The European Union

Question 1

what were the 3 original aims of the EU

Answer 1

• Economic recovery and prosperity
• reinforcing democratic values and human rights
• achieving peace in Europe (post ww2)

Question 2

3 key events in the EU history

Answer 2

• Lisbon treaty 2007 - constitution
• (1985) Schengen Agreement - removed internal boarders
• (1991) Maastricht treaty, created EU

Question 3

2 reasons why the EU HAS achieved its aims

Answer 3

• 500 million consumers - economic success
• democracy cemented in post-authoritarian countries

Question 4

2 reasons why the EU has NOT achieved its aims

Answer 4

• single market is over regulated
• disparities in nations wealths
• many EU institutions lack democratic accountability

Question 5

4 institutions of the EU

Answer 5

1. European Commission
2. council of ministers - department ministers from each state
3. European council - leaders of eu nations
4. European Parliament - democratically elected

Question 6

purpose of the European commission

Answer 6

Executive of the EU:
commissioners serve 5 years (1 commissioner per EU country)
responsible for implementing policy

Question 7

European Council purpose

Answer 7

comprised of the leaders of EU member-states (executive)

Question 8

European parliament purpose

Answer 8

Legislative branch - Democratically elected section of the EU

Question 9

council of ministers

Answer 9

contains specific ‘policy competencies’ (ministries):
e.g Agriculture

Question 10

what is qualified majority voting

Answer 10

55% of states and 65% of the population to pass legislation
- prevents small states from determining EU policy
- check and balance

Question 11

what is the Lisbon treaty (2007)

Answer 11

amends treaties and forms the basis of a constitution

Question 12

who makes what decisions

Answer 12

• The commission makes the day to day decisions
• Council makes the big decisions

Question 13

what was the ‘Monti’ government

Answer 13

Eu installed a proxy gov in Italy after financial crash