EU Law and the Treaty of Lisbon Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental principle of democracy expressed in the Treaty of Lisbon?

  • Democratic equality
  • Representative democracy
  • Direct democracy (correct)
  • Participatory democracy

    • What is the main purpose of the 'citizens' initiative' introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon?

  • To allow citizens to directly propose legislation to the European Parliament
  • To establish a system of direct democracy in the European Union
  • To give citizens a greater say in the development of EU policy (correct)
  • To increase the power of the European Commission in policy making

    • Which of the following is NOT a change brought about by the Treaty of Lisbon regarding the European Council?

  • The European Council gained the power to propose legislation. (correct)
  • An elected President is appointed for a renewable term of 30 months.
  • The European Council was formally recognized as an EU institution.
  • The Council is now responsible for appointing the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

    • What is the difference between the 'assent' procedure and the 'consultation' procedure in EU decision-making?

    <p>Assent gives the European Parliament a veto power, while consultation merely seeks their opinion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main reason for replacing the term 'Community' with 'Union' in the Treaty of Lisbon?

    <p>To emphasize the political union aspect of the EU, going beyond simply economic cooperation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the European External Action Service, as established by the Treaty of Lisbon?

    <p>To coordinate the foreign policy of EU member states. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a change in the decision-making process introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon?

    <p>The abolition of the consultation procedure in the European Parliament. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a key objective of the Treaty of Lisbon?

    <p>To increase the efficiency and transparency of EU decision-making. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary goal of the Treaty of Nice?

    <p>To create a more flexible structure for enhanced cooperation and expand the EU's reach to new member states (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following was NOT a key issue addressed by the Treaty of Nice?

    <p>The creation of a single European currency (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the 'Amsterdam leftovers' mentioned in the context of the Treaty of Nice?

    <p>These were issues unresolved in the Amsterdam Treaty that required further consideration (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the Treaty of Nice impact the legislative procedures within the EU?

    <p>It extended the use of co-decision, allowing Parliament to have more influence in certain areas (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which change to the European Court of Justice, as outlined in the Treaty of Nice, aimed to enhance its jurisdiction?

    <p>The transfer of certain matters from the Court of First Instance to the Court of Justice (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main reason why the Treaty of Nice focused on changing the weighting of votes within the Council?

    <p>To reflect the changing power dynamics within the EU as new members joined (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of 'enhanced cooperation' as described in the context of the Treaty of Nice?

    <p>To allow a group of EU member states to work together on a specific policy area (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the addition of a paragraph to Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union, as outlined by the Treaty of Nice?

    <p>It broadened the scope of Article 7 to cover instances where a potential violation of fundamental rights is detected, even if it has not yet occurred (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What principle, as stated in the text, was supported by the permanent monitoring of the market to avoid distortions?

    <p>Free market (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a feature of the European Union's institutional framework as established by the Treaty discussed in the text?

    <p>The creation of a European Parliament with a single, fixed number of members (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a primary objective of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) as outlined in the text?

    <p>To promote a high level of employment and social protection (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The text describes the Amsterdam Treaty as strengthening the European Parliament by giving it the power to:

    <p>Vote to approve the Commission. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a key objective of the "Cooperation in the Fields of Justice and Home Affairs" pillar?

    <p>To combat terrorism, serious crime, and illegal immigration (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT specifically mentioned as a consequence of the Amsterdam Treaty for the European Union's institutional framework?

    <p>An increase in the number of members in the European Council (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a stated objective of the "European Community" pillar as described in the text?

    <p>To establish a single currency for all members (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The text describes the Amsterdam Treaty as having a key objective of:

    <p>Simplifying the EU's institutional framework and increasing transparency (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a key feature of the European Union's "Closer Cooperation" initiative?

    <p>Permitting member states to adopt a common currency even if they are not part of the Eurozone (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a procedure for the adoption of EU law?

    <p>Procedure for Decisions in Law Enforcement (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following bodies can propose a decision determining a serious risk of a breach of Union principles?

    <p>The Commission, Parliament or one third of the Member States (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    With regards to the General Rules procedure (Article 20 TEU, Article 329(1) TFEU), what is the specific role of the Parliament?

    <p>Parliament is required to give consent when a proposal is made. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR) play in the Procedure for Decisions in Foreign Affairs?

    <p>The HR gives an opinion on the proposal before the Council acts on it. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the Treaty of Lisbon regarding EU foreign policy?

    <p>It created a single legal framework for EU foreign policy under the <strong>Common Foreign and Security Policy</strong>. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the original form of EU legislation before the Treaty of Lisbon?

    <p>EU legislation was split into three distinct pillars, each governed by its own set of regulations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following bodies is responsible for implementing the EU budget?

    <p>The Court of Auditors (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When did the European Parliament gain the right to reject the entire EU budget?

    <p>The 1975 Treaty (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of the passerelle clauses mentioned in the text?

