UPSC Prelims 1999 · General Studies
Question 62: International Relations and Current Affairs
Consider the following statements about the European Union: I. The European Union was known earlier as the European Community. II. The Single European Act (1986) and the Maastricht Treaty were milestones in its formation. III. Citizens of European Union countries enjoy dual citizenship. IV. Switzerland is a member of the European Union. Which of the above statements are correct?
AnswerThe answer is (d).
Statements I, II and III are correct. The European Community became the European Union with the Maastricht Treaty (in force 1993); the Single European Act of 1986 and Maastricht were milestones in its making; and Union citizenship is held in addition to national citizenship. Switzerland is not a member of the EU: it stayed out and deals with it through bilateral treaties. Remember: Switzerland is outside the EU.
- I. The European Community was renamed the European Union at Maastricht.
- II. The Single European Act (1986) and Maastricht were milestones.
- III. EU citizenship is held alongside national citizenship.
- IV. Switzerland is not an EU member.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong. It includes IV, which is false, and leaves out II and III.
- (b) Wrong. It leaves out II, a correct statement.
- (c) Wrong. It includes IV, which is false, and leaves out I and II.
- (d) Right. I, II and III are correct.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1999, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.