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Quizzes > Quizzes for Business > Government

Take the European Union History Quiz

Uncover Milestones in European Union History

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art depicting elements related to European Union history for a trivia quiz

Ready to dive into Europe's story? This free European Union history quiz challenges learners and educators alike to explore the evolution of the EU. Whether refining classroom materials or testing personal smarts, participants will gain insight into treaties, institutions, and key moments. Love deep dives? Try the European Union Knowledge Quiz or compare with the European Integration Knowledge Test. All quizzes can be freely edited in our intuitive editor for personalized learning.

In what year was the Treaty of Rome signed, establishing the European Economic Community?
1973
1951
1957
1963
The Treaty of Rome was signed on 25 March 1957, creating the European Economic Community. It laid the foundation for deeper economic integration among member states.
How many founding member states signed the Treaty of Paris in 1951 creating the European Coal and Steel Community?
Six
Twelve
Three
Nine
The ECSC was established by six countries: France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. These founding members aimed to pool coal and steel production.
What was the primary objective of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)?
Create a single currency
Establish a common defense force
Integrate coal and steel industries under common supervision
Promote agricultural trade
The ECSC aimed to pool coal and steel resources under common supervision to prevent future conflict and foster economic cooperation. This was the first step toward broader European integration.
Which treaty first set the goal of creating a single market by 1992?
Single European Act
Treaty of Amsterdam
Maastricht Treaty
Treaty of Nice
The Single European Act of 1986 amended the Treaty of Rome and established the objective of a fully integrated single market by the end of 1992. It was a key political and economic milestone.
The Maastricht Treaty, signed in 1992, is best known for:
Establishing the Schengen Area
Introducing the euro
Creating the single market
Establishing the European Union
The Maastricht Treaty formally created the European Union, introducing the three-pillar structure and laying the groundwork for Economic and Monetary Union. It also defined EU citizenship.
Which enlargement round admitted the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Denmark into the EEC?
1968
1981
1995
1973
The first enlargement of the European Communities took place in 1973, when the UK, Ireland, and Denmark joined. This was the first expansion beyond the original six members.
In which year did the Schengen Agreement first come into effect, abolishing border controls among participating countries?
1992
1985
2002
1995
The Schengen Agreement went into effect on March 26, 1995, enabling passport-free travel among its initial signatories. It represented a major step in the free movement of people.
When was the euro officially introduced as accounting money (non-physical) in the EU?
1992
2002
1999
2007
The euro began as an electronic currency on January 1, 1999, before euro coins and banknotes were issued in 2002. This transition was crucial for monetary integration.
The first direct elections to the European Parliament were held in:
1994
1958
1979
1984
In June 1979, the European Parliament held its first direct elections, significantly enhancing its democratic legitimacy. Before that, members were appointed by national parliaments.
The Merger Treaty of 1965 resulted in:
Introduction of the euro
Combining the executive bodies into a single Commission
Creation of the European Council
Establishment of the Schengen Area
The Merger Treaty, also known as the Brussels Treaty of 1965, merged the executives of the ECSC, EEC, and Euratom into a single European Commission and Council. It streamlined EU governance.
The Treaty of Amsterdam (1997) primarily enhanced which aspect of EU governance?
Expanded powers of the European Parliament
Founding of the Schengen Area
Establishment of the European Stability Mechanism
Creation of the euro
The Treaty of Amsterdam increased the legislative and supervisory powers of the European Parliament and incorporated the Schengen acquis into EU law. It also advanced social policy.
The Treaty of Nice (2001) addressed:
Establishment of the Common Foreign and Security Policy
Formation of the European Central Bank
Creation of the euro
Institutional reform to prepare for eastward enlargement
The Treaty of Nice reweighted votes in the Council, adjusted Commission size, and prepared EU institutions for new members from Central and Eastern Europe. It focused on decision-making efficiency.
Which treaty formally introduced the European Council as an official EU institution?
Maastricht Treaty
Treaty of Nice
Treaty of Rome
Single European Act
While European heads of state had met informally since 1974, the Maastricht Treaty of 1992 formally recognized and defined the European Council as an EU institution. It set out its composition and functions.
Which EU institution has the exclusive right to propose new legislation?
Council of the European Union
European Council
European Parliament
European Commission
The European Commission holds the sole right of legislative initiative in the EU, ensuring coherent proposals across policy areas. Other institutions can request proposals but cannot formally introduce them.
What is the primary role of the European Court of Justice?
Draft EU legislation
Oversee foreign affairs
Interpret EU law and ensure its uniform application
Manage the EU budget
The ECJ interprets European Union law to ensure it is applied consistently in all member states and settles legal disputes between national governments and EU institutions.
What was a key economic effect of completing the Single Market in 1992?
Introduced a common currency
Eliminated most internal barriers, leading to increased intra-EU trade
Established the Schengen Area
Created EU citizenship
The Single Market removed tariffs and regulatory barriers among member states, significantly boosting trade and competition. It remains a cornerstone of EU economic integration.
How did the French referendum's initial rejection of the Maastricht Treaty in 1992 affect the ratification process?
Delayed the creation of the single market
Caused the UK to withdraw its application
Led to negotiated opt-outs and a second referendum
Resulted in the treaty being abandoned
France's narrow NO vote prompted the government to secure specific opt-outs for certain policies and hold a second referendum, which then approved Maastricht. This demonstrated the impact of national politics on EU treaties.
Which of the following best describes Germany's contribution to EU integration after its reunification in 1990?
Withdrew from the Schengen Agreement
Campaigned against Economic and Monetary Union
Opposed eastern enlargement
Advocated and financially supported the introduction of the euro
After reunification, Germany played a central role in pushing for the Economic and Monetary Union and was one of the main financial guarantors of the euro's launch in 1999.
How did the EU respond institutionally to the 2008 financial crisis?
Dissolved the Schengen Area
Abolished the European Central Bank
Suspended the Lisbon Treaty
Created the European Stability Mechanism and strengthened fiscal rules
To address the crisis, the EU established the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) for financial aid and introduced the Six-Pack and Fiscal Compact to enforce stricter budgetary discipline among member states.
What major institutional change has been prompted by the UK's decision to leave the EU?
Merging the EU with EFTA
Increase of UK representation in EU bodies
Redistribution of seats in the European Parliament and budget adjustments
Addition of a new EU institution
Brexit led to a reallocation of UK seats in the European Parliament to remaining and new member states, as well as revisions to the EU budget and funding priorities to compensate for the loss of the UK's contributions.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify major treaties and their impact on EU development
  2. Analyse key political and economic milestones in EU history
  3. Evaluate the roles of founding member states in integration
  4. Demonstrate understanding of EU institutional evolution
  5. Apply historical concepts to modern European Union challenges

