BASICS Flashcards
What is the objective of the Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community?
To create interdependence in coal and steel, preventing any country from mobilising its armed forces without others knowing.
This treaty established permanent monitoring of the market and compliance with competition rules.
Which countries signed the Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community?
Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg.
What was the aim of the European Economic Community (EEC) as established by the Treaty of Rome?
To create a common market with the four freedoms: persons, goods, capital, services.
What significant policy was established in 1962 under the EEC?
Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
What was the main goal of the Merger Treaty?
To unify the executives of the three Communities and create a single Council and single Commission.
What key reforms did the Single European Act introduce?
- Extension of QMV for internal market legislation
- New EU competences added
- Clarified rules of implementing powers
- Extended competences of the EP.
What are the three pillars introduced by the Maastricht Treaty?
- European Communities (community principle)
- Common Foreign and Security Policy (intergovernmental)
- Justice and Home Affairs (intergovernmental).
What is the significance of the concept of EU citizenship introduced by the Maastricht Treaty?
It established the legal status of citizens of the EU.
What did the Treaty of Amsterdam aim to prepare for?
Future enlargement of the EU and simplification of existing treaties.
What is one of the key elements introduced by the Treaty of Nice?
New voting rules in the Council redefining majority requirements.
What was the purpose of the Constitution of Europe?
To replace the EU’s founding treaties with a single text.
What did the Treaty of Lisbon change about the European Parliament?
It established a stronger democratic link by composing representatives of EU citizens.
What is the mutual defence clause introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon?
It requires all EU countries to assist another EU country under attack.
What are the three fundamental principles confirmed by the Treaty of Lisbon?
- Democratic equality
- Representative democracy
- Participatory democracy.
What does Article 50 TEU provide for?
A formal procedure for an EU country wishing to withdraw from the EU.
What are the three types of competences established by the Treaty of Lisbon?
- Exclusive competences
- Shared competences
- Supporting competences.
Fill in the blank: The Treaty establishing the European Economic Community was signed on _______.
25 March 1957.
True or False: The Treaty of Maastricht was accepted in a Danish referendum.
False.
What does the Charter of Fundamental Rights achieve according to the Treaty of Lisbon?
It has the same legal value as the treaties.
What is established in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union?
Values such as human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and human rights.
What is the aim of the EU as stated in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union?
To promote peace, its values, and the well-being of its people.
What is the role of national parliaments as stated in Article 12?
Being informed and having draft legislative acts forwarded to them
Seeing that the principle of proportionality and subsidiarity is respected
Evaluation policies in FSJ; political monitoring of Europol, evaluation of Eurojust’s activities
Taking part in revision of Treaties
Being notified of accession application
Taking part in inter-parliamentary cooperation
What does Article 13 state about the institutional framework of the Union?
Promotes its values, advances its objectives, serves the interests of the Union and its people, ensures consistency, effectiveness and continuity of policies and actions
How many union institutions are mentioned in Article 13?
Seven union institutions and EESC and CoR as advisory bodies
What is the aim of enhanced cooperation according to Article 20?
Further the objectives of the Union, protect its interests and reinforce its integration process
What is required for enhanced cooperation to be authorized?
At least 9 Member States; open to other Member States at any time; authorized by the Council as a last resort
Fill in the blank: Enhanced cooperation is binding only to _______.
participating Member States
What are some cases of enhanced cooperation?
- Divorce law (2010 – 16 MS)
- Unitary patent (2013 – 25 MS)
- Property regimes in international couples (June 2016 – 18 MS)
- European Public Prosecutor (2017 – 20 MS)
What guiding principles are outlined in Chapter 1 on the Union’s external action?
- Democracy
- Rule of law
- Universality and indivisibility of human rights
- Respect for human dignity
- Principles of equality and solidarity
- Respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law
What does Article 24 state about the common defence policy?
Progressive framing of common defence policy that might lead to a common defence; mutual political solidarity between Member States
True or False: The Union may conclude agreements with one or more states or international organisations according to Article 37.
True
What is the primary objective of the European Central Bank as per Article 127?
Maintain price stability
What is the procedure for amending treaties according to Article 48?
- Ordinary legislative procedure
- Simplified legislative procedure
What is the legal personality of the Union as stated in Article 47?
The Union shall have legal personality
What rights are established under Article 20 regarding citizenship of the Union?
