(1) Introduction to the European Union

• What year did World War II end?

  1945
• What was the purpose of the Council of Europe established in 1949?

  To promote human rights
• What significant event occurred in 1951 related to the EU's foundations?

  Treaty of Paris signed
• What was the aim of the Treaty Establishing the European Coal & Steel Community?

  To eliminate historic rivalries among European peoples
• What does pooled/shared sovereignty refer to in the context of the EU?

  Shared decision-making among member states
• What were the multidimensional aims of the EU as stated in 1957?

  Political, economic, and legal union
• What treaty was signed in 1957 that established the European Atomic Energy Community?

  Treaties of Rome
• What was the goal of the Treaty Establishing the European Economic Community?

  To create a common market in Europe
• Which countries were the original members of the European Economic Community?

  France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg
• What was the purpose of the European Free Trade Association established in 1960?

  To compete with European Communities
• Which countries were the original members of the European Free Trade Association?

  UK, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Switzerland, Austria
• What year did the EU experience its first enlargement?

  1973
• Which countries joined the EU during its first enlargement in 1973?

  Denmark, Ireland, United Kingdom
• What significant agreement was signed in 1985 regarding border control?

  Schengen Agreement
• What was the aim of the Single European Act in 1987?

  To kick-start the EU Single Market
• What treaty came into force in 1993 that established the EU single currency?

  Maastricht Treaty
• What was the outcome of the Treaty of Lisbon in 2009?

  Term EC replaced by EU
• What year did the UK hold a referendum on EU membership?

  2016
• What was the result of the UK leaving the EU in 2020?

  EU population reduced to 450 million
• What is the role of the European Council?

  Sets overall guidelines for EU policies
• Who is the current President of the European Commission?

  Ursula von der Leyen
• What is the function of the European Parliament?

  Decides EU laws and budget
• How many judges are in the EU Court of Justice?

  27 judges
• What does the European Ombudsman do?

  Investigates complaints about EU administration
• What is the role of the European Central Bank?

  Ensures price stability
• What is the purpose of the European Economic and Social Committee?

  Advises on new EU laws and policies
• What is the principle of conferral in EU law?

  EU institutions function on conferred powers
• What are the steps in how EU laws are made?

  Citizens discuss, Commission proposes, Parliament and Council decide
• What articles in TFEU are primary sources of EU law?

  Articles 30, 34, 36, 206, 207, 45, 49, 56, 67-89
• What is the difference between EU regulations and directives?

  Regulations are immediately applicable; directives require implementation
• What is the role of the EU Court of Justice?

  Rules on interpreting EU law
• What is the significance of the principle of subsidiarity in EU law?

  EU action only permitted if compatible with treaty principles
• What are infringement proceedings before the EU Court?

  Articles 258, 259, and 260 TFEU
• What is the role of the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs?

  Chairs Foreign Affairs Council meetings
• What is the role of civil servants working for the EU?

  Support EU institutions and policies
• What is the average cost of EU administration per citizen?

  €15 per EU citizen per year
• What is the role of the Committee of the Regions?

  Advises on new EU laws and policies
• What is the role of the European Auditors?

  Checks that EU funds are used properly
• What is the role of the European Parliament President?

  Leads the European Parliament's sessions
• What is the significance of mutual recognition in EU law?

  Allows products to be sold across member states