EU Flashcards
Role of the EU Commission
1) propose legislation to the European parliament: has ‘right to initiative.’ meaning they are responsible alone for drawing up proposals for new EU legislature. Commission must be fully aware if the situations developing in Europe before drawing up any legislature therefore must be in the best interest of EU and its citizens. In touch with interest groups and advisory bodies- European Economic and social committee and Council of regions. EU action only proposed if a lower body cannot solve it, must satisfy the widest possible range of interests.
2 Role of EU commission
To manage and implement EU policies and budgets: Most spending is done by national and local authorities but they supervise it alongside the Court of Auditors. Once the EP is satisfied with the auditors annual report it can grant the commission discharge from implementing the budget. Also manages policies adopted by EP and CoM e.g CAP and competition policy (mergers of business) Make sure EU countries subsidise their industries as it distorts competition. Other policies include ‘Interreg’ and ‘Urban’ programmes and Erasmus program.
3 Role of EU commission
To enforce European law with the ECJ: Acts as ‘the guardian of the treaties’ Together with the ECJ is responsible for making Sure eu laws are properly applied in all member states. If it finds that a member state is not meeting it legal obligations it takes steps to put the situation right. First it launches the ‘infringement procedure’ a process which involves sending the government an official letter saying why it considers this country is infringing EU lea and setting it a deadline for a detailed reply. If this fails it is then referred to the ECJ which powers can impose penalties. Judgemenrs are binding on the members and all EU institutions.
Operation and processes of the EU Commission
Each section of the commission is expected to formulate policies which will carry froward the arms of eU in their own area of Jurisdiction (aka initiatives)
They are not decisions but proposals from Both the CoM and EC.
Wide consultations are carried out: Government of member sates, pressure groups political groupings in the EP and parties from individual states may send delegations. This enhances democracy of the institution as it increases representativeness.
Initiatives are sent to EP pr CoM. They may be either rejected amended and send back to the commission. If changes not passed by commission the amendment initiative can be passed on the spot through CoM through unanimous vote or accepted without amendments.
Commission implements the initiative e.g through adequate arrangements with the government member states.
