EU Knowledge Test Preparation Notes

EU Knowledge Test Preparation Notes

Founding Treaties and Institutional Framework

Treaties

• Treaty on European Union (TEU): Established the EU, defines values, objectives, and institutional framework

• Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU): Details EU policies and functioning

• Treaty of Lisbon (2009): Reformed EU institutions, enhanced EU democracy, strengthened external action

Key EU Institutions

• European Commission: Executive body, proposes legislation, implements decisions

• Council of the European Union: Voice of member governments, adopts laws with Parliament

• European Parliament: Directly elected, co-legislator, budgetary authority

• European Council: Defines political direction, comprises heads of state/government

• Court of Justice of the EU: Ensures EU law is interpreted and applied uniformly

EU Priorities 2024-2029

Green Transition

• European Green Deal continuation

• Climate neutrality by 2050 goal

• Circular economy initiatives

• Biodiversity protection measures

Digital Transformation

• Digital sovereignty

• AI regulation and innovation

• Cybersecurity enhancement

• Digital skills development

Economic Resilience

• Post-pandemic recovery consolidation

• Single market deepening

• Strategic autonomy in key sectors

• Industrial policy for green and digital transitions

Social Europe

• Implementation of European Pillar of Social Rights

• Youth employment initiatives

• Gender equality advancement

• Social protection systems modernization

Global EU Role

• Defense cooperation strengthening

• Trade policy with focus on sustainability

• Multilateralism promotion

• Strategic partnerships development

Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF)

MFF 2021-2027

• Total budget: €1.8 trillion (combined with NextGenerationEU)

• Seven main spending categories (headings)

• Increased focus on climate action (30% of spending)

• New own resources system

Key Funding Programs

• Horizon Europe: Research and innovation

• Erasmus+: Education, training, youth, sport

• LIFE: Environment and climate action

• Digital Europe: Digital transformation

• EU4Health: Public health initiatives

EU Competencies (TFEU)

Exclusive Competence

• Customs union

• Competition rules for internal market

• Monetary policy (eurozone)

• Common commercial policy

• International agreements

Shared Competence

• Internal market

• Social policy

• Economic, social, territorial cohesion

• Agriculture and fisheries

• Environment

• Consumer protection

• Transport

• Energy

• Area of freedom, security and justice

Supporting Competence

• Protection of human health

• Industry

• Culture

• Tourism

• Education, training, youth, sport

• Civil protection

• Administrative cooperation

Decision-Making Procedures

Ordinary Legislative Procedure

• Commission proposal

• First reading by Parliament and Council

• Second reading if needed

• Conciliation if needed

• Third reading if needed

Special Legislative Procedures

• Consultation procedure

• Consent procedure

EU Law and Legal Instruments

Primary Law

• Treaties (TEU, TFEU)

• Charter of Fundamental Rights

Secondary Law

• Regulations: Directly applicable in all member states

• Directives: Binding as to results, implementation by member states

• Decisions: Binding on those addressed

• Recommendations and Opinions: Non-binding

EU Citizenship and Fundamental Rights

EU Citizenship Rights

• Free movement within EU

• Right to vote and stand in European and municipal elections

• Diplomatic protection

• Right to petition Parliament and address Ombudsman

Charter of Fundamental Rights

• Six titles: Dignity, Freedoms, Equality, Solidarity, Citizens' Rights, Justice

• Legally binding since Lisbon Treaty

Economic and Monetary Union

Euro Area Governance

• European Central Bank (ECB) independence

• Stability and Growth Pact

• European Semester

• Banking Union

Economic Policy Coordination

• Broad economic policy guidelines

• Excessive deficit procedure

• Macroeconomic imbalance procedure