European Union Structure Overview
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Questions and Answers

Who is the current high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy?

  • Vladimir Putin
  • Ursula von der Leyen
  • Josep Borrell (correct)
  • Angela Merkel

    • What major agreement did the EU negotiate in 2015 alongside the Iranian nuclear deal?

  • The Paris climate accord (correct)
  • The Brexit agreement
  • The Lisbon Treaty
  • The Refugee Pact

    • Which treaty created the position of the EU foreign minister?

  • Bologna Treaty
  • Amsterdam Treaty
  • Lisbon Treaty (correct)
  • Maastricht Treaty

    • What significant issue has emerged as a central topic of concern for the EU in recent years?

    <p>Relations with Russia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the impact of the 2022 war against Ukraine on EU's relations with Russia?

    <p>Halting of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which institution manages the European External Action Service?

    <p>European Commission</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant challenge has the EU faced regarding migration policy?

    <p>Division among member states</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role has the EU played in response to the refugee crisis from Ukraine?

    <p>Quickly mobilized to welcome millions of refugees</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who directly elects the members of the European Parliament (MEPs)?

    <p>The citizens of each EU member state</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the European Parliament in the legislative process?

    <p>It must approve all EU legislation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What arrangement allows the European Parliament to negotiate all laws, including the budget?

    <p>Co-decision</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which entity must approve the members of the European Commission?

    <p>The European Parliament</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action can the European Parliament take regarding the European Commission?

    <p>It can force a resignation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the primary responsibilities of the European Commission?

    <p>To draft legislation and manage the EU budget.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which year did the European Commission resign en masse over a corruption scandal?

    <p>1999</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must happen for EU laws to be implemented effectively?

    <p>They must be negotiated with Parliament and the Council of Ministers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of the EU budget is allocated to agricultural programs?

    <p>35%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect of the EU budget is primarily focused on helping less developed countries?

    <p>Economic, social, and territorial cohesion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the largest outlay within the agricultural programs of the EU budget?

    <p>Direct payments to farmers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is the EU budget primarily funded?

    <p>Contributions from member states</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which country was the greatest net beneficiary from the EU in 2020?

    <p>Poland</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the general purpose of the agencies and committees within the EU?

    <p>To conduct research and implement EU policy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is required for the EU budget to be approved each year?

    <p>A balanced budget without deficit spending</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which area does the Global Europe aspect of the budget primarily cover?

    <p>Foreign policy efforts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) encompass?

    <p>Both military and civilian efforts, including peacekeeping.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which country is noted as advocating for the establishment of an independent EU army?

    <p>France</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the Lisbon Treaty assign to NATO concerning European defense?

    <p>It recognizes NATO as Europe's primary means of collective defense.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What has prompted changes in EU defense spending and operations?

    <p>Russia's war in Ukraine and its impact on European security.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which regions are the EU's current major military missions primarily located?

    <p>Africa</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the EU's total spending in 2020?

    <p>$197 billion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the objectives of Macron's vision for EU defense?

    <p>Strategic autonomy and reduced dependence on the U.S.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which EU foreign minister has emphasized the need for the EU to take more responsibility in defense policy?

    <p>Borrell</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which countries are part of the Schengen Area but are not members of the EU?

    <p>Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM)?

    <p>To provide loans to struggling governments or banks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following countries is legally required to join the eurozone in the future?

    <p>Bulgaria</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the European Central Bank (ECB) play in relation to the eurozone?

    <p>It issues and manages the euro currency</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When was the European Investment Bank (EIB) founded?

    <p>1958</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT an objective of the European Investment Bank (EIB)?

    <p>Supporting military projects</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the eurozone membership differ from the general EU membership?

    <p>Some EU members are exempt and do not use the euro currency</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition is typically associated with loans provided by the European Stability Mechanism (ESM)?

    <p>Implementation of economic reforms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the Council of the European Union?

    <p>To pass legislation with the approval of member states</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly describes the composition of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU)?

    <p>Includes the European Court of Justice and the General Court</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which institution is responsible for auditing the EU budget?

    <p>The European Court of Auditors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the European Council derive its democratic legitimacy?

    <p>By being composed of democratically elected national leaders</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant action did ECB President Mario Draghi take during the European debt crisis?

    <p>Acted as a lender of last resort to struggling economies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the relationship between EU institutions?

    <p>They form a complex web with mutual oversight and powers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where are the headquarters of the European institutions primarily located?

    <p>Brussels, Frankfurt, Luxembourg City, and Strasbourg</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    European Union Structure

    • The EU was founded in 1992
    • Originated from post-WWII attempts to integrate European economies and prevent future conflicts
    • Composed of seven major and many smaller institutions
    • These institutions create laws, coordinate foreign affairs and trade, and manage a common budget
    • Recent challenges include Brexit, the refugee crisis, and disagreements over further integration

    EU Institutions

    • Executive:

    • European Council: Composed of the EU's 27 national leaders, sets the policy agenda

    • European Commission: 27 commissioners nominated by the European Council and approved by Parliament, proposes and implements legislation

    • Legislative:

    • European Parliament: 705 members directly elected by EU citizens, approves or rejects legislation

    • Council of the European Union (Council of Ministers): 27 national ministers grouped by policy area, approves or rejects legislation

    • Judicial:

    • Court of Justice of the European Union: Two courts, interpreting EU law and settling disputes

    • European Court of Auditors: Audits the EU budget

    • Financial:

    • European Central Bank: President and executive board appointed by the European Council, maintains the stability of the euro and oversees the European financial system

    EU Powers and Operations

    • Democratic Legitimacy:

    • European Council and Parliament are democratically elected

    • MEPs elected by EU citizens

    • Powers of the European Parliament: Can't initiate legislation, but all laws require approval

    • Negotiates laws with the Commission and the Council of Ministers

    • European Commission's Role: Drafting legislation, managing the EU budget, implementing decisions, and representing the EU internationally

    • EU Trade Negotiations: EU acts as a single body, trade commissioner negotiates deals, require approval from Parliament and the Council of Ministers, and approval from individual member states for very broad deals

    • EU Military: Voluntary, case-by-case basis by national militaries, no standing EU army, common security and defence policy (CSDP)

    • EU Budget: Approximately $197 Billion in 2020

    • Largest chunk spent on agricultural programs, economic, social, and territorial cohesion, competitiveness, global Europe, citizenship

    • EU funding varies based on member state economic size

    • Some member countries are net beneficiaries, receiving more funding than they contribute

    Other EU Organizations

    • Schengen Area: Eliminates border controls between member countries, and strengthens law enforcement cooperation
    • Eurozone: Nineteen EU members using the Euro currency, monetary policy controlled by the European Central Bank
    • European Stability Mechanism (ESM): Provides financial assistance to struggling EU countries
    • European Investment Bank (EIB): Provides funding for projects that benefit the EU (economic and social)

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    How Does The EU Work PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores the structure and function of the European Union (EU), including its origins, major institutions, and contemporary challenges. Learn about the roles of the European Council, European Commission, European Parliament, and the Court of Justice in shaping EU policies. Perfect for anyone looking to understand the complexities of European governance.

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