GLOBAL EUROPE: DEVELOPMENT, NEIGHBOURHOOD, ETC Flashcards
What is Article 49 TEU about?
It states that any European State respecting the values in Article 2 may apply to become a member of the Union.
What are the Copenhagen criteria?
They include:
* Stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy
* A functioning market economy
* Ability to take on membership obligations
What is the role of the European Parliament in the membership application process?
The European Parliament must give consent by a majority of its component members.
What are the 35 chapters in the accession negotiations?
They cover various policy areas and are closed only when all Member States are satisfied.
What is the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA)?
It provides funding and support to candidate countries and potential candidates.
What are the five components of the IPA?
- Transition Assistance and Institution Building
- Cross-Border Cooperation
- Regional Development
- Human Resources Development
- Rural Development
When did the UK, Ireland, and Denmark join the EU?
1973
What significant event occurred on 23 June 2016?
The referendum for the UK to leave the EU was held.
What is the purpose of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAP)?
To prepare Western Balkan partners for eventual EU membership.
What are the three aims of the SAP?
- Eventual membership
- Promote regional cooperation
- Stabilise politically and support transition to market economy
What is the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans?
It aims to bring benefits of membership before accession and includes four pillars.
What are the four pillars of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans?
- Integrate into the EU’s single market
- Advance regional economic cooperation
- Deepen EU-related reforms
- Increase pre-accession funding
What is the status of Türkiye in the EU accession process?
Türkiye applied in 1987, was declared eligible in 1999, and negotiations began in 2005.
What is the significance of the Windsor Framework?
It includes solutions for governance and customs related to Northern Ireland post-Brexit.
What is the main goal of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP)?
To bring the EU and its Eastern and Southern neighbours closer.
What are the three key objectives of the ENP?
- Stabilising neighbouring countries
- Promoting good governance
- Facilitating regional cooperation
What is the Union for the Mediterranean?
An intergovernmental partnership launched in 2008 for cooperation between the EU and Mediterranean countries.
What is the Eastern Partnership (EaP)?
It was formed to upgrade the EU’s relations with its eastern neighbours.
What event marked the start of accession negotiations with a candidate country?
Unanimous agreement by all Member States endorsed by the European Council.
What is the current status of Kosovo in relation to the EU?
Kosovo is a potential candidate country.
What financial assistance has the EU provided to Ukraine since the start of the war?
Close to €108 billion in financial, humanitarian, and military assistance.
What is the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with Ukraine (DCFTA)?
A framework to enhance trade relations between the EU and Ukraine.
What was the outcome of the UK-EU negotiations regarding citizens’ rights?
Citizens’ rights were covered in the withdrawal agreement.
What was the financial settlement in the EU-UK withdrawal agreement?
It addressed the financial obligations of the UK upon leaving the EU.
What is the significance of the Erasmus+ programme?
It facilitates educational exchanges for EU citizens.
What is the main challenge for the Western Balkan region in terms of EU integration?
The lack of economic convergence with the EU.
What are the two pillars of the Ukraine Facility?
- Ukraine Plan
- Ukraine Investment Framework
What is the Eastern Partnership (EaP)?
A diplomatic initiative launched in 2009 to strengthen relations between the EU and six Eastern neighbours: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine.
The EaP builds on the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) established in 2008.
What are the five long-term priorities of the Eastern Partnership policy beyond 2020?
- Create
- Protect
- Green
- Connect
- Empower
These priorities aim to enhance resilience and deliver benefits for all partners.
What is the budget allocation for the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI – Global Europe) for 2021-2027?
EUR 79.462 billion, with EUR 19.3 billion earmarked for the Neighbourhood.
The NDICI integrates the previous European Development Fund.
What is the purpose of SIGMA?
To strengthen public management in areas such as administrative reform, public procurement, public sector ethics, anti-corruption, and financial control.
SIGMA is a joint initiative of the European Commission and OECD.
What are the five Ps structured in the European Consensus on Development?
- People
- Planet
- Prosperity
- Peace
- Partnership
This framework aims to address the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
What is the Global Gateway?
The European strategy for sustainable investment in infrastructure globally, aiming to mobilise 300 billion euros.
It is implemented through a Team Europe approach involving multiple stakeholders.
What are the six core principles of the Global Gateway?
- Democratic values and high standards
- Good governance and transparency
- Equal partnerships
- Green and clean
- Security focused
- Catalysing the private sector
These principles guide the implementation of the Global Gateway strategy.
What is the role of the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+)?
To promote sustainable investments in EU partner countries and mobilise up to €135 billion of public and private financing.
EFSD+ offers risk-sharing instruments of up to €40 billion.
What was the Cotonou Agreement?
A partnership agreement between the EU and ACP countries that was effective until 2021.
It was succeeded by the OACPS-EU Partnership Agreement.
What are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
- No poverty
- Zero hunger
- Good health and well-being
- Quality education
- Gender equality
- Clean water and sanitation
- Affordable and clean energy
- Decent work and economic growth
- Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- Reduced inequalities
- Sustainable cities and communities
- Responsible consumption and production
- Climate action
- Life below water
- Life on land
- Peace, justice and strong institutions
- Partnerships for the goals
These goals form the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
What is the Schengen Agreement?