- Move and reside freely within Member States
- Vote and stand as candidates in elections
- Enjoy protection of diplomatic and consular authorities
- Petition the European Parliament and apply to the European Ombudsman
What is prohibited between Member States according to Articles 28 to 38?
- Customs duties on imports and exports
- Quantitative restrictions on imports and exports
What are the objectives of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as stated in Article 39?
- Increase agricultural productivity
- Ensure a fair standard of living for the agricultural community
- Stabilise markets
- Assure availability of supplies
- Ensure reasonable prices for consumers
What are the tasks of Eurojust as per Article 85?
- Initiation of criminal investigations
- Coordination of investigations and prosecutions
- Strengthening of judicial cooperation
What is the primary objective of the Union development cooperation policy?
Reduction and long-term eradication of poverty
What does Article 288 define regarding legal instruments?
- Regulations: binding and directly applicable
- Directives: binding as to the result but allows choice of methods
- Decisions: binding in their entirety
- Recommendations and opinions: no binding force
Fill in the blank: A regulation shall have _______ application.
general
What is the role of the Employment Committee as stated in the text?
- Assist EPSCO in work on the European Semester
- Prepare the Joint Employment Report
- Prepare draft EPSCO conclusions on the Annual Growth Survey
- Provide surveillance on the implementation of CSR
What type of decision is binding in its entirety?
A decision which specifies those to whom it is addressed.
What do recommendations and opinions have regarding legal force?
No binding force.
Who signs legal acts adopted under the Ordinary Legislative Procedure (OLP)?
The President of the European Parliament and the Council.
Under what conditions do delegated acts come into force?
On the date specified in the legal act, or 20th day after their publication in the official journal.
What is the purpose of Art 290 regarding delegated acts?
To allow the Commission to adopt non-legislative acts to supplement or amend certain non-essential elements of legislative acts.
What must legislative acts explicitly define for delegated acts?
Objectives, content, scope, and duration of the delegation of power.
What are the two conditions under which a delegation of power may be revoked?
- The European Parliament or the Council may decide to revoke the delegation. * The delegated act may enter into force only if no objection has been expressed by the European Parliament or the Council within a set period.
What do implementing acts confer on the Commission?
Implementing powers.
What is the procedure for establishing enhanced cooperation in areas other than CFSP?
- Member States address a request to the Commission specifying scope and objectives. * The Commission may submit a proposal to the Council. * Authorisation is granted by the Council after obtaining consent from the European Parliament.
How is the request for enhanced cooperation in CFSP handled?
- Addressed to the Council. * Forwarded to the High Representative and Commission for opinions. * Authorisation granted by the Council acting unanimously.
What determines the seat of the institutions of the Union?
Common accord of the governments of the Member States.
How many protocols exist regarding the EU’s operations?
37 protocols.
What is the role of National Parliaments in the EU according to Protocol No 1?
- Receive consultation documents from the Commission. * Receive draft legislative acts. * Send reasoned opinions on compliance with subsidiarity.
What is the time frame for national parliaments to submit reasoned opinions on draft legislative acts?
8 weeks.
What happens if one third of national parliaments question a draft’s compliance with subsidiarity?
The Commission must review its proposal.
What is the ‘yellow card’ procedure?
When reasoned opinions represent at least one third of national parliaments’ votes, the Commission must review its proposal.
What is the ‘orange card’ procedure?
If a majority of votes find a proposal breaches subsidiarity, the Commission must justify maintaining its proposal.
How many times has the ‘yellow card’ procedure been triggered?
Three times.
Where is the seat of the European Parliament located?
Strasbourg for plenary sessions; Brussels for additional sessions; General Secretariat in Luxembourg.
What is the maximum number of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) per Member State?
96.
What is the minimum number of Members needed to form a political group in the European Parliament?
23.
What is the role of the Bureau in the European Parliament?
Responsible for internal financial, organizational, and administrative matters.
What does the European Council do?
Defines general political directions and priorities; has no legislative powers.
How often does the European Council meet?
Twice every six months.
What is one of the roles of the President of the European Council?
Chair and drive forward its work.
What is the significance of the Budapest Declaration?
It outlines initiatives for a competitive EU market and strategic objectives.
What does the Brussels Declaration address?
The future of the Western Balkans in the Union.
What is the focus of the Barcelona Declaration?
Advancing social and territorial cohesion.
What are the seven principles outlined in the Berlin Declaration on Digital Society?
