Questions and Answers
Which country was the first to join the European Economic Community after its establishment in 1973?
In which year did Austria, Finland, and Sweden join the European Union?
Which country did NOT join the EU in the 2004 enlargement?
What principle must new EU members respect as part of their membership conditions?
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Which of the following countries joined the EU in 1986?
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What was the significance of the Berlin Wall in relation to the EU's history?
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What covers potential new members wanting to join the EU?
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What year did Croatia become a member of the EU?
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Which of the following is NOT part of the European neighbourhood policy?
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Study Notes
EU Membership Timeline
- In 1973, Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom joined the European Economic Community.
- Greece joined in 1981, followed by Portugal and Spain in 1986, after the end of right-wing dictatorships in southern Europe.
- The European Union (EU) was established in 1993, adding Austria, Finland, and Sweden in 1995, bringing the total membership to 15.
Post-Cold War Expansion
- The end of the Cold War saw the division of Europe, characterized by the Berlin Wall, which symbolized the divide between East and West.
- Following the fall of communism in 1989, central and eastern European countries began democratization and sought EU membership.
- In 2004, eight countries joined: Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia, alongside Cyprus and Malta.
- Bulgaria and Romania entered in 2007, followed by Croatia in 2013.
Membership Obligations and Values
- New members must adhere to EU treaties and laws, respecting democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.
- The accession process requires thorough preparation for potential member states.
EU's External Relations
- The EU actively supports security and stability in neighboring regions through the European Neighbourhood Policy.
- The enlargement policy addresses the integration of potential new members.
- Beyond neighboring countries, EU global relations focus on trade agreements, partnerships, and multilateral cooperation.
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Description
This quiz explores the timeline of new members joining the European Economic Community and the European Union. It covers key dates and countries that became part of the EU from its inception to the early 1990s. Test your knowledge of European integration and its historical context.