European Union Enlargement Quiz

A key moment in EU history, where the European Parliament proposed a treaty to establish the European Union. It showcased the Parliament's desire for greater integration, but it was not adopted by the Council of Ministers.

The main advisor to the Italian Prime Minister Alcide De Gasperi, who played a pivotal role in the development of early European integration. Monnet's ideas shaped the foundation of the EU.

The initial idea behind creating the European Coal and Steel Community, aiming to prevent future wars between France and Germany by sharing crucial resources for heavy industry.

The founding document of the European Coal and Steel Community, signed in 1950, marking the beginning of formal European cooperation.

The first European community established in 1951, aimed at sharing coal and steel resources between France and Germany, preventing war and fostering cooperation. It created a blueprint for future EU institutions.

The main institution of the ECSC, responsible for oversight and implementation of policies, considered a blueprint for the European Commission.

A treaty signed in Rome in 1957, establishing the European Economic Community (EEC), known as the Common Market, expanding the scope of European integration beyond only coal and steel.

The main driver of the Common Market, establishing it as a core element of the European integration process, built upon the principles and institutions established by the ECSC.

A decision-making process in the EU where the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union (member states) must agree on a shared decision. It's a key mechanism for achieving shared governance.

A method used in the EU for making decisions. It involves collaboration between the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union to reach a shared agreement.

The possibility for a group of EU countries to work together on specific issues or projects, allowing for more flexibility and deeper cooperation among a select group.

The process of more countries joining the EU, increasing its overall size and membership.

A voting system in the EU where a specific proportion of member states must vote in favor of a proposal for it to be adopted. It's designed to represent the balance of power and interests among the members.

The executive branch of the EU, responsible for proposing new laws and managing EU policies. It is composed of Commissioners, one from each member state.

The process of adapting and adjusting the EU's institutional structures and decision-making processes to accommodate the growing number of member states during enlargement. It involves changes to the balance of power and representation.

The specific areas where the EU has the authority to make laws and implement policies. It's the scope of EU power and what it can regulate.

The idea that public opinion is becoming increasingly important in shaping European integration, especially since the 1990s.

A split in views on Europe, not based on left-right political ideologies, but on how people see their identity in relation to the EU.

The opposing forces to European integration, often using nationalist and populist narratives to argue against it.

The belief that the EU integration process is driven by the preferences of ordinary citizens and national political parties.

A theoretical approach emphasizing the importance of national governments and their cooperation in shaping EU decision-making.

A theoretical viewpoint emphasizing the spread of EU policies and their influence on different areas of society, leading to further integration.

A theoretical approach suggesting that states voluntarily transfer power to a central authority (like the EU) to achieve common goals.

The process of understanding how different theories explain the development of the EU and how these theories relate to each other.

A theory of European integration that emphasizes the gradual expansion of integration from economic to political areas, driven by spillover effects and elite socialization.

The idea that integration in one policy area (e.g., economics) creates pressure to integrate in other areas (e.g., politics).

The process by which political elites (e.g., leaders, officials, business people) interact, develop shared perspectives, and promote further integration.

International organizations that operate above the level of nation-states, possessing independent power and authority.

Individuals or groups who operate across national boundaries and influence international politics.

A concept that describes the influence of past decisions and events on current and future actions.

A situation where an agent (e.g., a state) delegates power to another actor (e.g., an institution), creating a potential for conflict if interests diverge.

The idea that governments are key players in integration but their ability to anticipate and control outcomes is limited due to unpredictable events and complex institutional dynamics.

A proposed legal framework for the European Union aiming to create a common legal structure, which was rejected by national referendums in France and the Netherlands in 2005.

The period following the rejection of the European Constitution, where the EU reflected on the reasons for its failure and considered alternative approaches to European integration.

A treaty that revised the EU's legal framework, replacing the proposed constitution with a less ambitious set of amendments, expanding the scope of qualified majority voting, strengthening the European Parliament, and establishing a more streamlined legislative process.

The main legislative process used in the EU, where the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union work together to adopt legislation, aiming to streamline the law-making process and ensure greater parliamentary involvement.

The challenge of ensuring that the EU remains integrated and cohesive as it expands its membership, facing obstacles in coordinating policies and building consensus among diverse member states.

The significant obstacle to further treaty revisions and significant reforms within the EU, stemming from the increasing complexity, size, and diverse interests of its member states, requiring widespread agreement and public support for any significant changes.

The Council of the EU is a key EU institution with both executive and legislative powers. Ministers from each member state participate, representing their national governments while also enacting EU laws and policies.

The Council of the EU operates through various configurations, each focused on specific policy areas. For example, the ECOFIN council deals with economic and financial matters, and the JHA council focuses on justice and home affairs.

The Council of the EU relies heavily on a system of working groups and the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) to prepare and negotiate legislation before it reaches the ministerial level. This ensures that all member states have a voice in the process.

The Council of the EU operates with unanimity as a core principle. This means that every member state must agree to a proposal for it to be adopted. This system can be challenging, requiring extensive negotiation and compromise.

Member states in the Council of the EU have varying levels of power. This is determined by their structural position (population, economy, political stability), institutional strength (government stability, effectiveness) and individual capabilities (leadership, negotiation skills).

Conflicts within the Council of the EU often arise due to policy salience (importance of issues to different countries), competence (expertise and resources), and power dynamics. For example, the Visegrad states may differ in their views on immigration policy compared to other member states.

The Eurozone crisis highlighted deep divisions between northern and southern member states regarding economic policies. The North favors strict fiscal rules and discipline, while the South emphasizes flexibility and balancing economic differences.

The Council of the EU is a crucial component of EU decision-making, acting as the legislative and executive body. Its unique structure and decision-making process require understanding the interplay of power dynamics and political negotiation.