- Validity and respect of fundamental rights. * Social participation and digital inclusion. * Empowerment and digital literacy. * Trust and security in digital interactions. * Digital sovereignty and interoperability. * Human-centred systems and innovative technologies.
What are the 7 principles emphasized for public authorities in the digital space?
- Validity and respect of fundamental rights
- Social participation and digital inclusion
- Empowerment and digital literacy
- Trust and security in digital government interactions
- Digital sovereignty and interoperability
- Human-centred systems and innovative technologies
- A resilient and sustainable digital society
These principles guide the development of digital governance and public services in the EU.
What does the Tallinn Ministerial Declaration on eGovernment signify?
It marks Member States’ strong political commitment to achieve the vision outlined in the eGovernment Action Plan 2016-2020.
What is the purpose of the Joint Valletta Action Plan?
To enhance cooperation between African and European countries for humane and sustainable management of migration.
What was agreed upon in the Cologne Declaration regarding security and defence?
To transfer decision-making responsibility for the Petersberg tasks from WEU to the EU.
What are the legislative and budgetary powers of the Council?
Policy-making and coordinating functions.
What is the voting requirement for a qualified majority in the Council?
55% of its members (15) representing 65% of the EU population; 4 Member States are needed for blocking minority.
What are the two types of items discussed in Council meetings?
- A items (no discussion)
- B items (discussion)
What is the role of COREPER?
To prepare the meetings of the Council Configurations.
What is the composition of Coreper 1?
Deputy permanent representatives.
What is the term length for members of the Commission?
Five years.
Who appoints the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Policy?
The European Council, acting by qualified majority.
What is the function of the Court of Justice?
To ensure that the law is observed in the interpretation and application of the Treaties.
How many judges are there in the Court of Justice?
One judge per Member State.
What is the role of the Court of Auditors?
- Check EU funds are collected and used correctly
- Audit EU revenue & expenditure
- Report suspected fraud
- Produce annual reports for the European Parliament and Council
- Provide expert opinions on EU financial management
What is the main task of the European Central Bank?
To manage the euro and conduct EU economic & monetary policy.
Who is the current President of the European Central Bank?
Christine Lagarde.
What are the two main bodies of the European Central Bank?
- Governing Council
- Executive Board
What is the significance of the ‘Luxembourg Compromise’?
It aims to find solutions that can be adopted by all when vital interests of one or more countries are at stake.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is responsible for overseeing the application of Union law.
[Court of Justice of the European Union]
What is the main decision-making body of the European Central Bank?
Governing Council.
What is the role of the General Court?
To rule on actions brought forward by Member States, institutions, and legal persons.
What is the function of the European System of Central Banks?
To conduct the monetary policy of the Union.
What is the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU)?
A union that integrates the economies of EU member states, particularly focusing on monetary policy and the euro.
How many bodies are part of the EU?
8 bodies: EEAS, CoR, EESC, EIB, European Ombudsman, European Data Protection Supervisor, European Data Protection Board, European Public Prosecutor’s Office.
What is the role of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)?
Advisory function to the EP, the Council, and the Commission; composed of 329 members from employers, workers, and civil society organizations.
What is the term length for the President of the EESC?
2 and a half years, renewable once.
What are the six sections of the EESC?
- ECO
- INT
- TEN
- SOC
- REX
- NAT
What is the Committee of the Regions (CoR) responsible for?
Represents local and regional authorities and advises on EU legislation impacting regions and cities.
How many members are in the CoR?
329 members and 329 alternates.
What is the role of the European Investment Bank (EIB)?
Provides funding for projects that help achieve EU aims within and outside the EU.
Who is the current President of the EIB?
Nadia Calviño.
What types of products and services does the EIB provide?
- Lending
- Blending
- Advising and technical assistance
What is the majority required for the Board of Governors’ decisions in the EIB?
At least 50% of subscribed capital.
What is the European Ombudsman’s role?
Investigates complaints against EU institutions and bodies.
Who is the current European Ombudsman?
Emily O’Reilly.
When was the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) established?
Started operations on 1 June 2021.
What types of crimes does the EPPO investigate?
- Fraud against EU financial interests
- VAT fraud with damages above 10 million euro
- Money laundering
- Corruption
How is the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) established?
Established in 2004 to ensure respect for privacy in EU institutions.
What is the primary task of the EDPS?
Supervise the processing of personal data by EU institutions.
