EU Integration and Brexit Quiz

The Treaty of Rome, signed in 1957, established the European Economic Community (EEC), aiming to create a common market and promote economic integration among its member states. This foundational treaty laid the groundwork for future European cooperation and integration, ultimately leading to the formation of the European Union.

The Schengen Area is designed to facilitate the free movement of people among its member countries, allowing individuals to travel without passport checks at internal borders. This promotes ease of travel, tourism, and work opportunities across Europe, enhancing cooperation and integration among nations.

The European Commission acts as the executive branch of the European Union, responsible for proposing legislation, enforcing EU laws, and managing the day-to-day operations of the EU. It represents the interests of the EU as a whole and ensures that member states adhere to EU agreements and policies.

In 2016, the United Kingdom held a referendum in which 51.9% of voters chose to leave the European Union. This decision marked a significant political shift and initiated a complex process of negotiations and planning for the UK’s exit, commonly referred to as "Brexit."

The European single currency, known as the euro, was introduced to facilitate trade and economic stability among European Union member countries. It simplifies transactions for businesses and travelers, eliminates currency exchange costs, and aims to strengthen economic ties within the Eurozone. The euro is used by 19 of the 27 EU member states.

Belgium was one of the six founding members of the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957, which later evolved into the European Union. Alongside France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, Belgium played a crucial role in establishing the framework for European cooperation and integration, marking its significance in the EU's history.

The Maastricht Treaty established the framework for the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), which aimed to create a single currency, the euro, and coordinate economic policies among EU member states. This marked a significant step towards deeper economic integration within the European Union.

Not all EU member states use the euro; some countries, like Sweden and Poland, maintain their own currencies. The euro is the official currency for 20 of the 27 EU nations, but several members have opted to retain their national currencies or are not yet part of the eurozone.

The Single European Act, signed in 1986, marked a significant step in European integration by establishing the framework for the direct election of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) by citizens. This change aimed to enhance democratic legitimacy and citizen participation in the European decision-making process, paving the way for a more accountable governance structure within the EU.

The European Council primarily consists of the heads of state or government from each EU member country. This assembly plays a crucial role in setting the EU's overall political direction and priorities, making decisions on significant issues, and addressing challenges facing the union, thus emphasizing the leadership role of these individuals.

Brexit supporters emphasized national sovereignty and immigration control as key arguments for leaving the EU. They believed that exiting the EU would allow the UK to regain authority over its laws and borders, enabling the government to better manage immigration and prioritize national interests without EU regulations interfering.

The Lisbon Treaty significantly increased the legislative powers of the European Parliament, allowing it to co-decide on a wider range of issues alongside the Council of the European Union. This strengthened the Parliament's role in shaping EU policies and legislation, enhancing democratic accountability within the EU framework.