ES

Question 1

The European Parliament

Answer 1

The European Parliament is the EU’s law-making body. It is directly elected by EU voters every 5 years. It has 3 roles:
1. Legislative: passing EU laws, together with the Council of the EU;
2. Supervisory: democratic scrutiny of all EU institutions;
3. Budgetary: establishing the EU budget, together with the Council.

Question 2

European Court of Justice

Answer 2

Ensuring EU law is intrepreted and applied consistently across all member states, ensuring countries and EU institutions abide by EU law. The CJEU is devided into 2 courts:
1. Court of Justice: 1 judge from each EU country, plus 11 advocates general
2. General Court: 2 judges from each EU country.

Question 3

The Schengen agreement

Answer 3

By signing the Schengen Agreement, Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands agreed to gradually remove controls at their internal borders and to introduce freedom of movement for all nations of the signatory countries, other EU Member States and some non-EU countries. Currently the Schengen area is the world’s largest area of freedom, security and justice without internal frontiers.

Question 4

Treaty of Rome

Answer 4

• This Treaty, establishing the European Economic Community (EEC), created a common market among the six participating countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.
• The aim was to foster closer links and boost economic growth through increased trade.
• Signed in: Rome (Italy) 25 March 1957.
• It created a common market based on the free movement of: goods, people, services, capital.
• Laid foundation for the Single Market and eventual creation of the EU.

Question 5

EU Regulation

Answer 5

Regulations are legal acts defined by the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). They have general application, are binding in their entirety and are directly applicable in all European Union (EU) Member State

Question 6

EU Directive

Answer 6

A “directive” is a legislative act that sets out a goal that EU countries must achieve. However, it is up to the individual countries to devise their own laws on how to reach these goals

Question 7

EU Recommendation

Answer 7

Recommendations are one of two forms of non-binding EU acts cited in the article issued by the European Commission/ European Parliament/ Council and ECB, the other form being opinions. Although recommendations do not have legal consequences, they may offer guidance on the interpretation or content of EU law.

Question 8

The Council of the EU

Answer 8

The Council of the European Union (‘Council’) is one of the EU’s main decision-making institutions. Its meetings are attended by ministers from the 27 EU Member States. It has policymaking and coordinating functions. Council is seated in Brussels.

Question 9

The European Council

Answer 9

• Since the Treaty of Lisbon, the European Council has been an EU institution.
• The President of the European Council is elected, by a qualified majority, for a term of two and a half years.
• The Council of the European Union represents the governments of member states.
• Ministers from each EU country meet to approve legislation, along with the European Parliament.
• ((Its composition varies by topic: finance ministers discuss economic issues, while agriculture ministers discuss agricultural policy.))

Question 10

European Commission

Answer 10

The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. Its main roles include: proposing new laws and policies, monitoring their implementation across MS, managing the EU budget. It’s a College of 27 Commissioners, led by the Commission President, currently: Ursula Von der Leyen

Question 11

Subsidiarity

Answer 11

The principle of subsidiarity states that decisions should be taken at the lowest effective level.
Formally enshrined in the Maastricht Treaty (1992), it prevents the EU from interfering in matters better regulated at the national or local level. It is used especially in social and economic legislation to prevent over-regulation.

Question 12

Treaty of Lisbon

Answer 12

The Treaty of Lisbon was signed by the 27 EU Member States by the winter of 2009. The Treaty of Lisbon, amending the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty establishing the European Community, gives the European Parliament further legislative powers, ensures greater democracy in EU decision-making.

Question 13

Maastricht Treaty

Answer 13

It changed EEC into the newly named EU. It broadened the work of the supranational bodies based around 3 pillars:
1. European Communities (economical policies, the Single Market)
2. Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)
3. Justice and Home Affairs (JHA)
–> Was later reformed into the Area of Freedom, security and Justice

Question 14

The Treaty on European Union (/)

Answer 14

The TEU is the main treaty of the EU that explains its goals, how the big institutions work (Commission, Parliament, Council), and the rules for foreign and security policy.
The first version was made in 1992 with the Maastricht Treaty.
The current version has been in place since 2009, after the Lisbon Treaty.

Question 15

Stability and Growth Pact

Answer 15

This was one of the enlargements of the maastricht treaty. It’s a set of rules designed to ensure that countries in the European Union pursue sound public finances and coordinate their fiscal policies.