    <p>To provide a mechanism for transitioning from unanimous decision-making to qualified majority voting in certain areas. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a primary source of European Union Law?

    <p>Secondary legislation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Treaty of Rome granted the Commission the power of proposal and negotiation. How did this impact the legislative process?

    <p>It strengthened the Commission's role in the initiation and shaping of legislation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which treaty significantly strengthened the European Parliament's role in the EU legislative process by granting it the power to authorise ratification of accession and association treaties?

    <p>Single European Act (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key difference between the Ordinary Legislative Procedure and the Consultation Procedure?

    <p>The Ordinary Legislative Procedure involves a more complex and extensive process with multiple readings in both the Council and Parliament, while the Consultation Procedure is a simpler process involving only one reading in each institution. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the implication of the statement that European Union law has 'direct or indirect effect on the laws of its Member States'?

    <p>EU law takes precedence over national laws if there is a conflict between the two. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the Treaty of Lisbon advance the European Parliament's position within the EU?

    <p>It brought the European Parliament closer to parity with the Council in the legislative process, marking a significant step towards greater co-decision making power. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The text mentions the 'general principles of Union Law' as a source of EU law. Which of the following is NOT one of these general principles?

    <p>The principle of democracy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Single European Act

    The 1986 treaty that enhanced European integration by creating a large internal market.

    Common Market Completion

    Article 8 mandated the completion of a common market over 12 years.

    Customs Union Completion

    The customs union was finalized faster than anticipated, aiding trade.

    Green Europe Initiative

    The project focused on establishing a common agricultural policy and support structures.

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    Maastricht Treaty

    A treaty that established the European Union and its foundational pillars.

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    Budgetary Powers of Parliament

    The Luxembourg Treaty granted Parliament certain rights over the budget.

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    European Monetary System (EMS)

    A system established to ensure stable exchange rates among EU currencies.

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    Treaty of Amsterdam

    Revised treaties to enhance EU efficiency and democracy.

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    Treaty of Lisbon

    A treaty amending EU foundational treaties, effective from December 1, 2009.

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    TFEU

    Renaming of the Treaty establishing the European Community to 'Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union'.

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    Citizens' initiative

    A new form of participatory democracy introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon.

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    Double majority voting

    A voting principle ensuring decisions require majority support from both member states and population.

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    European Council

    Recognized as an EU institution with a rotating presidency for 30 months.

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    Ordinary legislative procedure

    New legislative process that applies to over 40 new policy areas, replacing the former codecision procedure.

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    Democratic principles

    Three main principles outlined: democratic equality, representative democracy, and participatory democracy.

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    EU Parliament responsibilities

    Composed of citizen representatives and now applies ordinary legislative procedures in more areas.

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    Treaty of Nice

    An agreement to prepare the EU for enlargement by addressing institutional changes.

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    Institutional Questions

    Issues regarding the distribution of seats and decision-making in EU bodies.

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    Weighting of Votes

    Changing how much each member state's vote counts in the Council.

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    Judicial System Reform

    Updates to the EU's judicial framework and the roles of its different courts.

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    Enhanced Cooperation

    A process allowing a group of EU countries to work together more closely.

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    Qualified Majority Voting

    A voting method in the Council that does not require unanimous support.

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    Fundamental Rights Protection

    Provisions ensuring respect for human rights within EU laws.

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    European Parliament Role

    The Parliament's active involvement in treaty negotiation and legislation.

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    Economic and Social Committee

    A committee established by the Treaty to address economic and social issues within the EU.

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    First Pillar

    The pillar of the EU dealing with the European Communities and providing the framework for powers.

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    Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)

    Aimed at promoting international cooperation and safeguarding common values and interests.

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    Third Pillar

    Focuses on cooperation in justice and home affairs, promoting safety and combating crime.

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    Amsterdam Treaty

    A treaty that increased the powers of the Union and refined its institutional framework.

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    Legislative power under codecision

    A procedure where both the European Parliament and the Council must approve legislation.

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    Council's legislative work openness

    Provisions ensuring transparency in the legislative processes of the Council.

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    Composition of the Commission

    Stipulates that the Commission comprises one national representative from each Member State.

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    Passerelle clauses

    Clauses that allow changing from unanimous to qualified majority voting in the EU.

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    Role of the European Parliament

    Parliament is consulted and involved in intergovernmental conferences.

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    EU legal personality

    The EU can enact laws and have legal standing separate from Member States.

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    Sources of EU law

    EU law includes treaties, the Charter of Fundamental Rights, and international agreements.

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    Supranational decision-making

    Member States transfer powers to EU institutions for binding decisions.

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    Treaty of Rome

    Established the European Community and granted the Commission proposal powers.

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    Breach Decision

    A decision by the European Council regarding a breach of Union principles.

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    Suspension of Rights

    The Council can suspend certain rights of a Member State.

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    Enhanced Cooperation Procedure

    A process initiated by the Commission, Parliament, or 1/3 of Member States to address serious breaches.

