European Union Institutions Quiz

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Which of the following best describes the role of the European Commission?

To represent the individual interests of member states.

To define the general political direction and priorities of the EU.

To serve as the main legislative body, directly enacting laws.

To propose legislation, manage EU policies, and represent the EU internationally. (correct)

What is the primary function of the Secretariat-General within the European Commission?

To serve as the permanent secretariat for the President of the European Commission. (correct)

To manage the legislative process of the European Parliament.

To act as the political leader of the Commission.

To represent the EU on the international stage.

Unlike the European Commission, what is the main objective of the European Council?

To enforce European Law.

To manage the EU budget.

To promote the best interest of individual member states. (correct)

To propose legislation to the Parliament and Council.

What does the term 'primus supra pares' signify in the context of the European Commission President's position?

The president is the 'first among equals', holding some specific powers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy?

To strengthen the EU as a credible global actor through diplomacy and foreign policy. Signup and view all the answers

Where are the primary working locations of the European Parliament?

Strasbourg, Luxembourg, and Brussels. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable fact about Roberta Metsola's presidency in the European Parliament?

She is the third woman and the youngest president to hold the position. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is accurate regarding the European Parliament mentioned in the text?

It is considered to be the most far-right parliament in recent history. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the primary focus of the 'completion' stage of European integration?

Removing remaining barriers to achieve a fully operational Common Market. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of intergovernmentalism as a method of international cooperation?

It emphasizes the preservation of state autonomy and tailored decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is most closely associated with the 'deepening' phase of European integration?

Introducing common policies in areas such as the environment and social rights. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a stated disadvantage of supranationalism?

Possible resistance from member states. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main objective of measures taken under the phase of 'widening', within European integration?

To expand the EEC by allowing new member states to join. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of intergovernmentalism, as a strategy for international cooperation?

It may lead to inconsistencies in policy and action. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the stated advantages of supranationalism?

It facilitates streamlined decision-making, and more unified collective action. Signup and view all the answers

The elimination of internal customs duties and trade barriers is a key action within which phase of European integration?

Completion. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key concern regarding Germany after the conclusion of World War II?

Germany's potential to initiate another war. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the Morgenthau Plan proposed in 1944?

A plan proposing the re-agrarianization and partition of Germany. Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary objective of the British Secretary General of NATO, Lord Ismay, regarding post-war Europe?

To keep the Russians out, the Americans in, and the Germans down. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of the Marshall Aid program initiated between 1947 and 1952?

To support European economic recovery after World War II. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a key concept of functionalism in European integration?

Pooling sovereignty in specific areas to foster wider political cooperation. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of the Council of Europe established in 1949?

The fostering of cooperation on issues such as human rights and democracy. Signup and view all the answers

What was the intended effect of establishing fixed exchange rates between Western European currencies and the US dollar?

To promote stability and trade in Europe. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key difference between intergovernmentalism and federalism in the context of European integration?

Intergovernmentalism aims to maintain national sovereignty, while federalism seeks a supranational state. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the proposed European Defence Community (EDC)?

To create a pan-European military force under joint command. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the French National Assembly reject the European Defence Community (EDC)?

Due to concerns about national sovereignty and reservations about German rearmament. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main focus of the European Economic Community (EEC) established in 1957?

Economic integration, focusing on creating a common market and common policies. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these was NOT a main success of the European Economic Community (EEC)?

Achieving complete political unification among member states. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the introduction of the euro for member states?

Reduced currency exchange risks and improved economic interdependence. Signup and view all the answers

What is identified as a key strength of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) established by the Maastricht Treaty?

Enabled the EU to present a unified position on global issues and enhance its international role. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguished the institutional structure of the EEC from the earlier ECSC?

The EEC had a more comprehensive institutional structure enabling a broader governance beyond coal and steel. Signup and view all the answers

What enhancement to the democratic process within the EU is attributed to the Maastricht Treaty?

Increased democratic accountability of EU decision-making through an enhanced role for the European Parliament. Signup and view all the answers

What issue did the Luxembourg Compromise of 1966 primarily address and resolve?

The crisis arising from the shift from unanimous voting to majority voting in the Council. Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism did the Luxembourg Compromise introduce to safeguard national sovereignty?

A de facto veto for any member state on issues of 'very important national interest'. Signup and view all the answers

What symbolic element introduced by the Maastricht Treaty served to increase the sense of unity among those within the EU?

EU citizenship, which promoted a sense of belonging to a larger community. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant criticism of the Maastricht Treaty with regards to its democratic procedures?

Citizens feel disconnected from EU decision-making, perceiving the process as dominated by distant institutions. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major challenge for the European Economic Community (EEC)?

Managing the complex processes of making decisions. Signup and view all the answers

How has the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) been criticized in terms of economic effects?

Exacerbating economic imbalances between member states, especially during the eurozone crisis. Signup and view all the answers

What concern is associated with deeper integration resulting from the Maastricht Treaty?

Concerns from some states wary of ceding more control to supranational institutions, fuelling Euroscepticism. Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental assumption is challenged by the existence of differentiated integration within the EU?

That EU integration always follows a linear process of deepening. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of the Van Gend en Loos ruling by the ECJ?

It allowed individuals to directly use EU law in national courts. Signup and view all the answers

What inherent tension is created by the concept of widening and deepening concerning the EU?

Deepening can exclude newer, less economically aligned states, while widening can complicate decision-making. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge does differentiated integration pose to the long-term structure of the EU?

It might lead to fragmentation if countries diverge too much in their integration commitments. Signup and view all the answers

What is mentioned in the text as a specific challenge encountered in implementing the Maastricht Treaty?

The scope of the reforms occasionally led to difficulties, especially managing the euro and addressing different national interests. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely outcome of resistance by a member state to the ECJ's rulings?

An intrusion into domestic legal systems, according to some member states. Signup and view all the answers

How did landmark cases like Van Gend en Loos and Costa v.ENEL impact the legal structure of the EU?

They affirmed the supremacy of EU law over national law. Signup and view all the answers

What does differentiated integration accommodate within the EU?

The ability for individual nations to choose the extent of their participation levels. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'direct effect' as established by the ECJ?

EU law can be directly invoked by individuals in national courts. Signup and view all the answers