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European Parliament Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The European Parliament: Structure, Functions, and History

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The European Parliament: Structure, Functions, and History Study Guide

Founding and Historical Evolution

In terms of protocol, the European Parliament is considered the 'last institution' of the EU.

Answer: False

Explanation: The European Parliament is considered the 'first institution' in terms of protocol.

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The European Parliament originated as the Common Assembly of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Answer: False

Explanation: The European Parliament originated as the Common Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).

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The 'Spinelli Plan' constituted a successful treaty that established the European Union during the 1980s.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Spinelli Plan was a draft treaty proposed by the European Parliament, many of whose ideas were later incorporated into subsequent EU treaties, but it was not adopted as a treaty itself.

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Which institution is accorded the designation of the 'first institution' of the EU, based on protocol and treaty enumeration?

Answer: The European Parliament

Explanation: The European Parliament is considered the 'first institution' in terms of protocol and treaty mention.

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What pivotal development occurred in 1979 concerning the European Parliament?

Answer: Its members were directly elected by EU citizens for the first time.

Explanation: In 1979, the European Parliament's members were directly elected by EU citizens for the first time.

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From which historical body did the European Parliament originate in 1952?

Answer: The European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)

Explanation: The European Parliament originated from the Common Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1952.

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The 'Spinelli Plan' holds historical significance primarily because:

Answer: Many of its ideas were later incorporated into subsequent EU treaties, despite not being adopted itself.

Explanation: The Spinelli Plan is historically significant because many of its proposals were later integrated into subsequent EU treaties, even though the plan itself was not adopted.

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Institutional Structure and Membership

Following the June 2024 European elections, the European Parliament comprises 705 members.

Answer: False

Explanation: The number of members increased to 720 following the June 2024 elections.

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Roberta Metsola has held the position of President of the European Parliament since January 2022.

Answer: True

Explanation: Roberta Metsola was elected President of the European Parliament on January 18, 2022.

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A minimum of 30 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), drawn from at least five distinct member states, is requisite for the formation of a political group.

Answer: False

Explanation: The minimum requirement is 23 MEPs from at least seven member states.

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Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are seated in the hemicycle randomly, irrespective of their political affiliation.

Answer: False

Explanation: MEPs are seated according to their political groups, generally arranged from left to right.

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The European Parliament comprises 14 Vice-Presidents who provide assistance to the President and are integral members of the Bureau.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Parliament elects 14 Vice-Presidents who support the President and form part of the Bureau.

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What is the minimum number of MEPs, originating from at least seven distinct member states, required to constitute a political group?

Answer: 23 MEPs

Explanation: A minimum of 23 MEPs from at least seven different member states are required to form a political group.

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Describe the seating arrangement of MEPs within the Parliament's hemicycle.

Answer: According to their political groups, generally from left to right.

Explanation: MEPs are seated in the hemicycle according to their political groups, typically arranged from left to right.

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How many Standing Committees does the European Parliament comprise, with each committee dedicated to specific policy domains?

Answer: 20

Explanation: The European Parliament has 20 Standing Committees, each dedicated to specific policy areas.

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What is the principal role of the President of the European Parliament?

Answer: To preside over plenary sessions and represent Parliament externally.

Explanation: The primary role of the President is to preside over plenary sessions and represent the Parliament externally.

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Legislative and Oversight Functions

The European Parliament functions as the sole legislative body of the European Union.

Answer: False

Explanation: The European Parliament shares legislative authority with the Council of the European Union and does not act as the sole legislative body.

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The European Parliament holds the primary right of legislative initiative within the European Union.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary right of legislative initiative rests with the European Commission.

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The European Parliament exercises no influence over the EU budget, as this authority resides exclusively with the Council of the European Union.

Answer: False

Explanation: The European Parliament shares equal budgetary powers with the Council of the European Union.

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The European Commission is not accountable to the European Parliament.

Answer: False

Explanation: The European Commission is accountable to the European Parliament, which can approve or censure it.

