THE EU IN OUR DAILY LIVES

What policy level decides the speed limit on the highway?

• EU LEVEL

• NOT EU LEVEL

Answer explanation

Traffic rules differ between EU member states, e.g., in Ireland, Malta and Cyprus people drive on the left-hand side of the road. However, traffic codes are coordinated on a European level and the European drivers’ licence is valid throughout the whole of the EU.

Who determines that you get at least a two-year guarantee when you buy a new laptop?

• EU LEVEL

• NOT EU LEVEL

Answer explanation

Consumer protection: under EU legislation, manufacturers must provide at least a two-year warranty on electronic devices like smartphones, printers, laptops, vacuum cleaners, coffee machines, etc.

Who decides the information you see on a can of soda: Ingredients, calories, producer contact information, etc.?

• EU LEVEL

• NOT EU LEVEL

Answer explanation

Consumer protection: the EU wants people to have correct and complete information about what they consume. That is why product labels for food and cosmetics have to include certain information, such as ingredients and the name of the manufacturer.

Which government level determines the safety standards that your smartphone has to meet?

• EU LEVEL

• NOT EU LEVEL

Answer explanation

Single market and consumer protection: the EU determines the safety standards for products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA).

Who decides what you need to have learned at the end of each school year?

• EU LEVEL

• NOT EU LEVEL

Answer explanation

The EU does not determine the way in which education is organised and what the content is. As a consequence, the final attainment goals differ between the EU Member States (and sometimes between regions).

Who has the competence to send military troops to conflict areas in the world?

• EU LEVEL

• NOT EU LEVEL

Answer explanation

The EU does not have an army. Foreign and defence policy is a national competence. The member states do coordinate missions at European level, as well as within the NATO.

Who determines the minimum of 20 days paid leave annually for a full-time employee?

• EU LEVEL

• NOT EU LEVEL

Answer explanation

The EU Working Time Directive, originally introduced in 1993, gives workers the right to ‘paid annual leave of at least four weeks‘. Each sector and/or Member State can increase the entitlement, but the minimum is 20 days.

Who determines the conditions for driver training and the conditions needed to pass a driving test?

• EU LEVEL

• NOT EU LEVEL

Answer explanation

Although the EU does not determine these conditions, your drivers’ licence is immediately valid throughout the entire EU and has a standard EU format.

Which policy level issues building permits for houses?

• EU LEVEL

• NOT EU LEVEL

Answer explanation

It is mostly the local authorities that issue building permits for private homes.

Who do you pay your taxes to?

• EU LEVEL

• NOT EU LEVEL

Answer explanation

The EU does not collect taxes directly from its citizens. Each member state pays an annual contribution to the European budget.