What is the function of the European Data Protection Board (EDPB)?
Ensures consistent application of data protection rules across the EU.
What is the structure of the EDPB?
- Chair
- 2 deputy chairs
- Each national data protection authority
- EDPS
What are the three types of EU competences?
- Exclusive
- Shared
- Support, coordinate or supplement
What is the role of the CERT-EU?
Manages threats to EU institutions’ computer systems.
What is ITER?
World’s biggest experiment on the path to fusion energy, currently under construction in Cadarache, France.
What is the Ordinary Legislative Procedure in the EU?
Process where the Commission has the right of initiative and involves codecision between the EP and the Council.
What defines a qualified majority in the Council?
At least 55% of members representing at least 65% of the population.
What percentage of Council members is needed for a qualified majority?
At least 55% of the members of the Council representing the participating Member States, comprising at least 65% of the population of these States.
What constitutes a blocking minority in the Council?
At least the minimum number of Council members representing more than 35% of the population of the participating Member States, plus one member.
In what cases is unanimity required in the Council?
- Taxation
- Social security or social protection
- Accession of new EU Member States
- Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)
- Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP)
- Operational police cooperation between Member States
- Measures relating to family law with cross-border implications.
What is the first step in the ordinary legislative procedure?
The Commission shall submit a proposal to the European Parliament and the Council.
What happens if the Council approves the European Parliament’s position at first reading?
The act concerned shall be adopted in the wording which corresponds to the position of the European Parliament.
What occurs if the European Parliament rejects the Council’s position at second reading?
The proposed act shall be deemed not to have been adopted.
What is the role of the Conciliation Committee?
To reach agreement on a joint text by a qualified majority of the members of the Council and by a majority of the members representing the European Parliament.
What happens if the Conciliation Committee does not approve a joint text within six weeks?
The proposed act shall be deemed not to have been adopted.
What does the special legislative procedure entail?
The Council is the only legislator, and the Parliament must either consent to the Commission’s proposal or be consulted on it.
In the consent procedure, what power does the Parliament have?
The Parliament can accept or reject a legislative proposal by an absolute majority vote, but it cannot amend the proposal.
What is the purpose of ‘passerelle’ clauses?
To allow derogation from the legislative procedures initially provided for by the treaties.
What do ‘brake’ clauses enable?
The ordinary legislative procedure to be applied to specific policy areas while allowing member states to appeal if fundamental principles are threatened.
What is the function of ‘accelerator’ clauses?
To facilitate the establishment of enhanced cooperation among EU countries.
What are delegated acts?
Non-legislative acts adopted by the European Commission that amend or supplement non-essential elements of the legislation.
What conditions must be met for the European Commission to adopt delegated acts?
- The basic act must define the delegation’s objectives, content, scope, and duration.
- The delegated act cannot change essential elements of the basic act.
- Delegated acts can only be of general application.
What are implementing acts?
Non-legislative acts aimed at creating uniform conditions for the implementation of a legislative act.
What does ‘comitology’ refer to?
The set of procedures through which the European Commission exercises the implementing powers conferred on it by the EU legislator.
What is the purpose of the Strategic Agenda adopted by the European Council?
To outline the strategic priorities and objectives for a five-year period.
What are the two main types of procedures used in comitology?
- Examination
- Advisory
How is the President of the Commission appointed?
The European Council appoints a President-designate, and the European Parliament elects the President based on the proposal.
Who chairs the European Council?
The President of the European Council.
What is the term length for the President of the European Council?
Two and a half years, renewable once.
How are judges of the European Court of Justice appointed?
By common accord of the governments of the Member States after consultation of a panel on candidates’ suitability.
What is the role of the European Ombudsman?
To investigate complaints about maladministration in the institutions and bodies of the EU.
What is the term of office for judges of the European Court of Justice?
Six years, renewable
Judges elect their President in each chamber for a renewable term of three years.
Who appoints the President of the European Central Bank?
The European Council, acting by a qualified majority
Notable members include Christine Lagarde and Luis de Guindos.
What is required to determine a clear risk of a serious breach of Article 2 values?
Four fifths of Council Members, after consent of the European Parliament
This can be proposed by one third of Member States, the Commission, or the European Parliament.
What happens if a motion of censure is carried by a two-thirds majority in the European Parliament?
The members of the Commission shall resign as a body
This includes the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
What are some general principles of law embraced by the EU legal order?
