ABSTRACT
Europe has become a decisive element of daily life, whether we like it or not. In twelve of the fifteen member states of the European Union a new common currency, established some years ago, is now visually in evidence in coins and notes. The European Union has provided plans for enlargement of up to twenty-seven member states in the years ahead, and at the same time initiatives are under way to deepen the existing cooperation. The European economy is no longer focused on national or regional contexts but operates on a global level, looking for good opportunities for production and to develop consumer markets all over the world. Media programmes and advertising for products are now crossing regional and national boundaries. The field of education, also, becomes more and more international not least in the competition for a good education which meets the criteria of a flexible, multi-lingual and well trained working person who can meet the needs of the global economy and its local servants.
