01EU Communities and Treaties Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is a key distinction between the EURATOM and the ECSC?

EURATOM is governed by a different set of states.

EURATOM has a time-limited mandate.

EURATOM was created for specific sectors only.

EURATOM is intended for long-lasting integration. (correct)

What was the primary aim of the EEC as outlined in the Treaty of Rome of 1957?

To establish a military union in Europe.

To promote harmonious development of economic activities. (correct)

To regulate coal and steel production.

To create a common agricultural policy.

What does the broad and horizontal scope of the EEC Treaty imply?

It grants the EEC general competences across multiple sectors. (correct)

It is limited to specific sectors like atomic energy.

It focuses solely on agricultural policies.

It excludes competition policy from its framework.

Which of the following is NOT a competence conferred by the Member States to the EEC?

Coal and steel production management. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the institutional framework of the EEC?

It includes authentically supranational institutions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following institutions is common to all three Communities (ECSC, EURATOM, EEC)?

Parliamentary Assembly Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the EEC aim to bring the peoples of Europe together?

Through economic integration and policy alignment. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of competition policy is included in the EEC's main competences?

Establishment of a competitive market. Signup and view all the answers

What major event occurred in 1967 affecting the institutions of the Communities?

Merger Treaty Signup and view all the answers

How does the EEC differ from ECSC and EURATOM in terms of its scope?

EEC has a broad and general scope of competences. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason behind the failure of the Common European Defence (CED) project?

Insufficient support from the UK Signup and view all the answers

What strategy did French President De Gaulle implement to oppose further integration in the EEC?

Empty Chair Strategy Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about the Commission in the Communities is true?

It is the High Authority under the ECSC. Signup and view all the answers

What triggered the so-called 'empty chair' crisis in the early 1960s?

Proposals to change the voting rules in the Council. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant impact associated with the defense sector within the context of European integration?

Strain on national sovereignty issues. Signup and view all the answers

After the Merger Treaty, what remained true about the competences and powers of the institutions?

They continued to differ for each Community. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Luxembourg Compromise allow a member state to do if it objects to an act of the Council?

Postpone the adoption of the act Signup and view all the answers

Which significant change did the Single European Act (SEA) introduce regarding voting in the Council?

Qualified majority voting for specific matters Signup and view all the answers

What was established as a result of the Maastricht Treaty?

The European Union with three pillars Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following competences was newly conferred to the EEC by the Single European Act?

Environmental protection Signup and view all the answers

What was the deadline set for the creation of the internal market according to the Single European Act?

31 December 1992 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'EU citizenship' established by the Maastricht Treaty?

The right to live and work in any EU country Signup and view all the answers

How does the Maastricht Treaty impact the nature of integration among Member States?

Promotes a higher level of political integration Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'positive vs negative integration' refer to in the context of the cases mentioned?

The debate on market liberalization vs regulation Signup and view all the answers

What significant change occurred in the pillar structure with the Amsterdam Treaty?

The third pillar was replaced with police and judicial cooperation. Signup and view all the answers

Which principle was codified in relation to the activities of EU institutions by the Amsterdam Treaty?

Transparency in activities and documents. Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism does Article 7 of the TEU provide?

A process to ensure respect for democratic values among member states. Signup and view all the answers

What major goal did the Treaty of Nice aim to address?

The revision of the institutional framework in light of EU enlargement. Signup and view all the answers

What document was adopted during the Treaty of Nice discussions, which remains important?

The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Signup and view all the answers

What outcome of the Treaty of Nice did the Parliament and Commission initially expect?

Extensive reforms and new competences division. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following developments relates to the enhanced cooperation introduced by the Amsterdam Treaty?

Voluntary cooperation in civil justice matters. Signup and view all the answers

Which member states' actions led to discussions under Article 7 TEU regarding a breach of values?

Hungary and Poland. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary aim of the Treaty establishing a European Constitution in 2004?

To enhance the political dimension of European integration Signup and view all the answers

Which countries rejected the ratification of the Treaty establishing a European Constitution?

France and the Netherlands Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant feature of the failed European Constitution project?

Direct democracy initiatives for EU citizens Signup and view all the answers

What event preceded the signing of the Treaty of Lisbon in 2009?

The failure of the European Constitution Project Signup and view all the answers

How did the proposed European Constitution aim to legitimize the EU?

By emphasizing the will of citizens and states of Europe Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the rejection of the Treaty establishing a European Constitution?

A reevaluation of EU institutional structures Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the European Constitution was anticipated and later included in the Treaty of Lisbon?

Abolition of the pillar structure Signup and view all the answers

What terminology was used in the European Constitution to refer to secondary legislation?

Laws Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main purposes of the Schuman Declaration?

To avoid conflicts in Europe Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) is correct?

It aimed for common production and trading of coal and steel Signup and view all the answers

What approach did Schuman's project for European integration follow?

A step-by-step approach towards integration Signup and view all the answers

Which nations were among the six founding states of the ECSC?

France and Germany Signup and view all the answers

What institution is described as a supranational authority within the ECSC?

High Authority Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of institutions according to the Schuman Declaration?

They ensured the continuity and stability of cooperation Signup and view all the answers

What year did the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) enter into force?

1958 Signup and view all the answers

What was the intended duration of the Paris Treaty establishing the ECSC?

50 years Signup and view all the answers

What was the Spaak Commission responsible for after the ECSC was established?

Studying the next steps of the integration process Signup and view all the answers

According to the functionalist approach, how should integration between European states be guided?

By supranational institutions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Origins and Development of European Integration

The European integration process began after World War II.
There was a push towards establishing international organizations to maintain peace.
New organizations, like NATO and the OSCE, were created, focusing on specific sectors.
The world's division into two blocks posed a question about Europe's role.