Question 16

Four freedoms

Answer 16

Refers to the movement of goods, services, capital and labour. The European Single Market/ Internal Market/ Common Market is a single market which seeks to guarantee the ‘four freedoms’ within the EU.

Question 17

Single European Act

Answer 17

The Single European Act brought amendments to the Treaties establishing the European Communities and established European political cooperation.Once the Single European Act (SEA) entered into force, the title “European Parliament” (which the Assembly had used since 1962) was made official.

Question 18

Single European Market

Answer 18

• It was based on the principles set forth in the Treaty of Rome and the Single European Act.
• This meant that there was free movement of goods, capital, services and labour within the European Union without trade barriers.
• It stimulated economic growth and made the EU more attractive to international trading partners.

Question 19

Comparative advantage in trade

Answer 19

Comparative advantage is an economy’s ability to produce a particular good or service at a lower opportunity cost than its trading partners. Describes the advantages of trade in a free market. By specializing and trading, all countries can benefit and become better off.

Question 20

Tariff

Answer 20

A list or system of duties imposed by a national government or supranational unions on imported or exported goods. Besides being a source of revenue, import duties can also be a form of regulation of foreign trade and policy that burden foreign products to encourage or safeguard domestic industry

Question 21

Non-tariff barrier

Answer 21

trade barriers that restrict import or export of goods or services through measures other than the imposition of tariffs.

Question 22

ECB

Answer 22

The ECB is the central bank of the European Union Member states. It makes monetary policy for the Eurozone and the European Union, administers the foreign exchange reserves of EU member states, engages in foreign exchange operations, and defines the intermediate monetary objectives and key interest rate of the EU

Question 23

Optimal Currency Area

Answer 23

An optimal currency area (OCA) is the geographic area in which a single currency would create the greatest economic benefit

Question 24

Next Generation EU

Answer 24

a groundbreaking temporary recovery instrument to support Europe’s economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and build a greener, more digital and more resilient future.

Question 25

SURE

Answer 25

= solidaristic initiative = support for national short term working schemes (in the corona time) It contributed to conserve a lot of jobs Save up in interest payments Loans were guaranteed Was to help member states to overcome the impact of covid measures

Question 26

(National) Welfare State (/)

Answer 26

an institutional combination of a market economy with a comprehensive, right-based system of social protection which includes the provision of cash benefits and social services as well as a broad set of regulatory policies.

Question 27

Decommodification

Answer 27

Decommodification refers to the extent to which the state allows people to live a socially acceptable life, independent from labour market participation. This concept is central to welfare states and social protection systems.

Question 28

Stratification

Answer 28

* The degree to which the state differentiates between social classes and fosters equality. * It's the structured ranking of individuals or groups in a society based on factors like wealth, power, and status. * It leads to unequal access to resources and opportunities.

Question 29

Public/ Private Mix (/)

Answer 29

* The relative roles of the state, the market and families in welfare provision. * The public/private mix refers to the balance between state (public) and market (private) involvement in the provision of welfare services and social protection. It determines how responsibilities for healthcare, pensions, education, and social security are shared between the government, private sector, and individuals.

Question 30

EU-SILC

Answer 30

- EU Statistics on Income and Living Conditions EU-SILC is a household and individual data collection which output is harmonised as it is regulated by legislations.

Question 31

AROP Threshold

Answer 31

The threshold is set at 60 % of the national median equivalised disposable income, after social transfers

Question 32

Severe Material and Social Deprivation Rate

Answer 32

Severely materially or socially deprived people have living conditions severely constrained by a lack of resources, they experience at least 7 out of 13 deprivation items: pay rent or utility bills, keep home adequately warm, face unexpected expenses, eat meat/ fish or a protein equivalent every second day, a week holiday away from home, have access to a car/van for personal use, replace worn out furniture, replace worn-out clothes with some new ones, have two pairs of properly fitting shoes, spend a small amount of money each week on him/herself (“pocket money”), have regular leisure activities, get together with friends/family for a drink/meal at least once a month, have an internet connection

Question 33

People Living in Households with Very Low Work Intensity

Answer 33

Those aged 0-64 living in households where the adults (aged 18-64) work 20% or less of their combined total work potential during the previous year.

Question 34

At Risk of Poverty or Social Exclusion (AROPE)

Answer 34

This indicator corresponds to the sum of people who are: at risk of poverty or severely materially or socially deprived or living in households with very low work intensity. People are only counted once even if they are present in several sub-indicators.

