenger rights have been breached? Read the text below to find out...

Read More

French words in (EU) English QUIZ

August 15, 2015
Quiz-2-FrenchWords

Take this quiz to find out which chic French words are often used in (EU) English!

  If you like this quiz, share it with friends and colleagues by using the button below! Thanks!

Read More

Do YOU know your Passenger Rights?

August 12, 2015
ID-100242165

Millions of holiday-makers travelling in the EU are protected by comprehensive passenger rights – whether travelling by air or rail, by ship or bus or even by coach. Research, however, shows that two-thirds of passengers are not aware of their rights. Be among the first ones to know more about...

Read More

#5 Follow the Headlines DAYbyDAY

July 16, 2015
ID-100246713

ROUND #5 On the average, five times as many people read the headline as read the body copy. When you have written your headline, you have spent eighty cents out of your dollar.  —David Ogilvy Indeed, headlines are arguably more important than the article itself… They need to be tricky,...

Read More

Eurozone reaches deal with Greece

July 13, 2015
Discussion between François Hollande, President of the French Republic, on the right, and Jean-Claude Juncker, in the centre, in the presence of Alexis Tsipras, Greek Prime Minister

   Euro zone clinches deal with Greece after all-night haggle   Clinches a deal? After all-night haggle? What do all these expressions mean? Scroll down to find out! Words to know are marked in red and interesting expressions are marked in green!   Expand your vocabulary by following the News...

Read More

#4 Follow the Headlines DAYbyDAY

July 7, 2015
ID-100246713

 ROUND #4 On the average, five times as many people read the headline as read the body copy. When you have written your headline, you have spent eighty cents out of your dollar.  —David Ogilvy Indeed, headlines are arguably more important than the article itself… They need to be tricky,...

Read More

Greeks vote ‘NO’

July 6, 2015
ID-10048178

On Sunday, Greece held a referendum on the terms of a bailout package put forward by the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the Internatonal Monetary Fund (IMF). Read the key messages of the article along with the explanations of some important and difficult terms. BBC article on Greece debt...

Read More

Applying for a registration certificate in the UK

July 3, 2015
Paperwork2

If you are an EU citizen and you live and work in the UK, you can apply for a registration certificate to make your life easier when applying for benefits and services. Here is how to do it! To make it easier to navigate and understand the explanation, we compiled...

Read More

#1 Follow the Headlines DAYbyDAY

July 1, 2015
ID-100246713

On the average, five times as many people read the headline as read the body copy. When you have written your headline, you have spent eighty cents out of your dollar.  —David Ogilvy Indeed, headlines are arguably more important than the article itself… They need to be tricky, unique, creative,...

Read More

Get EU Funding for Your Project

June 16, 2015
Funding

This short video will give you an overview of EU funding opportunities. Scroll down for a short quiz and a vocabulary list! Source: EuroParlTV    

Watch the video again if necessary, and answer the questions about the video.

  KEY VOCABULARY SME = small or medium-sized enterprise NGO = non-governmental organization eligible = fit, suitable, able to have or do...

Read More

HARDTalk – EU opt-outs

June 4, 2015
Guy Verhofstadt, Member of the EP, on the left, and Jean-Claude Juncker

How many European Unions do we have today? What are the implications of the different types of EU membership? Are EU opt-outs an option? Hard-hitting questions and sensitive topics that, this time, Guy Verhofstadt had to face. Watch the 5-minute video excerpt from BBC's HARDTalk and test your EU (English)...

Read More

The power of yes: why the wording of Britain’s EU referendum matters

May 29, 2015
EU-referendumUK

Have you ever thought about the power of language in a referendum? The way the questions are phrased? Read the article below and find out how subtle changes in the wording of the questions may have the power to influence public opinion, and ultimately, affect the final result in a...

Read More

EU set for economic growth, but Greece to suffer (1) downturn

May 21, 2015
ID-10069239

    Would you like to brush up your English for Business and Economics? Expand your vocabulary by reading the article along with the expressions highlighted in oragne and explained right after the text.   The European Commission published optimistic but cautious economic forecasts on Tuesday (5 May), (2) upgrading the bloc’s...

Read More

EU Cities – EU Seats

May 6, 2015
ID-10077851

Which city hosts which institution? And how many? Is it possible to shift the seat of the European Parliament?
Find the answers in our Quiz on the institutional seats of the EU.

Image courtesy of debspoons at FreeDigitalPhotos.net   If you like our lessons, share them with friends and colleagues by using the button below. Thanks!

Read More

How young translators are helping knit European culture together

April 30, 2015
Translation

“Translating is art in itself. But it gets recognised only when you make mistakes. If you fail, everyone notices. If you do a great job, usually people don’t notice.” Do YOU agree with this statement? Find out more on the role of translation for less-spread languages in art and literature...

Read More

European Commission – Press release / Antitrust: Commission sends Statement of Objections to Google on comparison shopping service

April 24, 2015
Margrethe Vestager

This activity is a great opportunity for you to familiarize yourself with legal English and EU documents. Take 20 minutes, read the text and learn the most important words by reading the excerpts and doing the quick quiz! If you want to read the entire document, click here! European Commission...

Read More

Green priorities for Europe – Interactive Quiz

April 23, 2015
Earth day

What are the top green priorities for the European Union? Do this quick quiz to find out!

To learn more about the topic, read the story on euronews! Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net   If you like our lessons, share them with friends and colleagues by using the button below. Thanks!

Read More

QUIZ on EU Multilingualism

April 15, 2015
ID-10026459-Colourful people

DO YOU KNOW who decides on multilingualism at EU level? What is the difference between multilingualism and plurilingualism? Or how many languages are spoken by the most multilingual person in the Commission? Check it out NOW, along with our detailed, learner-friendly explanations.

  If you like our quizzes, share them with friends and colleagues by using the button below.   Image courtesy of renjith krishnan at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Read More

Harmony of Babel – Multilingualism in the EU

April 15, 2015
RL_Multilingualism2

With 24 official languages (and counting), and over 60 indigenous regional or minority languages, the EU truly is a paradise for language enthusiasts! Many Europeans benefit from growing up speaking more than one language either because their country is officially multilingual (e.g., Belgium or Luxembourg) or for a number of...

Read More

European Citizens’ Initiative – QUIZ

April 7, 2015
EUtopics_European Citizens Initiative_Quiz

Do you have an idea that you'd like to call the EU's attention to? Maybe about an issue concerning public health or the environment? The good news is: If you'd like to change the legislation of a particular matter close to your heart, you can. You just need to know...

Read More

EU grants and tenders – What’s the difference?

March 27, 2015
EUtopics_Grants&tenders

Are you in doubt when using terms and expressions related of EU funds and contracts? Click here to clear up your confusion! Featured image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Read More

Iceland backs out of EU membership talks

March 25, 2015
VL_Iceland

Iceland has finally decided to drop its bid to become a member of the EU. Watch the report to find out more about what motivated their decision. Download the handout here. Featured image courtesy of Serge Bertasius Photography at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Read More

The European Digital Agenda

March 23, 2015
VL_EuropeanDigitalAgenda

The European Digital Agenda Level: B1 and above. With the help of this short video, you will practice: NUMBERS PREPOSITIONS & VOCABULARY ACTIVE LISTENING EU TERMS Download the handout here Image courtesy of cooldesign at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Read More

EU Abbreviations QUIZ

March 22, 2015
Quiz-1-Abbreviations

EU Abbreviations Quiz – Do you know the short for the following?

 

Read More
Switch to desktop version