European Union Institutions Quiz

The post-WWII fear of Germany's potential for future aggression led to its division into smaller provinces, aiming to prevent another war.

A plan proposed in 1944 by US Secretary of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau Jr. aimed at de-industrializing and re-agrarianizing Germany to prevent future aggression.

A period of economic hardship in post-WWII Western Europe, partly attributed to the Morgenthau Plan's implications.

A program established in 1947 by the US to provide economic aid to war-torn European countries.

A model of European integration where countries cooperate while maintaining their sovereignty.

A model of European integration advocating for a unified European state with a supra-national government and parliament.

A model of European integration where countries pool sovereignty in specific areas like economics and agriculture, gradually leading to broader political cooperation (Monnet Method).

A pivotal speech by Winston Churchill in 1946, advocating for a united Europe to prevent future conflicts, setting the stage for European integration.

The European Commission is a supranational institution that promotes the best interests of the EU. It proposes legislation, manages EU policies, enforces EU law, and represents the EU internationally.

The European Council represents the interests of individual member states, setting the overall political direction of the EU. It comprises heads of state or government and meets several times a year.

The European Parliament is the voice of the people in the EU. It debates and approves EU legislation.

The President of the European Commission is the political leader of the Commission, with power over commissioner nominees, portfolio allocation, and the ability to reject proposals.

The European Council and European Commission are the two main institutions of the EU, with the European Council representing member states and the European Commission acting as the executive arm.

The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR/VP) represents the EU on the international stage. This role strengthens the EU's geopolitical influence and blurs boundaries between the Council and Commission.

The European Parliament meets in Strasbourg for plenary sessions, Luxembourg for its secretariat, and Brussels for plenary, committee, and most office activities.

Roberta Metsola, the president of the European Parliament, is the youngest president, the third woman, and the first Maltese representative. Her presence is controversial due to her support for the pro-life movement.

Legal principle that EU law takes precedence over national laws in member states.

The principle that individuals can directly invoke EU law in national courts, making EU law directly applicable to citizens.

A legal case that established the supremacy of EU law over national law, allowing the European Court of Justice to interpret and enforce European treaties.

A legal case that introduced the principle of 'direct effect' of EU law, allowing individuals to invoke EU law in national courts.

A concept allowing European countries to integrate at different levels and speeds, accommodating national preferences while maintaining overall cohesion.

The process of adding new member states to the EU.

The process of deepening integration among existing EU member states, resulting in closer cooperation and policy harmonization.

A model of European integration where member states delegate some of their sovereign powers to a supranational body, creating common institutions and policies.

The European Defence Community (EDC) proposed a unified European military force under joint command, aiming to counter Soviet expansion.

The EDC proposed supranational military integration, meaning European forces would operate under a unified command rather than national control.

France's National Assembly rejected the EDC in 1954 due to concerns over national sovereignty and fears of undermining NATO. Additionally, there were reservations about German rearmament.

After the EDC failed, the European Economic Community (EEC) focused on economic integration, removing trade barriers and introducing common economic policies in Europe.

The EEC fostered economic growth through a common market, removing trade barriers, introducing common policies, and fostering economic collaboration between member states.

The EEC faced challenges related to concerns over national sovereignty, economic disparities between member states, and balancing complex decision-making processes.

Occurs when the scope of integration within a regional organization expands beyond initial economic cooperation to include political, social, and monetary dimensions.

The process of removing remaining barriers to fully achieve the goals set in the founding Treaty, such as establishing a completely functioning Common Market.

Involves expanding the membership of a regional organization by including new member states.

A key treaty that aimed to complete the single market by 1993. It facilitated the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people within the EU.

Advantages of this type of integration include streamlined decision-making, cohesive policies, and greater ability for collective action.

Challenges of this type of integration include potential loss of national sovereignty, possible resistance from member states, and difficulty in ensuring democratic accountability.

The European Union (EU) has a complex governance structure involving multiple institutions. The European Commission acts as the executive branch, proposing legislation, managing EU policies, enforcing EU law, and representing the EU internationally. It functions similarly to a national government, but with a supranational scope.

Expert committees and agency networks play a crucial role in formulating and implementing EU policy. These bodies provide specialized expertise and technical advice, contributing to the development and execution of EU initiatives. They are often composed of academics, industry experts, and government representatives working together to ensure policies are soundly based and effectively implemented.

The European Commission is responsible for proposing policy initiatives. The College of Commissioners, composed of commissioners representing each Member State, collectively decides on policy proposals.

The EMU (Economic and Monetary Union) and the Euro have significantly facilitated trade and investment by reducing currency exchange risks. This fosters economic interdependence among member states, leading to increased economic integration.

The CFSP (Common Foreign and Security Policy) allows the EU to present a more unified stance on global issues, enhancing its role on the world stage. Increased cooperation in Justice and Home Affairs improves the EU's response to transnational challenges like crime and immigration.

The European Parliament's enhanced role improves the democratic accountability of EU decision-making, giving citizens a stronger voice in EU affairs.

Despite the EU's advancements, there are concerns about a Democratic Deficit, a perception of disconnect between citizens and EU decision-making processes. Many feel that EU institutions are too bureaucratic and distant.

The EU is a complex project with diverse national interests and economic realities. Balancing the need for deeper integration with respect for national identities and economic realities is crucial for the EU's future success.