- Proportionality
- Equality
- Legal certainty
- Non-retroactivity
- Legitimate expectation
- Human or fundamental rights
What landmark case established the direct effect of EU law?
Van Gend en Loos (1963)
This case allowed individuals to claim rights directly under EU law before national courts.
What does the doctrine of supremacy dictate regarding EU law?
EU law takes precedence over conflicting provisions of national law
This includes national constitutional law.
Which case established that EU law takes precedence over post-dated national legislation?
Costa v ENEL (1964)
This case is foundational in establishing the supremacy of EU law.
What is the difference between vertical and horizontal direct effect?
Vertical direct effect allows individuals to invoke EU law against the state; horizontal direct effect allows invocation against other individuals
Directives do not have horizontal direct effect.
Who was the first President of the European Commission?
Walter Hallstein
He served from 1958 to 1967.
What is the EU acquis?
Collection of common rights and obligations that constitute the body of EU law
It includes treaties, legislation, case-law, and international agreements.
What is the purpose of the Open Method of Cooperation?
To direct national policies towards common objectives
Joint objectives are defined by the Council.
What is the precautionary principle as defined in Article 191 TFEU?
An approach to risk management invoked in cases of potential risk without scientific consensus
It is not used arbitrarily.
When was the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights proclaimed?
7 December 2000
It became legally binding with the Treaty of Lisbon in 2007.
What was the outcome of the Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFE)?
49 recommendations and 326 measures in 9 topics
Topics included climate change, health, and digital transformation.
What are the requirements for initiating an EU Citizens Initiative?
- At least 7 organisers from 7 different Member States
- At least 1 million signatures with a minimum threshold from 7 Member States
What does MFF stand for in the EU budget context?
Multiannual Financial Framework
It determines annual ceilings on commitment appropriations.
What happens if the annual budget is not adopted?
A sum equivalent to not more than one twelfth of the previous year’s budget may be spent each month
This is stipulated in the TFEU.
Who was the first European Chief Prosecutor?
Laura Kövesi
She began her term in 2019 for a duration of 7 years.
What does the financial framework determine?
The amounts of the annual ceilings on commitment appropriations by category of expenditure and the annual ceiling on payment appropriations.
What is the maximum amount that can be spent monthly if the annual budget is not adopted?
A sum equivalent to not more than one twelfth of the budget appropriations for the preceding financial year.
What is the total amount of the MFF and NextGenerationEU recovery instrument in current prices?
€2.018 trillion.
What are the amounts allocated for MFF and NextGenerationEU in current prices?
MFF: €1.211 trillion; NextGenerationEU: €806.9 billion.
What is the biggest heading in the MFF 2021 - 2027?
Cohesion, Resilience and Values.
What is the smallest heading in the MFF 2021 - 2027?
Security and Defence.
What is the purpose of the Flexibility Instrument?
To finance actions that cannot get funding via other sources of the budget.
What is the annual allocation for the Flexibility Instrument?
EUR 0.92 billion.
What does the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund aim to do?
Help reintegrate workers who have lost their jobs due to globalisation into the labour market.
How much funding is allocated annually to the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund?
0.19 billion.
What is the purpose of the Solidarity and Emergency Aid Reserve?
To help tackle emergency situations resulting from major natural disasters or public health crises.
What is the total amount allocated for the Brexit Adjustment Reserve?
5 billion.
What percentage of the EU budget is targeted to fight climate change?
30%.
What percentage of NextGenerationEU is invested in digital transformation?
20%.
What is the minimum duration for the multiannual financial framework (MFF)?
5 years.
What is the adoption procedure for the MFF Regulation?
Consent (unanimity in Council; consent of EP).
What is the ordinary legislative procedure for the annual budget?
Can be adopted if Council rejects, but 70% of MEPs agree.
What percentage of the EU budget is shared management?
70%.
What are the three elements of InvestEU?
- InvestEU Fund
- Portal
- Advisory Hub.
What is the aim of InvestEU?
To mobilise 372 billion with a backing of 26.5 billion.
What are the types of resources for the EU budget?
- Traditional own resources
- GNI contributions
- VAT contributions.
What is the contribution rate for the new own resource based on non-recycled plastic packaging waste?
0.80 cent per kg.
What does the carbon-border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) collect?
75% of what is collected.
What is the temporary statistical based own resource on company profits?
0.5% of the notional EU company profit base.
