How Does European Law Affect Me?

If you live in Scotland then European law affects your life, even though you might not realise it. So it's a good idea to find out what it means!

European Laws can improve the quality of your life and make certain things cheaper or more affordable - learn about some of the benefits you can enjoy!

How can you benefit from the EU?

Cheaper mobile phone tariff

In June 2007, the EU introduced some measures (called a regulation) to cut the amount of money we pay for using our mobile phone abroad.

Thanks to this 'Eurotariff' calling home from abroad will cost customers no more than 38p per minute. It will also be no more than 19p per minute to receive a call. This is an average saving of 50%.

So next time you are lying on a beach on holiday e.g in Spain, or France, and are using your mobile phone, you'll be saving money thanks to the EU.

Travelling/studying/working - No visas

If you travel, study or work in the European Union you don’t need a visa (a stamp or a document attached to your passport). Thanks to the EU you can enter other European countries with just your passport, which saves any hassle.

Health care

When you go to another EU country on holiday, you can, as a UK citizen, get emergency health care too. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you and your family to reduced-cost and sometimes FREE medical treatment anywhere in the EU, Norway and Switzerland and some other countries.

Environment

If you enjoy swimming when you're at the beach, then this one's for you. The quality of our bathing water has improved thanks to the EU, as Scotland’s waste and bathing water regulation comes from the EU. Rules have been in force for over 30 years to improve our beaches.

The good news is that, out of 567 coastal bathing areas monitored around the UK in 2006, 99.6% met the EU’s water quality criteria.

The EU is also actively involved in the drive to improve recycling.

Are you afraid of Climate Change? The EU takes action! On climate change, the EU gave a commitment to reduce greenhouse gases by at least 20% by 2020, compared to 1990 level, plus a commitment to extend this reduction to 30% if other developed countries did likewise.