Test on Empowerment of the European Parliament

Question 1: The European Parliament was more closely involved in the preparatory meetings of the Intergovernmental Conference for the Treaty of Amsterdam than for the Single European Act or the Treaty of Maastricht.

A. Yes

B. No

Explanation: Contrary to the SEA and Maastricht, Parliament managed to be more closely involved in the preparation of the conference for the Treaty of Amsterdam. This included two MEPs in the 'Reflection Group' and the EP sitting in some preparatory meetings of the IGC, giving it full access to documents and the chance to draft amendments.

Question 2: According to the study materials, what specific amendments did the Martin Reports (A3-47/90; A3-166/90; A3-210/90) advocate for to increase the powers of the European Parliament?

A. The right to veto the accession of new member states.

B. A new co-decision procedure.

C. Involvement of the EP in the appointment of the Commission.

D. Full veto powers over all legislative matters.

Explanation: The study materials state that the Martin Reports 'prepared specific amendments that sought to increase the powers of the EP through a new co-decision procedure and the involvement of the EP in the appointment of the Commission'.

Question 3: The Treaty of Nice included a reallocation of votes in the Council that did not satisfy the European Parliament.

A. Yes

B. No

Explanation: The study materials state that the Parliament was not satisfied with the reallocation of votes in the Council and the change of threshold for obtaining a qualified majority in the Treaty of Nice.

Question 4: What was the European Parliament's specific request regarding the maximum number of MEPs for its internal structure prior to the Treaty of Nice?

A. To increase the cap to 732 MEPs

B. To maintain the cap at 700 MEPs, as previously decided in Amsterdam

C. To reduce the cap to 650 MEPs

D. To establish a flexible cap based on the size of member states

Explanation: The study materials state that the European Parliament asked to maintain the cap at 700 MEPs, as had been decided in Amsterdam, regarding its internal structure. This request was ultimately disregarded by the Treaty of Nice.

Question 5: The European Citizens' Initiative was an established input channel in the EU's political system before the Treaty of Lisbon inaugurated a new era.

A. Yes

B. No

Explanation: The study materials state that the Treaty of Lisbon inaugurated a new era in the EU’s political system, with new 'input' channels like the European Citizens' Initiative, indicating it was introduced with the treaty, not before it.