Chapter 25: European Union Flashcards
Explain European Commission.
Upholds the interests of the EU as a whole by managing day-to-day business of implementing EU policies and spending EU funds. Each EU commissioner responsible for a different area. E.g. Transport
Explain four functions of the European Commission.
To propose new European laws: Initiate legislation. Think up ideas to protect EU and citizens. Consult with experts and hold public consultations. New law goes to European Parliament for approval. E.g. Minimum wage.
Enforce EU laws: Ensure all obey laws. Can send official letter asking country to correct actions before last resort is the court of justice to force country to obey. E.g. Competition policy.
To draft the EU budget: Makes initial decision as to where the EU funds are spent including how much money each country should get back from the EU.
To represent the EU internationally: Speaks on behalf of EU countries on international matters. E.g. Humanitarian Aid. Allows 27 member states to speak with one voice.
Explain European Parliament.
Directly elected by citizens of EU held every 5 years.
Number of representatives (MEP’s) roughly proportional to population.
They represent countries interests in discussion with other EU institutions.
Explain three functions of European Parliament.
To Debate and Approve New European Laws: Consider laws proposed by commission. Discuss advantages and disadvantages of law and suggest changes to make it better. Power to block proposals.
To Supervise the EU: Influence over other European institutions - keeps an eye on council of EU. Calls in president of council to answer questions. Parliament holds interviews for new commissioners. Commission is politically answerable to parliament.
Approve EU Budget: Power to block Commission’s budget so can influence how EU spends its money.
Explain Council of the European Union.
Most important decision making body of EU. National ministers meet to adopt laws and co-ordinate policies. Decisions taken by qualified majority with votes proportional to size of population. E.g. Finance ministers of each country come together to discuss finance issues.
Explain four functions of the Council of the European Union.
To pass EU laws: Have final say on proposed laws. Power to block proposal from becoming law.
To approve EU budget: Power to block Commission’s budget so can influence how EU spends its money.
To co-ordinate EU policies: Co-ordinate member states policies in specific fields. Monitoring budgetary policies of each country and suggesting improvements. E.g. Common Agricultural Policy
Co-operate on foreign defence policy: The council defines and implements EU foreign and security policies to ensure consistency and effectiveness of the EU’s international policy.
Explain European Court of Auditors.
An independent external audit institution of the EU. Ensures the Union’s income, expenditure and financial management is sound. Aim is to improve the management of EU funds in the interest of citizens.
Explain three functions of European Court of Auditors.
Audits: Can audit any country or organisation that received EU funding to ensure money was not wasted. Investigates paperwork with on the spot checks and draws attention of national government to any problems.
Annual Report: Presents report to Parliament and Council. Decide whether or not to approve the way in which the Commission has handles the budget.
Advises on New EU regulations: Give its opinion on new or revised EU regulations with financial impact at request of other EU institutions.
Explain court of justice of EU?
Ensures EU laws applied in same way in all EU countries.
Court made up of one judge from each EU country.
Explain three functions of court of justice of EU.
Advises National Courts: National courts responsible for upholding EU law. If national court is in doubt about an interpretation of an EU law it must ask the Court of Justice for advise.
Ensures EU law is obeyed: If country doesn’t fulfill obligations will be taken to court of justice. They investigate allegations and give judgment. If found guilty must put things right at once. Can issue fines.
Strike Down EU Laws: If EU country believes EU law is illegal they can ask court to annul it. Citizens can also ask court to cancel a law if it directly affects them in a negative way. If court finds law breaks the rules that govern the EU it will declare that law null and void.
Explain European Council.
A meeting of the heads of state of every EU country.
They set the goals and priorities for the EU.
Works to resolve issues not solved by lower level officials.
Has no powers to pass law.
How do interest groups affect EU decisions.
Lobby MEP’s-Send them petitions and try to persuade them to vote a certain way.
Lobby European Commission-Meet with commissioners and make them aware of issues.
Setup Office in Brussels-can easily access decision makers.
Outline decision making process of EU.
- The European Commission is the executive body responsible for proposing legislation and drafting it.
- These proposals are discussed in the European Parliament and amendments to legislation are put forward.
- Final decisions are made by Council of the EU. It is the main decision making body.
- Once legislation passed responsibility of Commission to implement legislation through a series of directives and regulations.
- Legislation can be adjudicated on by The Court of Justice which makes sure EU law is applied the same way in every EU country.
How does a reading happen as part of the decision making process of EU?
Laws advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Any suggestions to improve law are made.
Explain EU directive.
An EU Directive is a law that all member states must obey.
Sets out objectives each country must achieve.
Member states must take action to change their own national law to implement directive and achieve objectives by the deadline.
E.g. Climate Change EU goals
