France in the European Union: civic exam

In short

France is a founding member of the European Union, born of the Treaty of Rome signed in 1957. It has used the euro since 2002, hosts the European Parliament in Strasbourg and takes part in the free movement of people and goods within the Union.

The European Union is part of the syllabus, often to candidates' surprise. The questions stay simple: a founding date, a currency, a city, a principle of movement. Four markers are enough.

A construction begun in 1957

France is one of the six founding countries of European construction, begun with the Treaty of Rome signed in 1957, which established the European Economic Community. The initial aim was to make war materially impossible between countries that had just fought each other, by tying their economies together. The European Union as we know it today was born of the Maastricht Treaty in 1992. It now has twenty-seven member states, following the withdrawal of the United Kingdom.

The euro and free movement

France adopted the euro, which replaced the franc in coins and notes on 1 January 2002. This common currency is shared by a majority of member states. Belonging to the Union also allows European citizens to move, live and work in the other member countries. That is what explains a particular feature of French voting rights: a national of another Union country living in France may vote in municipal and European elections.

The institutions and Strasbourg

The European Parliament, the only institution of the Union elected directly by citizens, sits in Strasbourg. French voters send representatives to it at the European elections, held every five years. The European flag — twelve golden stars arranged in a circle on a blue background — flies alongside the French flag on public buildings. Remembering that symbol, the city of Strasbourg and the principle of direct election covers most of the questions asked on this subject.

What the Union changes day to day

Belonging to the Union has very concrete effects. A European citizen may move, settle, study and work in another member state without needing a residence permit. The European health insurance card allows treatment during a temporary stay in another Union country. Mobile roaming charges have been abolished between member states. Programmes fund exchanges for students and apprentices. The free movement of goods removes customs duties between member countries, which explains the absence of systematic customs checks at internal borders. These practical effects are often the best angle for remembering what the European Union covers.

Worth remembering

Treaty of Rome, 1957: France is a founding member.
The euro replaces the franc in coins and notes on 1 January 2002.
The European Parliament sits in Strasbourg and is elected directly every five years.

Frequently asked questions

Are European elections open to foreign nationals?

To nationals of another European Union country living in France, yes, on registration on a complementary roll. Not to nationals of states outside the Union.

Do you need to know the number of member states?

It is useful but secondary. The questions mostly bear on the founding date, the euro, Strasbourg and the European flag.

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France in the European Union