What is the EU?

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, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Greece

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 Committee.

• The European Union.

Soon after the Second World War, Europe was split into east and west. The Berlin Wall, which separated East and West Berlin for almost three decades, was a symbol of this division until its fall in 1989.

Which of these statements is true?

• Resistance against communist rule in central and eastern Europe led to the fall of the Berlin Wall.

• The reunification of Germany in 1990 brought West Germany into the European Union.

• Germany beat Argentina 1-0 in the 1990 football World Cup.

• This was a formal enlargement.

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

Which were these three new countries?

• Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

• Norway, Denmark and Ireland.

• Cyprus, Greece and Spain.

• The United Kingdom, Greenland and Denmark.

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 1986.

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

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

• Norway joined.

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

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

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

• Croatia joined on 1 May 2004.

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

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

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

• Love.

• Unity, solidarity and harmony among the people of Europe.

• The circle of knowledge and truth.

Which Member State…

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

• Sweden

• Spain

• Norway

• Switzerland

Which Member State…

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

• Romania

• Bulgaria

• Croatia

• Czechia

How many official languages does the EU have?

• 24

• 25

• 23

• 22