The Hague Congress (1948)

This marked the first federal moment in European history.
Three different approaches to European development were discussed.
Confederal: A traditional international organization with the States maintaining predominant power.
Federalist: A single federal state, with national states becoming regional entities.
Functionalist: Gradual integration between states through supranational institutions.

Schuman Declaration (1950)

Short-term aim: Avoid conflicts in Europe.
Long-term aim: Laying foundations for a closer union of European States and citizens.
Schuman's plan used a functionalist approach, with integration achieved step by step.
It emphasized the contribution of an organized Europe to global peace.
The plan stressed the role of individuals and institutions.

European Coal and Steel Community (1951)

Established by the 1951 Paris Treaty.
Was the first step in European integration.
Its aim was to create a common market for coal and steel among member states.
The Paris Treaty lasted 50 years, and ended in 2002.
Six founding states: France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM)

Established in 1958.
Similar to the ECSC in having a sectorial scope (atomic energy).
Same founding states as ECSC.
This initiative showed a clear intention for long-term integration.

The EEC (1)

The Treaty of Rome (1957) defined the EEC's tasks as creating a common market and approximating economic policies.
Aims included harmonious development, balanced expansion, increased stability, and elevated living standards.
These goals were central to an ever-closer union among European peoples.

The EEC (2)

Uniquely, the EEC Treaty had a broad scope, unlike the ECSC and EURATOM, which were sector-specific.
The EEC aimed to establish a single competitive market by promoting economic freedoms and developing ancillary policies (e.g., transport and agriculture).
The EEC's institutional framework was complex, incorporating supranational institutions like the Commission and the European Court of Justice.

Institutional Framework of the European Communities

Each of the three European Communities (ECSC, EURATOM, and EEC) had its own Commission, Council, Assembly, and Court of Justice.
Shared elements existed but were not identical across the communities.
The 1967 Merger Treaty unified some institutions across the communities, with a combined budget.
However, powers remained distinct among the communities.

First Setbacks in the Integration Process: Failure of the CED

The project for a Common European Defence (CED) failed due to concerns about national sovereignty and political viewpoints in the early 1950s.
France was a leading proponent of the project, but concerns about German rearmament played a key role in its failure.

The "Empty Chair" Crisis

France used a strategy of non-participation in Council meetings to protect its sovereignty and block the Commission's gains.
The "empty chair" crisis created a deadlock.

The Luxembourg Compromise (1966)

This compromise recognized the possibility of postponing decisions, giving member states a veto power in cases where fundamental interests were threatened
Used qualified majority voting.

Single European Act (1986)

Codified the role of the European Council.
The SEA expanded the use of qualified majority voting to the internal market.
Introduced cooperation and consultation procedures for the Parliament.
Set a 31 December 1992 deadline for the formation of a single market.
New competences were added, such as environmental protection and scientific research.

Maastricht Treaty (1992)

The economic focus of European integration was declining, as evidenced by increased governmental cooperation between European nations
The European Union is established through the creation of three pillars.
The three pillars establish the European Community, the Common Foreign and Security policies (CFSP), and the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) divisions.
EU citizenship was established.
This treaty established a more profound commitment to cooperation in various policy areas, including foreign policy and justice and home affairs.

Maastricht Treaty (1992 – 3)

Both the Community and intergovernmental methods of EU institutional structure were used.
In the Community Pillar, bodies represented the international organization; a qualified majority was prevailing.
In the second and third pillars, the states and their representatives were central; unanimity was the prevailing vote quorum.
The treaty gave a limited possibility to adopt legally binding actions; judicial scrutiny was limited or lacking.

Maastricht Treaty (1992 – 2)

Establishment of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).
Reinforcement of the EU Parliament role and introducing the co-decision procedure.
Codified principles of subsidiarity and proximity.
Established new competences and expanded existing ones, such as consumer protection, healthcare, and industry.

Amsterdam Treaty (1997)

Modified the three-pillar structure.
Introduced "communitarization" of some policies previously not within the Community pillar – e.g., immigration and asylum.
The treaty introduced the notion of enhanced cooperation among states.
Established the High Representative for the CFSP.
Codified the principle of transparency.

Treaty of Amsterdam - 1997 (2)

The Union's foundation rests on principles of liberty, democracy, human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law.
A special procedure was introduced to address breaches of these values by member states (Article 7 TEU).
This procedure could result in suspension of some of a member state's rights.

Treaty of Nice (2001)

The project aimed for a wider and deeper institutional review.
The attempt to improve the roles of the Parliament and Commission, with a reallocation of powers between the EU and member states did not succeed in all areas.
An important outcome of this treaty was the adoption of the Charter of Nice.

The Failed Project of the Treaty Establishing a European Constitution (2004)

The EU Council convened a convention to discuss the future of Europe.
Subjects other than just governments participated in the convention proceedings.
A new treaty, calling itself a constitution, was approved in 2004, but its ratification was not successful.
Failure to ratify highlighted problems with national referendums that were affecting the legitimacy of the process.

The Treaty of Lisbon (2009)

The Treaty completely replaced the European Community.
Established the European Union as the sole entity and created the legal personality of the EU.
Maintained a specific intergovernmental regime for CFSP but combined the remaining competencies into a single institutional structure.
The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (CFREU) became an annex to the treaties as a binding document.

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Test your knowledge on the European Communities and their treaties, focusing on the distinctions between EURATOM, ECSC, and EEC. Explore the key aims of the Treaty of Rome and the important events that shaped these institutions. This quiz is perfect for students of European integration and political history.