Global Systems & Governance - The EU

Question 1

When was the EU set up?

Answer 1

Set up in the 1950s to increase trade and economic growth

Question 2

How many members did the EU originally have?

Answer 2

6 member nations

Question 3

Why was the EU setup?

Answer 3

• Creating greater interdependence
• Reducing chances of conflict

Question 4

How has the EU increased socio-economic and political integration?

Answer 4

• The Schengen Area consists of 23 European countries that have removed border controls allowing people and goods to more freely between countries
• Free movement of people has allowed more than 13 million people with citizenship from one EU country to live in another EU country.
• The euro is the EU’s single currency which has been adopted by 20 member states making it easier and quicker to trade

Question 5

What countries were the 6 original member states of the EU?

Answer 5

1) France
2) Belgium
3) Netherlands
4) Germany
5) Italy

Question 6

When did the UK leave the EU?

Answer 6

The UK formally left the EU on 31st December 2020

Question 7

What were some arguments FOR the UK leaving the EU?

Answer 7

• Control over trade agreements with other countries
• Greater control over immigration
• Freedom from EU policies and laws ‘regaining sovereignty’

Question 8

What were some arguments AGAINST the UK leaving the EU?

Answer 8

• The EU was the UK’s largest trading partner (over 40% of exports and over 50% of imports)
• Free movement of citizens to other EU countries
• Loss of subsidies for agriculture
• Loss of EU funding

Question 9

How does the EU ensure food security?

Answer 9

• Through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) -> 40% of the EU budget is used in CAP
• Safe, affordable, high quality food
• 1/2 population of EU lire in rural areas

Question 10

How does the EU ensure environmental quality?

Answer 10

European Environment Action Programme 2020:
- Objective 1 = protecting the natural world, biodiversity and ecosystems
- Objective 2 = reduce, reuse, recycle or repair
- Objective 3 = take care of the environment and people -> non-toxic environment

Question 11

How does the EU make Europe a more peaceful place?

Answer 11

• European Social Fund -> 1/3 on economic and social cohesion, support less developed regions
• European Solidarity Cops

Question 12

What type of trade bloc is the EU?

Answer 12

The EU is a customs union (protectionism):
- 27 members can trade equally with each other
- There are external tariff barriers for countries outside of the EU