European Union History Quiz

The first documented mention of "Europe" as a distinct geographic area.

Herodotus questioned the strict separation of Europe and Asia, challenging the early understanding of European identity.

The Roman Empire's perception of itself as superior to Asia and Africa laid the foundation for a sense of European dominance.

The Battle of Tours, which halted the Arab advance, marked a significant moment in defining a 'European' identity against an external threat.

Charlemagne's rule saw the emergence of a Carolingian Empire that embraced both Roman and Christian values, fostering a shared European identity under the banner of 'Christendom'.

The fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans in 1453 reinforced the perception of a constant Islamic threat, strengthening the sense of a united European front.

The discovery of the Americas emphasized a sense of European superiority and fueled the belief that Europe was destined to dominate the world.

The Thirty Years' War and the Peace of Westphalia shifted the discourse on Europe towards establishing political peace and stability between European states.

The Enlightenment era saw the rise of ideas of rationality, democracy, individual freedom, and tolerance, shaping European thought and influencing its future trajectory.

Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz envisioned a unified Europe as a powerful force on the global stage, bringing together different states into a single entity.

A plan for European integration that failed due to concerns over national sovereignty, fears of undermining the League of Nations, and the economic challenges of the Great Depression.

A Jewish writer who argued in the 1930s that internal forces, particularly nationalism, posed the greatest threat to European unity, highlighting the shared history and culture of Europe as a source of common ground.

A political party that rose to power in Germany in the 1930s, promoting a distorted and racist view of European civilization, aiming to establish a new European order under German dominance.

The concept, coined by historian Arnold Toynbee in the 1930s-1960s, that while Western ideas and influence were spreading globally, Europe was losing its dominant position in the world.

A clandestine publication written by Altiero Spinelli and Ernesto Rossi in 1941, advocating for a federal Europe with a supranational government and a unified army.

A political movement founded in 1943, inspired by the Ventotene Manifesto, advocating for a united Europe with a federal structure.

A conference held in Geneva in 1944 by European Federalists, advocating for a federal Europe with a government directly accountable to the people, a common army, and a written constitution.

A speech delivered by Winston Churchill in 1946, outlining a vision for a united Europe as part of Britain’s role in the postwar world, while maintaining British independence.

The European Movement's Legal Committee initiated the process that would result in the creation of the European Convention on Human Rights, which would establish a framework for protecting human rights within Europe.

The Schuman Declaration proposed the formation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) as a way to prevent future conflicts between European nations. It aimed to pool resources to address key industries.

The Treaty of Paris, signed in 1951, formally established the ECSC, integrating France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. This marked a significant step towards economic cooperation in Europe.

The Messina Conference brought together the foreign ministers of the Six member states to discuss revitalizing European integration. The goal was to establish a single market without customs duties and restrictions.

The Spaak Report outlined a plan for a common market and a nuclear energy community, building upon the progress of the ECSC. It was a key document for promoting further European integration.

The Treaties of Rome, signed in 1957, established the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom). It marked a major turning point in European integration.

The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) was formed in 1960, bringing together Britain and other European nations who wanted free trade without the political commitments of the EEC. It represented an alternative approach to economic integration.

The Fouchet Plans aimed for a "Union of the European peoples", but without supranational institutions. This proposal was rejected by Benelux countries due to its focus on a common foreign and defense policy rather than economic integration.

In 2013, Croatia joined the European Union, marking a further expansion of its membership. This signifies the EU's continuous commitment to its ambitious goal of uniting Europe.

The 'eurosclerosis' phase of European integration, occurring from the mid-1960s to 1985, witnessed a slowdown in the integration process, characterized by bureaucratic rigidities and economic stagnation, hindering further progress.

The EU-Turkey Statement of 2016 aimed to address the refugee crisis by returning migrants from the EU to Turkey. It also included visa liberalization for Turkish citizens and financial aid for Turkey's efforts in managing the influx.

The Treaty of Maastricht, signed in 1992, laid the groundwork for the creation of the European Union, establishing the Eurozone, promoting the free movement of people, goods, and capital, and ushering in a new era of economic and political integration.

The Treaty of Lisbon, signed in 2007, was a major reform of the European Union, aiming to simplify its decision-making processes, enhance its legitimacy, and increase its efficiency. It aimed to address issues such as the effectiveness of the EU's governance and its ability to act decisively.

A policy established by the EEC that provided price guarantees and subsidies for farmers, aimed at supporting agricultural production.

A period of negotiations within the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) where the EEC participated as a unified entity, resulting in significant tariff reductions.

A period of tension within the EEC, sparked by disputes over the expansion of the Commission's power, particularly in agriculture, and the clash between supranationalism and intergovernmentalism.

A treaty signed in 1965 that combined the executives of the EEC, ECSC, and Euratom into a single Commission, strengthening the EEC's administrative structure.

A compromise reached in 1966 that resolved the Empty Chair Crisis by de facto granting member states a veto over major decisions, shifting the EEC towards an intergovernmental model.

A summit meeting of EEC leaders in 1969 that led to agreements on CAP funding, expanded the European Parliament's budget powers, and jumpstarted negotiations for British membership in the EEC.

A formal declaration of the aim to achieve Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) by 1980, including a common currency. This plan was laid out by the Werner Report in 1970.

A series of agreements signed between the EEC and former colonies in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, forming a trade pact.

A report by Leo Tindemans in 1975 that suggested actions for a stronger European Union, encompassing economic and monetary union, a common foreign policy, and enhanced powers for European institutions. These proposals were not fully embraced.

A system created in 1979 with the aim of stabilizing exchange rates and controlling inflation among member states. It included the European Currency Unit (ECU) and the Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM).

A treaty marked by the introduction of the European Union (EU), laying the groundwork for the Euro. It included three pillars: the European Community, the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), and the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA).

A set of economic criteria established in 1993 to ensure that countries joining the Eurozone meet certain standards of economic stability. The criteria relate to inflation, government finance, interest rates, exchange rate stability, and price stability.

A set of criteria established in 1993 to provide objective benchmarks for countries wishing to join the EU. These criteria focus on political institutions, economic stability, and acceptance of EU law.

A treaty signed in 1997 that introduced limited institutional reforms and prepared for the upcoming enlargement of the EU. Key features include the integration of the Schengen Agreement into EU law, strengthening the Parliament's powers, and the introduction of enhanced cooperation procedures.

A treaty signed in 2007 that merged the European Community (EC) into the EU, giving the EU a single legal personality. It introduced new competences, strengthened the European Parliament's power, and created the position of High Representative for Foreign Affairs.