The following Web sites will help augment the material in the text.
- Council of Europe: The Europeans
The Europeans is the monthly online magazine of the Council of Europe, the oldest international parliamentary assembly of democracies on Earth (founded in 1949). Conditions for membership in the Council of Europe include a pluralistic democracy, rule of law, and respect for human rights. In April 2003, Serbia and Montenegro became the Council's 45th member state. This group is considered an effective tool for fostering European cooperation on a broad scale of issues.
- Europa
The ultimate goal of the European Union is "an ever closer union among the peoples of Europe, in which decisions are taken as closely as possible to the citizen"; the objective is to promote economic and social progress that is balanced and sustainable, assert the European identity on the international scene, and introduce a European citizenship for the nationals of the member states. The EU is a supranational organization that is a major factor in the ongoing process of globalization.
- World Sites Atlas: Europe
This site appears to be set up to support tourism, and has several links to various countries in Europe. Currently, only ten countries are supported, but for each of these countries various items of information are provided. The sites include an overview of the country, political maps, a map showing physical features, and one showing places of interest.
- Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (UK)
With increasing numbers of economic migrants and political asylum seekers entering the European countries each year, organizations such as JCWI have been developing throughout Europe. This site links to the sites of several groups working to protect and expand the legal rights of the foreign-born at a time when national borders are becoming more difficult to cross for some immigrants.
- European Roma Rights Center
The Roma, often known as Gypsies, have lived as a distinct cultural group throughout Europe (including the United Kingdom) since the 1200's. Like Jews, they have often been resented, discriminated against and openly persecuted for their unwillingness to assimilate with the local cultures of host communities. Roma resistance to external authority has linked the group to criminal activities and terrorist organizations. Currently, Europe struggles to decide how to deal with Roma issues both nationally and regionally. This pro-Roma website provides in-depth analysis of current programs and legal proceedings as well as insights into cultural history and Europe's on-going dilemma regarding ethnic complexity.
- The Holy See: The Vatican
This is the Web site of the Pope. Catholicism has had a significant impact on the development of Europe and the world for nearly two thousand years. It continues to influence events around the world. The head of the Catholic religion is the Pope, who lives in Vatican City, an enclave within the city limits of Rome, Italy. This site provides access and links to information about this major religion, from history to current issues and Papal announcements. It also provides access to the Vatican library catalogue, which contains an extensive array of historical documents. For example, the first page of a simple search on Erasmus returned several documents dating back to the 16th century.
- Monaco Online
Famous as a playground for the rich and famous on the Mediterranean coast, Monaco is a charming reminder of royalty and haut ton in the 21st century. This site links to a variety of sites demonstrating Monaco's charm.
