Members of the European Union? Belarus? Polan? — UPSC Prelims PYQ 2026

Which of the following countries are members of the European Union?

Belarus
Poland
Germany
Switzerland

Select the answer using the code given below:

1, 2 and 4
1 and 4 only
2 and 3
2 and 4 only

Explanation

1 is incorrect

Belarus is not a member of the European Union.

2 is correct

Poland is a member state, having joined the European Union in 2004.

3 is correct

Germany is one of the original founding members of the European Union.

4 is incorrect

Switzerland is not an EU member. While it participates in the European single market and the Schengen Area through a series of bilateral treaties, it has consistently voted to maintain its political independence from the EU.

Infographic summarizing the European Union (EU), covering its formation, member states, Schengen Area, elections, single market, euro currency, trade significance, climate goals, and key institutional features.

PMF Concept Hack

This question can be solved by eliminating Switzerland first. It is well known that Switzerland is not a member of the European Union. Switzerland has traditionally followed a policy of neutrality, is not a member of NATO, and joined the United Nations only in 2002, allowing the Swiss to host international organisations and mediate conflicts without taking sides. Once 4 is eliminated, options (a), (b), and (d) are automatically removed, leaving only option (c).