Cheat Sheet

  1. Understand the Treaty of Rome (1957) - This groundbreaking treaty launched the European Economic Community, creating a common market and customs union that broke down trade barriers. It set the legal and institutional stage for decades of cooperation and integration across Europe. Treaty of Rome on Wikipedia
  2. Study the Maastricht Treaty (1992) - The Maastricht Treaty transformed the EEC into the European Union, introducing a common foreign and security policy and laying out the blueprint for Economic and Monetary Union. It also established the convergence criteria for adopting the euro, driving deeper economic ties. Maastricht Treaty on Wikipedia
  3. Learn about the Merger Treaty (1965) - This treaty streamlined EU governance by merging the executive bodies of the European Coal and Steel Community, the EEC, and Euratom into a single Commission and Council. The consolidation boosted decision-making efficiency and reduced institutional overlap. Merger Treaty on Wikipedia
  4. Analyze the 2004 enlargement of the EU - When ten new countries from Central and Eastern Europe joined, the EU celebrated its largest expansion ever. This bold move accelerated reunification, brought fresh economic opportunities, and reshaped the political map of the continent. Major 2004 Enlargement on Le Monde
  5. Evaluate founding member roles - Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany kicked off European integration with shared vision and trust. Their collaboration under the Treaty of Rome laid down principles of solidarity and economic cooperation that endure today. Founding Members & Treaty of Rome on Wikipedia
  6. Understand EU institutional evolution - From the European Commission to the Parliament and Council, each body's powers have expanded to meet the challenges of a growing Union. Studying the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union reveals how checks, balances, and democratic oversight have developed. Treaty on the Functioning of the EU on Wikipedia
  7. Explore the euro's introduction (1999) - Launching the euro revolutionized trade and travel by eliminating currency exchange headaches within the Eurozone. This shared currency has become a symbol of economic unity, boosting price transparency and financial stability. Euro on Wikipedia
  8. Examine the EU's response to modern challenges - The war in Ukraine has tested solidarity and sparked debates on defense, energy independence, and deeper political union. The EU's agile policy responses reveal its capacity to adapt in a shifting world. EU & Ukraine Response on FT
  9. Assess post-accession growth of new members - Nations that joined in 2004 have seen remarkable GDP growth and economic convergence, thanks to EU funds, open markets, and structural reforms. Tracking these success stories highlights the tangible benefits of integration. EU Accession Growth on Le Monde
  10. Reflect on ongoing EU challenges - Economic disparities, political cohesion, and external threats continue to shape EU priorities. Learning from past achievements is crucial as Europe charts its course toward resilience and unity in the decades ahead. EU Future Challenges on FT
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