Question 35

Upward Convergence

Answer 35

An improvement in the performance of Member States in terms of employment, working and living conditions, moving closer to a policy target, alongside a decrease in the disparities among them.

Question 36

Social Dumping

Answer 36

The practice where workers are given pay and/ or working and living conditions which are below-standard compared to those specified by law.

Question 37

Automatic Stabilizer

Answer 37

An automatic stabilizer is a fiscal policy mechanism that automatically adjusts tax rates and government spending without the need for additional government intervention.

Question 38

Europe 2020

Answer 38

Europe 2020 is a 10-year strategy proposed by the European Commission on 3 March 2010 for advancement of the economy of the European Union. It aims at a "smart, sustainable, inclusive growth" with greater coordination of national and European policy

Question 39

Employment rate

Answer 39

The employment rate of the total population is calculated by dividing the number of people aged 20 to 64 in employment by the total population of the same age group

Question 40

Unemployment rate

Answer 40

Unemployment rate is the share of the labour force without work. Unemployed people are those of a working age who are without work during the reference week, are available for work and are activly seeking for work.

Question 41

Long-term unemployment rate

Answer 41

Long-term unemployment refers to people who have been unemployed for 12 months or more. The long-term unemployment rate expresses the number of long-term unemployed aged 15-74 as a percentage of the active population of the same age.

Question 42

Households with very low-work intensity

Answer 42

Work intensity is considered very low when the adults of the household had a working time equal to or less than 20% of their total combined work-time potential during the previous year.

Question 43

Coordination of social security systems

Answer 43

An EU principle ensuring that people moving within the EU don’t lose social security rights. It links national systems without harmonizing them. It covers pensions, healthcare, unemployment, and family benefits.

Question 44

Social acquis

Answer 44

The social acquis is the part of the acquis communautaire that includes the body of laws principles, policy objectives, declarations, resolutions and international agreements defining the social policy of the EU. New member states must adopt it upon joining the EU.

Question 45

Conferral (/)

Answer 45

The EU acts only within the limits of the competences that EU Member States have conferred upon it in the treaties.

Question 46

Proportionality (/)

Answer 46

The principle of proportionality is laid down in Treaty on European Union. It seeks to set actions taken by European Union (EU) institutions within specified bounds. It ensures minimal interference in national affairs.Laws must be suitable, necessary, and balanced in effect.

Question 47

Social subsidiarity

Answer 47

It means social measures should be taken at national or local levels unless better done at EU level. It respects diversity in social systems among member states.

Question 48

Supremacy of eu law (/)

Answer 48

EU law overrides conflicting national laws of member states. Ensures uniform application across the EU. Established by the ECJ to uphold the effectiveness of EU law.

Question 49

Qmv (qualified majority voting)

Answer 49

A method of voting in the EU Council where decisions need a majority of states and population. Currently, 55% of states representing 65% of the EU population are needed. It replaces unanimity in many policy areas for efficiency.

Question 50

Ordinary legislative procedure (co-decisucion) (/)

Answer 50

The procedure consists of the joint adoption of legislative acts by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, in general, following a proposal from the European Commission. Ensures democratic legitimacy and balance between institutions.

Question 51

Fiscal federalism

Answer 51

concept where financial functions are divided across levels of government. In the EU, it involves debates on shared taxation, spending, and fiscal transfers. It's key to discussions about deeper EU economic integration.

Question 52

Negative integration

Answer 52

Removal of barriers between member states (e.g., tariffs or trade restrictions) to economic activity in order to create a common market. Often involves deregulation and liberalization. It's market-building without adding common rules.

Question 53

Positive integration

Answer 53

* EU initiatives aimed at establishing common standards or policies. * Creating common rules and standards across the EU (e.g., social policy, safety). * It involves regulation and harmonization, supports fair competition and social protection.

Question 54

Homeland principle

Answer 54

Products or services are regulated by the rules of the country of origin. Also called the “country of origin principle.” Used in early internal market policies but controversial in areas like services.

Question 55

Workland principle

Answer 55

Also known as the "country of destination" principle. A worker or service must follow the rules of the country where the work is performed. Ensures host country standards, especially in labor and social protections.

Question 56

Aggregation of periods

Answer 56

Aggregation of periods is an EU social security rule that allows individuals to combine insurance, employment, or residence periods from different member states. This ensures eligibility for benefits like pensions or unemployment. It helps mobile workers maintain their rights when moving between countries.

