Student Web Activities, Remembering 9/11, Social Studies, Glencoe

Student Web Activities

Europe Responds

Introduction
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 had a dramatic effect on Americans. The effect abroad was dramatic, too. Nations around the world – many of them familiar with terrorism in their own countries – voiced their sympathy for Americans and offered their support. The European Union (EU) immediately expressed support for the war against terrorism. Set up after World War II, the European Union represents 15 member nations. It works for economic stability and promotes international trade and peace in the region. The EU promised to pursue multiple plans to defeat terrorists; for example, police and judicial cooperation, and financial measures to block funding for terrorist organizations. One plan concerns emergency preparedness against bioterrorism, the use of biological agents such as anthrax to infect civilians with disease. The plan includes some involvement with the "G7," or Group of Seven. This is an organization of seven large industrial nations that focuses on economic cooperation.

Destination Title: The European Union's Broad Response

Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window.
Need help using your browser for this activity? Click here for tips.

Directions
Go to the European Union's site for emergency preparedness.

Read through the information carefully and then answer the following questions.

1. What was the first step EU members took to respond to the threat of bioterrorist attacks?

2. Name three of the six advantages mentioned in coordinating action through the EU.

3. What did the Health Ministers of the EU agree to work on?

4. What committee of the European Parliament receives updates on emergency preparedness?

5. Under the heading "Civil Protection" are listed four efforts to protect the citizens of the EU. While the list looks short, the capabilities that the EU is seeking to improve are very complex. Work in small groups to create posters titled "Protecting the EU" that illustrate the four new efforts. Use other Internet resources to research and brainstorm different actions that EU officials might take to accomplish each effort. Besides listing actions and groups that might be involved, draw illustrations and connect efforts that are related with large arrows.

• Web Activity Lesson

Plans

• Map Activity Lesson