European Union

Following the two devastating world wars in the 20th century that killed millions of people, several European countries decided to work together to ensure that there would be no more bloodshed.

Who were these founding members of the EU?

• Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Spain.

• 
  Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

• Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Denmark.

• 
  Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

The founding countries decided to share control of their coal and steel industries so that they could not secretly arm themselves against each other. After this, they set about expanding cooperation to other economic sectors. What was the organisation they created in 1957 called?

• The European Economic Community

• The European Coal and Steel Community

• The European Economic and Social Community

• The European Union

The first enlargement of the EU in 1973 brought its membership to nine.

Which were these three new countries?

• The United Kingdom, Spain and Portugal

• Norway, Denmark and Ireland

• The United Kingdom, Greece and Spain

• Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom

In the 1970s, three European countries, previously ruled by dictatorships, became democracies and became eligible to apply for EU membership. Which of these statements is true?

• Greece, Spain and Portugal. All became members in 1981

• Greece, Spain and Portugal. All became members in 1986

• Greece and Spain joined in 1981 and Portugal followed in 1986

• Greece became a member in 1981. Spain and Portugal followed in 1986

Changes in Soviet Union, solidarity movement in Poland and the fall of the Berlin Wall cleared the way for central and eastern European countries that were previously controlled by the former Soviet Union to reform their systems and join the EU.

Which of these statements is true?

• Ten countries including Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland and Romania joined the EU on 1 January 2004

• Ten countries including Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland and Romania joined the EU on 1 May 2004

• Eight countries from central and eastern Europe and two Mediterranean joined the EU in May 2004

• Ten central and eastern European countries joined the EU on 1 May 2004, bringing EU membership to 25.

The European flag flies above parliaments, buildings, parks and monuments all over Europe.

What do the 12 golden stars on a blue background represent?

• Unity, solidarity and harmony among the people of Europe

• The number of countries that were part of the EU when the flag was designed.

• The circle of knowledge and thruth

• The circle of live

It is one of six monarchies in the European Union;
it is known for its Midsummer celebrations; and
joined the European Union in 1995, together with two other countries.

Which Member State is it?

• Sweden

• Finland

• Norway

• Denmark

It fought a war of independence between 1991 and 1995; it has a coat of arms featuring a red and white checkerboard pattern; it is the latest country to join the European Union.

Which Member State is it?

• Bulgaria

• Croatia

• Slovenia

• Serbia

As well as being the capital of Belgium, Brussels is often referred to as the capital of Europe as this is where the main institutions are based. Which of the following statements is true?

• The European Commission decides on all new EU laws and actions.

• The European Commission proposes new legislation while the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament make the final decision on all EU laws.

• The European Council, made up of presidents and prime ministers of the EU countries, adopts EU laws.

• All statements are false

The European Commission is made up of one Commissioner per EU country. Together they make up the College of Commissioners.

Which of these statements is true?

• The Commissioners represent the views of their respective countries.

• To be a Commissioner you first need to be a civil servant in your own country.

• Commissioners are proposed by their national governments and must be approved by the European Parliament.

• All statements are false