Here are three more springboards for discussion when introducing newcomers to the European Union. This trio is thematic.

1. An evolving Europe: by any measure, the size and scope of the European Union has ballooned. It’s instructive to trace the progression through the six, the nine, the twelve, the fifteen, the twenty-five, to the twenty-seven: Today’s European Union grew over time, through a series of enlargements. This can be a prelude to discussion of the accession process, the limits of Europe, and what EU membership means (or is intended to mean).

2. Democracy: This is more than a civics point. Instead of recalling classical Athenian democracy, it’s urgent to remember that Spain, Portugal, and Greece transitioned to democracy recently. So Europe is actually a hallmark of young democracies. Is there anything special about European democracy, as opposed to democracy as practiced elsewhere?

3. Education: a model that is state-funded, universal, basically free to students, secular, and that stretches from early childhood through doctoral or professional degrees.

What do these points have in common? On first glance, not much. Except that, together, they do set Europe apart from most anywhere else.