class 8

Question 1

What is the key difference between early and later integration stages?

Answer 1

Early stages REMOVE BARRIERS, later stages CREATE INTEGRATION STRUCTURES.

Question 2

Does the EU remove national cultures? if not what does it create

Answer 2

it creates an additional layer of integration on top of them.

Question 3

What does the EU do instead of removing culture?

Answer 3

It combines elements and creates new forms of cooperation.

Question 4

Why is monetary integration easier than other forms?

Answer 4

Because it is more technical and less linked to culture.

Question 5

GATS

Answer 5

transborder services modes

Question 6

difference between mode 2 and mode 4

Answer 6

mode 2 is consumer crosses the border
mode 4 is supplier crosses the border temporarily

Question 7

Which factor goes through customs?

Answer 7

goods

Question 8

What do customs controls check?

Answer 8

Origin, content and fiscal aspects of goods.

Question 9

What is Schengen?

Answer 9

Free movement of people without border controls.

Question 10

Irregular migration can be a challenge in the EU, why?

Answer 10

because once a person enters the Schengen area, they can move relatively freely across internal borders due to the absence of systematic border controls.

Question 11

Why does migration create tension within the EU?

Answer 11

Because there is free movement within the Schengen area, while migration control remains a national responsibility, creating tension between open internal borders and national control over who enters and stays.

Question 12

Why are rules of origin not needed in a customs union?

Answer 12

Because all countries have a common external tariff.

Question 13

What is special about Turkey’s relation with the EU?

Answer 13

Turkey is part of the EU Customs Union, meaning it must apply the EU’s common external tariffs and follow its trade agreements, but it is not involved in EU negotiations. As a result, when the EU signs a trade deal (e.g. with Canada), Turkey must open its market without guaranteed access in return, creating an asymmetric situation.

Question 14

Why does Turkey still accept this situation?

Answer 14

the EU is 80% if turkey’s exports and imports.

Question 14

What do customs controls check?

Answer 14

Origin, fiscal system (VAT), content

Question 15

What is needed to remove customs controls completely?

Answer 15

Alignment of rules of origin, fiscal systems (VAT), and regulations.

Question 16

Eurasian Union

Answer 16

The Eurasian Union is a common market between countries such as Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, aiming for economic integration. However, customs controls are still needed because countries have not fully harmonised their systems. Customs checks focus on the origin of goods (tariffs, quotas, rules of origin), fiscal systems (VAT), and regulatory standards. Since these are not aligned, customs controls remain necessary.

Question 17

EFTA, which countries? (4)

Answer 17

A trade association between:
Norway
Switzerland
Liechtenstein
Iceland

all are not EU members

Question 18

What is the EEA?

Answer 18

An agreement between the EU and some EFTA countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) that gives access to the Single Market.

Question 19

What is the disadvantage for EEA countries like Norway?

Answer 19

They must follow EU rules without having decision-making power.

Question 20

Why is Norway not in the EU but still part of the Single Market?

Answer 20

Because it is not part of the EEA but they can take part in the single market in exchange for adopting EU rules

Question 21

Why are customs controls still needed between the EU and Norway?

Answer 21

Because Norway is not part of the EU customs union and does not fully align fiscal and trade policies.

Question 22

Why do countries like Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein accept being in the EEA instead of joining the EU?

Answer 22

Because most of their trade (around 70%) is with the EU, so access to the Single Market is crucial for their economies.

Question 23

Why do the EFTA countries accept that they have to adopt EU rules but do not have decision-making power

Answer 23

• Trade: 70% of trade is with the EU
• they can have indirect influence through close cooperation and communication with EU countries

Question 24

What is a specific reason for EFTA countries to not join the EU?

Answer 24

Because they want to avoid certain EU policies, especially the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Question 25

How did EFTA and the EU develop historically?

Answer 25

The EEC was created in 1957 by six countries, while EFTA was created in 1960 as an alternative. Later, some EFTA countries joined the EU, while others (like Norway) stayed outside but joined the Single Market through the EEA.

Question 26

Why is there no hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland after Brexit?

Answer 26

Because a hard border could increase tensions and risk conflict, so it must be avoided to maintain peace.

Question 26

Does the EU only integrate internally?

Answer 26

No, it also creates different levels of integration with neighbouring countries. Turkey: CU for goods UK: FTA

Question 27

What solution was chosen for Northern Ireland?

Answer 27

Northern Ireland remains aligned with some EU rules for goods.

Question 27

What is the main problem with the Ireland–Northern Ireland border after Brexit?

Answer 27

Ireland is in the EU and Northern Ireland is in the UK, so normally there should be border controls.

Question 28

What does this solution achieve?

Answer 28

It allows goods to move freely between Ireland and Northern Ireland without border controls.

Question 29

What are the two main agreements after Brexit?

Answer 29

The Withdrawal Agreement (2020) and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) (2021).

Question 30

Where are checks carried out instead?

Answer 30

Between Great Britain (UK) and Northern Ireland.

Question 31

What is the key idea of the Northern Ireland solution?

Answer 31

The border is moved from land (Ireland) to the sea (between UK and Northern Ireland).

Question 32

Do border controls still exist under the TCA?

Answer 32

Yes, because the UK is no longer part of the Single Market and Customs Union.

Question 33

Why could the UK not keep full Single Market benefits?

Answer 33

Because it did not want to follow EU rules, which are required for full market access.

Question 34

What is the “level playing field”?

Answer 34

Rules that ensure fair competition between the EU and the UK (e.g. on subsidies, environment, labour).

Question 35

Why is the level playing field important?

Answer 35

To prevent the UK from gaining an unfair advantage by lowering standards or costs.