Question 57

Exportability of benefits

Answer 57

When you claim a benefit, your previous periods of insurance, work or residence in other countries are taken into account if necessary. If you are entitled to a cash benefit from one country, you may generally receive it even if you are living in a different country. This is known as the principle of exportability.

Question 58

Frontex

Answer 58

Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, supports EU Member States and Schengen-associated countries in the management of the EU’s external borders and the fight against cross-border crime. Together with EU Member States, we ensure safe and well-functioning external borders providing security.

Question 59

Brain drain

Answer 59

Brain drain is the emigration of qualified people whose skills are scarce in their place of origin. Its negative effects can occur at national or regional level and can exacerbate problems in regions suffering from population decline.

Question 60

Remittances

Answer 60

Remittances are money that migrants send back to their home country, usually to support family members. In the EU context: - Migrants from Eastern or Southern EU countries who work in richer member states often send part of their income home. - This creates a financial flow that supports local economies and reduces poverty in the origin countries. Benefits for origin countries: - Boosts household income - Supports local businesses and economic development Example: A Polish worker in the Netherlands sends money home each month. This helps their family and stimulates spending in the Polish economy.

Question 61

Posting

Answer 61

Posting refers to a form of temporary and circular labour migration within the European Union, where a worker is sent by their employer to another EU country to perform a service for a limited time. This is different from long-term migration: posted workers remain under contract with the sending company in their home country and do not integrate into the host country’s labour market. (zie woordenlijst)

Question 62

Posted Workers Directive

Answer 62

The Posted Workers Directive is a piece of EU legislation that lays down a set of rules to protect the rights of workers temporarily posted to another EU Member State. It's an EU directive concerned with the free movement of workers within the European Union. (zie woordenlijst)

Question 63

Third Country Nationals

Answer 63

A third-country national is a person who does not have the nationality of one of the Member States of the European Union nor the nationality of one of the countries assoxiated with the European Union

Question 64

European Labour Authority

Answer 64

ELA established in 2019 helps improve cooperation between EU countries, coordinates joint inspections, carries out analyses and risk assessments on cross-border labour mobility issues and mediates disputes between EU countries

Question 65

Ohlin Doctrine

Answer 65

The Heckscher–Ohlin model is a general equilibrium mathematical model of international trade, developed by Eli Heckscher and Bertil Ohlin. The model essentially says that countries export the products which use their relatively abundant and cheap factors of production, and import the products which use the countries' relatively scarce factors

Question 66

European Social Fund

Answer 66

The ESF+ finances the implementation of the principles of the European Pillar for Social Rights through actions in the area of employment, education & skills, and social inclusion.

Question 67

Economic and monetary union

Answer 67

Launched in 1992, EMU involves the coordination of economic and fiscal policies, a common monetary policy, and a common currency, the euro. It involves shared economic governance and a common currency (the euro). Based on Optimal Currency Area theory, it requires labour mobility and fiscal transfers to function effectively. The Maastricht Treaty (1992) introduced convergence criteria but also limited national adjustment tools (e.g. exchange rates and fiscal flexibility), increasing the need for EU-level social policies.

Question 68

Lisbon agenda

Answer 68

Was an action and development plan devised in 2000, for the economy of the European Union between 2000 and 2010 set ouy by European Council. Its aim was to make the EU "the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion", by 2010

Question 69

Social convergence strategy

Answer 69

The Social Convergence Framework (SCF) has been created as a tool to map and compare employment and social policy developments in EU Member States in a structured way.

Question 70

Open method of coordination

Answer 70

The open method of coordination (OMC) is a form of intergovernmental policy-making that does not result in binding EU legislative measures and it does not require EU countries to introduce or amend their laws The OMC, originally created in the 1990s as part of employment policy and the Luxembourg process, was defined as an instrument of the Lisbon strategy (2000).

Question 71

European Semester

Answer 71

The European Semester is an annual exercise that coordinates the EU's economic and social policies. During the Semester, EU Member States align their budgetary and economic policies with the objectives and rules agreed upon at EU level.

Question 72

European pillar of social rights

Answer 72

The Pillar of Social Rights is about better delivering on rights for citizens by building on 20 key principles. It proposes headline targets for the EU by 2030. They represent the beacon guiding us towards a strong social Europe that is fair, inclusive and full of opportunity in the 21st century.

Question 73

Holding environment (/)

Answer 73

A holding environment refers to an EU-level supportive framework designed to protect and strengthen national welfare states. It allows welfare systems to develop and prosper by providing stabilization and insurance functions, especially within the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).