Geography speaks volumes when discussion turns to Europe. Here are some geographically inspired discussion points when introducing newcomers to the European Union:

1. Dividing lines: Eastern Europe and Western Europe: Ireland and Estonia feel very different, as do Slovakia and Austria. Divisions from the cold war continue to the present in various forms and to varying degrees.

2. Dividing lines: Northern Europe and Southern Europe. It’s stimulating to look at all the ways in which countries differ between northern and southern Europe. Talking about the north-south division paves the way for discussion on regions within Europe, such as Scandinavia and the Mediterranean.

3. The boundaries of Europe: where does Europe begin and end? This opens the floor to discussion about far-flung extremities of EU member states: what’s with the Azores? Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guyana, Reunion Island? Greenland? Why aren’t Switzerland and Norway EU members? Do Russia or Turkey belong in Europe, and what does that belonging mean?