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The European Parliament compelled the resignation of the Santer Commission through a formal vote of no confidence.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Parliament threatened to reject the budget due to fraud allegations, leading to the Commission's resignation before a formal vote of no confidence.

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The Lisbon Treaty substantially curtailed the European Parliament's powers concerning the EU budget.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Lisbon Treaty actually enhanced the European Parliament's powers regarding the EU budget, granting it co-equal status with the Council.

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The 'Spitzenkandidaten' process mandates that the European Council automatically nominates the candidate who secured the highest number of votes in the European elections as the Commission President.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Spitzenkandidaten process involves the European Council proposing a candidate based on election results, but it is not an automatic nomination, and the candidate must be elected by Parliament.

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The President of the European Parliament bears sole responsibility for the drafting of EU legislation.

Answer: False

Explanation: The European Commission holds the primary right of legislative initiative; the President's role is to preside over sessions and represent Parliament.

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What constitutes the primary legislative function of the European Parliament?

Answer: Adopting EU legislation alongside the Council of the European Union.

Explanation: The Parliament's primary legislative function is to adopt EU legislation jointly with the Council of the European Union.

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Which entity holds the primary right of legislative initiative within the EU, a prerogative not formally vested in the European Parliament?

Answer: The European Commission

Explanation: The primary right of legislative initiative in the EU resides with the European Commission.

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Which 1999 event exemplified the European Parliament's capacity for executive accountability, resulting in the resignation of a Commission?

Answer: The Parliament's threat to reject the budget due to fraud allegations against the Santer Commission.

Explanation: The Parliament's threat to reject the budget due to fraud allegations against the Santer Commission in 1999 demonstrated its power to hold the executive accountable.

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To what process is the term 'Spitzenkandidaten' related?

Answer: The appointment of the European Commission President.

Explanation: The 'Spitzenkandidaten' process is related to the appointment of the European Commission President.

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What specific power did the Lisbon Treaty confer upon the European Parliament concerning the EU budget?

Answer: Shared powers with the Council over the entire EU budget.

Explanation: The Lisbon Treaty granted the European Parliament shared powers with the Council over the entire EU budget.

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Describe the mechanisms by which the European Parliament holds the European Commission accountable.

Answer: By approving the Commission President nominee and potentially passing a motion of censure.

Explanation: The Parliament holds the Commission accountable by approving the Commission President nominee and having the power to pass a motion of censure.

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Electoral Processes and Representation

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are directly elected for terms of six years.

Answer: False

Explanation: MEPs are directly elected every five years, not six.

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The voting age for European Parliament elections is uniformly set at 18 years across all European Union member states.

Answer: False

Explanation: Several member states have different voting ages, such as 16 or 17.

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The principle of 'degressive proportionality' in seat allocation dictates that larger member states receive proportionally more seats per inhabitant than smaller ones.

Answer: False

Explanation: Degressive proportionality ensures smaller member states have proportionally more representation per inhabitant than larger ones.

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At what frequency are Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) directly elected?

Answer: Every 5 years

Explanation: MEPs are directly elected every five years.

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Identify the member state among the following that permits a voting age of 16 for European Parliament elections.

Answer: Malta

Explanation: Malta, along with Belgium, Austria, and Germany, permits a voting age of 16 for European Parliament elections.

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Regarding seat allocation in the European Parliament, the principle of 'degressive proportionality' ensures that:

Answer: Smaller member states have proportionally more representation per inhabitant than larger ones.

Explanation: Degressive proportionality ensures that smaller member states receive proportionally more representation per inhabitant than larger ones.

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Operational Aspects and Administration

All plenary sessions of the European Parliament are convened exclusively in Strasbourg, France.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Strasbourg is the official seat, additional sessions and committee meetings occur in Brussels.

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The European Parliament conducts its operations utilizing only English and French as official languages for interpretation.

Answer: False

Explanation: Interpretation services are provided in all 24 official EU languages.

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The 'retour' system permits interpreters to translate exclusively from their native language into a foreign language.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'retour' system involves interpreters translating from a foreign language into their native tongue, and potentially vice versa.

