Q1. With reference to the institutional framework of the European Union (EU), consider the following statements:

1. The European Commission can represent the EU in trade negotiations with non-EU countries.
2. The European Council consists of the heads of state or government of the EU Member States.
3. The European Parliament is directly elected and exercises legislative, budgetary and scrutiny functions.
4. The European Council acts as the EU's primary legislative body for concluding international trade agreements.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation:
Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct. The European Commission handles the EU's executive functions and negotiates trade agreements, while the European Council provides overall political direction. The European Parliament is directly elected and performs legislative, budgetary and scrutiny functions. Statement 4 is incorrect: the European Council is not the EU's primary legislative body; legislative functions are mainly exercised by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union.