An agreement that abolished checks at internal borders of participating countries, allowing for free movement of people.
It was signed in 1985 and implemented in 1995.
How many countries are covered by the Schengen Area?
29 countries, including 25 Member States and 4 associated countries (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein).
The Schengen Area allows for seamless travel across borders.
What are the pre-conditions to join the Schengen Area?
- Apply the common set of Schengen rules
- Control external borders
- Issue uniform Schengen visas
- Cooperate with law enforcement agencies
- Use the Schengen Information System (SIS)
These conditions ensure proper management of borders and security.
What is the Schengen Border Code?
EU’s rulebook for managing internal and external borders as well as border control regulations.
New rules were adopted in June 2024 to strengthen external borders and improve migrant management.
What is the purpose of the Schengen Information System (SIS)?
To enter or consult alerts about wanted or missing people and objects, and provide instructions for responses.
The upgraded version in 2023 includes new data categories.
What does the Eurodac system do?
It maintains a database of fingerprints of asylum applicants to verify previous claims and determine responsibility for applications.
Eurodac helps in managing asylum applications within the EU.
What is the Common European Asylum System (CEAS)?
A framework established by the EU to ensure fair and efficient asylum processes across member states.
It was initiated in 1999 and has undergone several reforms.
What is the EU Blue Card Directive?
A directive aimed at attracting highly skilled workers from non-EU countries to fill labor shortages in the EU.
It is applicable in all EU member states except Ireland and Denmark.
What is the goal of the Pact on Migration and Asylum?
To establish a common asylum system at the EU level balancing solidarity and responsibility in migration management.
Proposed in September 2020, the full adoption of all files is expected by May 2024.
What are the three main objectives of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS)?
- Efficient asylum and return procedures
- Solidarity and fair share of responsibility
- Strengthened partnerships with third countries
CEAS aims to ensure asylum seekers are treated equally in an open and fair system.
What regulation replaces the Dublin III Regulation?
The Asylum and Migration Management Regulation (AMMR)
AMMR improves the determination of the responsible Member State for asylum applications.
What is the purpose of the Solidarity Pool established by the AMMR?
To include specific pledges from Member States for solidarity contributions.
Contributions may include relocation of applicants, financial contributions, and alternative solidarity measures.
What is a ‘responsibility offset’ in the context of the AMMR?
A form of solidarity where a Member State can take over responsibility for examining an application of an applicant already present on its territory.
This occurs under certain conditions if relocation pledges are insufficient.
What does the Asylum Procedures Directive aim to ensure?
Fair, quick, and quality asylum decisions.
It includes support for asylum seekers with special needs.
Fill in the blank: The Reception Conditions Directive ensures common standards for _______.
[reception conditions]
This includes housing, food, clothing, and access to health care.
What does the Qualification Regulation clarify?
The grounds for granting international protection.
It replaces the Qualification Directive and aims to ensure common criteria for beneficiaries of international protection.
What does the Crisis and Force Majeure Regulation provide for?
Derogations and solidarity measures for Member States in crisis situations.
Includes extended timelines for procedures when necessary.
What is the primary function of the EURODAC Regulation?
To support the determination of the Member State responsible under the Dublin Regulation.
It allows limited access to asylum seekers’ fingerprint data for law enforcement.
What is the role of the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA)?
To improve the functioning and implementation of the Common European Asylum System.
It provides operational and technical assistance to Member States.
What is the main objective of the new Screening Regulation?
To ensure proper registration of irregular migrants and asylum seekers entering the EU.
It includes uniform health, identity, and security checks.
What does the Union Resettlement and Humanitarian Admission Framework Regulation aim to enhance?
Safe and legal pathways to the EU for people in need of protection.
It includes a unified procedure and partnerships with non-EU countries.
Fill in the blank: The Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) has a total budget of _______ for 2021-2027.
[EUR 9.88 billion]
The fund aims to strengthen the common European asylum system.
What are the three priority areas of the EU Security Union Strategy?
- Fighting organised crime and human trafficking
- Countering terrorism and radicalisation
- Fighting cybercrime
The strategy outlines actions to ensure security across Europe.
What is the purpose of the Anti-corruption package proposed on 3 May 2023?
To combat corruption by updating and harmonising EU rules on definitions and penalties.
It includes measures for prevention and accountability.
What is the function of the European multi-disciplinary platform against criminal threats (EMPACT)?
To tackle main crime threats faced by the EU through multidisciplinary cooperation.
It involves law enforcement agencies and other partners.
What does the EU Drugs Strategy 2021-2025 aim to address?
Illicit drug-related issues impacting public health, safety, and security.
It includes action plans for various drug-related challenges.
What is the Istanbul Convention focused on?
Preventing and combating violence against women.
It aims to ensure robust measures for the protection of victims.
True or False: 70% of Europeans believe that corruption is widespread in their countries.
True
This reflects a slight increase compared to 2022.
What is the significance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women?
It is observed on 25 November.
