Chapter 11 - The Institutions of the EU Flashcards
What are the key parts of the European Commission?
President of the European Commission
College of Commissioners
Directorates-general (these cover the 33 policy areas)
Which is the executive body of the EU, and the only EU body that can draft legislation?
The European Commission
Which EU body is considered the ‘guardian of the treaties’?
The European Commission
Which EU body represents the EU on the world stage?
The European Commission
Define European Union Law
The laws of the European Union contained in treaties, secondary legislation and decisions of the Court of Justice
How many act as civil servants in service to the European Commission?
23,000
Which EU body administers EU expenditure and collects revenue?
The European Commission
When was the European Commission accused of fraud, leading to resignations en masse of the Santer Committee?
1999
What is the main decision making body of the EU?
The Council of the European Union
How many sectoral committees are there within the Council of the European Union? Name 3
10
General Affairs
Foreign Affairs
Economic and Finance Affairs
How is the Council of the European Union led?
Team presidency (3 states cooperating for 18 months)
Which two EU bodies share legislative power (approving legislature proposed by the European Commission)
Council of the European Union and European Parliament
What body organises the broad economic policy for member states and develops common foreign and security policy?
Council of the European Union
Which body is the meeting place for the 28 heads of government?
European Council
Who is the president of the European Council?
Donald Tusk
Which body sets the agenda and political direction in the EU?
European Council
Which is the EU’s only directly elected institution?
The European Parliament
How many MEPs are there?
751 (73 from the UK)
Which EU bodies have budgetary authority?
European Parliament and Council of the European Union
Which EU body holds the role of democratic supervision?
European Parliament
What kind of vote is used in European Parliament to approve legislation?
Simple Majority Vote
What are the key roles of any Parliament?
Representing the people
Legislating
Legitimising the political system
Holding the executive to account
What three courts does the Court of Justice consist of?
The Court of Justice
The General Court
The Civil Service Tribunal
Most cases are heard by 3-5 judges in CoJ, how many justices are there?
28
In what case was it ruled EEC law couldn’t be overruled by national law?
Costa v ENEL (1964)
