European Community Treaty Quiz

EU Institutions and Bodies

• The European Union has 7 main institutions, including the European Parliament, European Council, Council of the European Union, European Commission, Court of Justice of the European Union, Court of Auditors, and European Central Bank.

Historical Development of European Integration

• The disastrous effects of World War II led to a priority of Franco-German reconciliation.
• The European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) or Treaty of Paris was signed on 18 April 1951, establishing the first step towards integration by pooling coal and steel sectors in 6 European countries.
• The Treaties of Rome (EEC and EAEC, or Euratom) were signed on 25 March 1957, which consolidated the notion of a common future for Europe.
• The treaties of Rome were established for an unlimited period.
• The six founding countries were Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

Developments Up to the Single European Act

• The main developments of the early treaties include: establishment of Community own resources reinforcement of budgetary powers of the European Parliament election of MEPs by direct universal suffrage establishment of the European Monetary System (EMS)

The Maastricht and Amsterdam Treaties

• The Maastricht Treaty created a European Union with three pillars: European Communities common foreign and security policy (CFSP) cooperation in the field of justice and home affairs (JHI)
• The Amsterdam Treaty made adjustments for the effective functioning of the Union for enlargement.

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

• The Treaty of Nice prepared the EU only for some enlargements.
• The European Convention created a new legal basis for the Union in the form of the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe.

The Treaty of Lisbon

• The Treaty of Lisbon amended the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty Establishing the European Community.
• This Treaty aimed to improve efficiency and legitimacy, making the EU more prepared for new enlargements.

The European Union's Legal System and Decision-Making Procedures

• The EU has a legal order separate from international law. The legal order is usually divided into primary legislation (the Treaties and general legal principles), secondary legislation (based on the Treaties) and supplementary law.
• Sources of EU Law include treaties, the Charter of Fundamental Rights, international agreements, general principles of EU law, and secondary legislation.

The Principle of Subsidiarity

• The principle of subsidiarity defines when EU action is preferable over national action. EU action must be necessary and more effective than national action.
• The area of competence must not be exclusive to the EU.

Supranational Decision-Making Procedures

• Member States of the EU agreed to transfer some powers to EU institutions in specific policy areas.
• EU institutions make supranational binding decisions.

Intergovernmental Procedures

• The decision-making procedures are different for the CFSP and in several other fields.
• These aspects include the stronger component of intergovernmental cooperation.

The Budgetary Procedure

• The EU budget is financed mainly from own resources.
• Parliament and the Council share the budgetary authority.
• The budgetary procedure involves the preparation of the budget and the exercise of budgetary powers.

Combating Fraud and Protecting the EU's Financial Interests

• The European Union's action in budgetary control is based on preventative and corrective principles.
• The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), has the power to investigate fraud in the EU budget.
• The creation of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) brings to justice crimes against the EU budget.

The European Parliament

• The European Parliament is based on the common assembly of 3 pre-existing communities. -Its members have been directly elected since 1979.
• The role and powers of the European Parliament have become more significant over time.

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)

• The EESC is a consultative body of the EU, based in Brussels. It includes 329 members and issues opinions.
• A minimum of 10 Member States need to agree for decisions to be made.

The European Committee of the Regions (CoR)

• The CoR is an advisory body representing regional and local authorities in the EU.
• It comprises 329 members and alternate members .

The European Investment Bank (EIB)

• It provides long-term project funding, guarantees and advice.
• Its operations are primarily in the area of economic, social and territorial cohesion.

The European Central Bank (ECB)

• The ECB maintains price stability in the euro area.
• It's responsible for the tasks relating to the prudential supervision of credit institutions under the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM).

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU)

• The CJEU ensures the correct interpretation and application of EU law.
• The CJEU reviews the legality of EU institutions' acts and decides whether Member States have fulfilled their obligations.

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO)

• The EPPO investigates, prosecutes and brings to justice crimes against the EU budget.
• The EPPO supports the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) in anti-fraud activities.

Test your knowledge on pivotal aspects of the European Community Treaty and its reforms. This quiz covers significant features, procedures, and treaties that shaped European integration. Challenge yourself to see how well you understand the evolution of the EC and the key milestones achieved.