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The European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) functions as an external think tank providing advisory services to national governments on EU policy.

Answer: False

Explanation: The EPRS is the Parliament's internal research department, not an external think tank advising national governments.

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Eurobarometer surveys are primarily employed by the European Parliament for the assessment of member states' economic performance.

Answer: False

Explanation: Eurobarometer surveys are used to gauge public opinion trends within member states.

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How does the European Parliament manage its multilingual environment during plenary sessions?

Answer: Through simultaneous interpreting provided in all 24 official EU languages.

Explanation: The Parliament manages its multilingual environment by providing simultaneous interpretation in all 24 official EU languages during plenary sessions.

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The European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) functions as:

Answer: The Parliament's internal research department and think tank.

Explanation: The EPRS functions as the Parliament's internal research department and think tank.

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The monthly General Expenditure Allowance (GEA) for MEPs is primarily controversial due to which factor?

Answer: MEPs are not required to provide proof of spending.

Explanation: The GEA is controversial because MEPs are not required to provide documentation or proof of how the funds are expended.

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What is the primary function of the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS)?

Answer: To provide independent analysis and research to support MEPs.

Explanation: The EPRS provides independent analysis and research to support MEPs and parliamentary committees.

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The 'Eurobarometer' surveys are utilized by the European Parliament primarily for what purpose?

Answer: Gauge public opinion trends within member states.

Explanation: Eurobarometer surveys are primarily used to gauge public opinion trends within EU member states.

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Awards, Scandals, and Criticisms

The Sakharov Prize is conferred for contributions to economic development within the European Union.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Sakharov Prize recognizes contributions to human rights and fundamental freedoms worldwide.

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The dual seat arrangement of the European Parliament is widely lauded for its cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

Answer: False

Explanation: The dual seat arrangement is frequently criticized for its significant costs and inefficiency.

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The European Parliament established a Mediator for International Parental Child Abduction in 1979.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Mediator for International Parental Child Abduction was established in 1987.

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Subsequent to the Qatar corruption scandal, the European Parliament promptly approved all outstanding visa-free travel agreements pertaining to Qatar.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following the Qatar corruption scandal, the European Parliament suspended work related to Qatar and halted the approval of related agreements.

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'Caviar diplomacy' pertains to the European Parliament's initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable fishing practices in the Caspian Sea.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Caviar diplomacy' refers to allegations of Azerbaijan bribing officials to influence opinions and legitimize elections.

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What is the stated purpose of the Sakharov Prize?

Answer: To recognize contributions to human rights and fundamental freedoms worldwide.

Explanation: The Sakharov Prize recognizes contributions to human rights and fundamental freedoms worldwide.

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Which scandal precipitated the suspension of work related to Qatar and prompted inquiries within the European Parliament?

Answer: The Qatar corruption scandal

Explanation: The Qatar corruption scandal led to the suspension of work related to Qatar and calls for inquiries within the European Parliament.

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In the context of the European Parliament and Azerbaijan, what does the term 'Caviar Diplomacy' signify?

Answer: Allegations of Azerbaijan bribing officials to influence opinions and legitimize elections.

Explanation: 'Caviar diplomacy' refers to allegations of Azerbaijan bribing officials to influence opinions and legitimize elections.

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What is the principal criticism directed at the European Parliament's dual seat arrangement?

Answer: It is too expensive and inefficient.

Explanation: The primary criticism of the dual seat arrangement is its significant cost and inefficiency.

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What is the estimated additional annual expenditure attributable to the European Parliament's dual seat arrangement?

Answer: €103 million

Explanation: The dual seat arrangement is estimated to incur an additional annual cost of approximately €103 million.

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Which prize, conferred by the European Parliament, honors outstanding journalism that upholds European Union values?

Answer: The Daphne Caruana Galizia Journalism Prize

Explanation: The Daphne Caruana Galizia Journalism Prize recognizes outstanding journalism upholding EU values.

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