What are the three key areas the Anti-Racism Plan addresses?
- Measures and funding to fight racism and discrimination
- Actions to address racial and ethnic stereotypes
- Encouragement for Member States to adopt measures for compensation of discrimination
When was the Disability Employment Package adopted?
In 2022.
What are the three key pillars of the European Democracy Action Plan (2020)?
- Fair elections
- Media freedom and pluralism
- Fighting disinformation
What does the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) aim to ensure?
That media can operate more easily across borders in the EU internal market.
What is a SLAPP?
Strategic lawsuit against public participation.
What does the Directive on protecting persons engaging in public participation include?
- Safeguards against unfounded claims
- Accelerated court procedures
- Financial remedies for compensation
What is included in the Defence of Democracy package?
- Communication on the European Democracy Action Plan
- Transparency of foreign interest representation
- Strengthening electoral processes
- Fostering inclusive participation
What are the five key priorities of the New Consumer Agenda?
- Green transition
- Digital transformation
- Effective enforcement of consumer rights
- Specific needs of certain consumer groups
- International cooperation
What is the role of the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust)?
To enhance cooperation in criminal justice matters among EU Member States.
What are the steps of the infringement procedure?
- Formal notice from the Commission
- Reasoned opinion if non-compliance continues
- Referral to the Court of Justice if necessary
What does the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) focus on?
Monitoring and research on digital media and disinformation.
What is the role of the Venice Commission?
To provide constitutional assistance and promote democracy through law.
What is the purpose of the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM) for Bulgaria and Romania?
To help address outstanding shortcomings as they entered the EU.
What are Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs)?
Agreements that support trade development with African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries.
What is the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP)?
It removes import duties from products from vulnerable developing countries.
What are the three objectives of the Trade Policy Review from February 2021?
- Supporting recovery
- Fundamental transformation of the EU
- Assertive trade policy
What does the Code of Practice on Disinformation aim to achieve?
To set self-regulatory standards to combat disinformation.
Fill in the blank: The European Commission Rule of Law Framework is an _______ tool adopted to address threats to the rule of law.
early-warning
True or False: The European Union plays an important role in upholding the rule of law in member states.
True
What is the purpose of the Consumer Market Monitoring Survey?
To identify if markets function properly for consumers.
What is the EBA (Everything But Arms) arrangement?
A special arrangement for least developed countries providing duty-free, quota-free access to the EU market for all products except arms and ammunition
Includes 48 countries.
What are the three objectives of the Trade Policy Review - An Open, Sustainable and Assertive Trade Policy?
- Supporting recovery and transformation of the EU economy
- Shaping global rules for sustainable globalization
- Increasing EU’s capacity to pursue interests and enforce rights
Define Open Strategic Autonomy (OSA).
The EU’s desire to shape the global stage while defending its interests and values through leadership and engagement
How many preferential trade agreements does the EU have?
46 preferential trade agreements with 78 partners
What are the three pillars of the EU-Mercosur partnership agreement?
- Political
- Trade
- Cooperation
When did the EU-New Zealand Trade Agreement enter into force?
1 May 2024
What is the significance of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)?
Abolished 98% of customs, saving 590 million euros a year for EU businesses
What does the EU-Chile Advanced Framework Agreement entail?
- Update of previous agreement
- Reduces more tariffs
- Introduces sustainability and development chapter
What is the purpose of the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement?
Facilitates digitally-enabled trade in goods and services and ensures cross-border data flows free of unjustified barriers
When was the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement signed?
30 December 2020
What is the role of the EU-US Trade and Technology Council?
Coordinates approaches to key global trade, economic, and technology issues between the US and EU
What is the focus of the EU-US Energy Council?
Addresses mid and long-term energy cooperation issues
What is the goal of Raw Materials Diplomacy?
Access to raw materials on global markets through strategic partnerships
What are the years of publication for the third, fourth, and fifth lists of Critical Raw Materials?
- Third: 2011
- Fourth: 2020
- Fifth: 2023
What are the two measures taken to strengthen trade defence at the beginning of the mandate?
- Protect trade interests bilaterally and in the WTO
- Expand scope of countermeasures to include services and intellectual property rights
True or False: The Anti-Coercion Instrument is designed to deter economic coercion against the EU.
True
What is the purpose of the Foreign Investment Screening Mechanism?
Identify risks related to the acquisition or control of strategic assets threatening security or public order
What does the Foreign Subsidies Regulation address?
Distortions caused by foreign subsidies to ensure a level playing field in the EU internal market
What is the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive?
Establishes a corporate due diligence duty to address adverse human rights and environmental impacts
What is the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism?
Imposes a price on carbon emitted during the import of goods to encourage cleaner production
What commodities are covered under the Regulation on deforestation-free products?
- Cattle
- Wood
- Cocoa
- Soy
- Palm oil
- Coffee
- Rubber
What does the regulation prohibiting products made using forced labour entail?
Prohibits products made using forced labour on the internal market of the EU
What is the role of the Chief Trade Enforcement Officer?
Oversee enforcement of trade regulations and measures