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    CFSP Decision Procedure

    Application for decisions in foreign affairs, requiring a proposal and opinion from the High Representative.

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    Treaty of Lisbon Impact

    Abolished the three-pillar structure while maintaining distinct foreign policy.

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    Parliament's Budget Role

    The Treaty of Lisbon granted Parliament equal say with the Council in the EU budget.

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    Budgetary Procedure Stages

    The budget process includes submission, adoption, reading, and conciliation.

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    Article 314 TFEU

    Legal foundation allowing Parliament's final say on non-compulsory expenditures.

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    Study Notes

    1. How the European Union Works

    • The European Union (EU) is based on treaties, legal systems, and decision-making procedures.
    • The EU's legal system is separate from international law and has direct/indirect effect on Member States' laws.
    • Primary legislation includes treaties and general legal principles, secondary legislation is based on treaties.

    1.1 Historical Development of European Integration

    • The Second World War's effects led to Franco-German reconciliation, which was a priority.
    • The Treaty of Paris (1951) created the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).
    • The Treaties of Rome (1957) formed the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC or Euratom).
    • These treaties created a common market based on the four freedoms of movement (goods, persons, capital, and services).
    • The Treaties of Rome, the ECSC, and the EAEC were born from the desire for a united Europe as a response to the Second World War and strategic needs of European industries.
    • The Treaties aim to ensure free movement of goods, production and avoidance of production quota distortions.

    1.1.1 The First Treaties

    • The ECSC treaty was signed on 18 April 1951.
    • The treaty came into force on July 23, 1952.
    • The treaty aimed to reconcile the six European states by pooling their coal and steel industries.
    • The treaty created a high authority, parliament, council of ministers, court of justice, and consultative committee.
    • The treaty's worth ended on July 23, 2002.
    • The assets of the ECSC were given to the research fund for coal and steel.

    1.1.2 Developments Up To The Single European Act

    • The early treaties focused on forming a common market.
    • The treaties established Community own resources.
    • The European Monetary System (EMS) was established.
    • The Single European Act (1986) significantly altered the Treaty of Rome, leading to the creation of a large internal market.

    1.1.3 The Maastricht and Amsterdam Treaties

    • The Maastricht Treaty (1992) created the European Union based on three pillars: the European Communities, the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), and cooperation in the field of justice and home affairs (JHA).
    • The Amsterdam Treaty (1997) made adjustments for efficient and democratic functioning of the Union for enlargement.

    1.1.4 The Treaty of Nice and the Convention on the Future of Europe

    • The Treaty of Nice (2001) made preparations for the EU's enlargement but was not fully successful.
    • The European Convention (following the Laeken Declaration) aimed to create a new legal basis for the EU (a constitution) but wasn't ratified.

    1.1.5 The Treaty of Lisbon

    • The Treaty of Lisbon (2007) renamed the European Community to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).
    • It significantly enhanced the EU's democratic and institutional structure.
    • The EU has its own legal order separate from international law.
    • EU law has direct and indirect effect on Member States' laws.
    • The EU has primary and secondary sources of legislation and general principles.
    • Primary legislation includes the treaties and general legal principles.
    • Secondary legislation consists of regulations, directives, etc., and is based on the treaties.

    1.2.1 Sources and Scope of European Union Law

    • The sources of EU Law include treaties, general legal principles, international agreements, etc.
    • EU Law has its own structure with priorities, and it prevails over national law.

    1.2.2 The Principle of Subsidiarity

    • Subsidiarity guides law-making in non-exclusive EU competence areas.
    • Action by the EU is preferred only when the objective cannot adequately be achieved by the Member States.
    • It considers efficiency, scale, and effects.

    1.2.3 Supranational Decision-Making Procedures

    • Member States have transferred some powers to EU institutions in specific areas.
    • EU institutions make binding decisions in various procedures (e.g., legislative, budgetary, appointment procedures).
    • Procedures vary. Some require unanimity, others qualified majority vote etc.

    1.2.4 Intergovernmental Decision-Making Procedures

    • Intergovernmental procedures are important in fields like CFSP and enhanced cooperation.
    • Decision-making often involves shared agreement or consensus among member states.
    • The Treaty of Lisbon changed decision-making procedures, sometimes enabling simpler codecision.

    1.2.5 The Budgetary Procedure

    • Parliament and the Council are the budgetary authority.
    • The budgetary procedure involves several stages, often with a pragmatic schedule.
    • The Treaty of Lisbon gave Parliament equal say over the entire EU budget, as there is now a single budgetary procedure.

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    European Union Factsheet (PDF)

    Description

    Test your understanding of the Treaty of Lisbon and its implications on European Union governance. This quiz covers key principles, changes brought about by the treaty, and compares it with earlier treaties such as the Treaty of Nice. Challenge yourself on the fundamental aspects of democracy in the EU context.

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