Correct Option
The correct option is 2 and 3.
[as per provisional answerkey]
Explanation
The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 member states located primarily in Europe. Membership requires adherence to the Copenhagen criteria, which include a stable democracy, a functioning market economy, and the acceptance of all EU legislation.
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Belarus is not a member of the European Union. It is a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and maintains a close political and economic union with Russia. Relations between the EU and Belarus are currently governed by the Eastern Partnership, though active cooperation is suspended.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Poland joined the European Union on May 1, 2004, as part of the largest single enlargement in the union's history.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Germany is a founding member of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1951, which served as the precursor to the modern European Union.
- Statement 4 is Incorrect: Switzerland is not a member of the European Union. While it is part of the Schengen Area and participates in the EU's single market through a series of bilateral agreements, it has formally withdrawn its application for EU membership.
Key Takeaway: Not all geographically European nations are members of the EU; major exceptions include Switzerland (neutrality/bilateralism) and Belarus (political alignment with Russia).