EU institutions

Question 1

What are the four main institutions of the EU?

Answer 1

• European Council,
• The council of Europe/ministers,
• The European Commission, - European Parliament

Question 2

Who is in the European Council?

Answer 2

The national leaders of the member states (PM’s, presidents, etc.)

Question 3

What is the role of the European Council?

Answer 3

To set the broad political agenda of the EU, i.e. large sensitive issues. It has also become the motor of European integration.

Question 4

Does the European council have legislative power?

Answer 4

No, it can neither initiate or vote on laws.

Question 5

When was the European council established?

Answer 5

The EC was established in 1974, but formally became an EU institution in 2009 with the Lisbon Treaty.

Question 6

Who is in the Council of Europe?

Answer 6

Ministers/representatives of the member states (Financial-, foreign-, agricultural- minister, etc. depending on the specific policy area that is being discussed)

Question 7

How often does the Council of Europe rotate presidency?

Answer 7

Every 6 months, it rotates between the member states.

Question 8

What is the role of the Council of Europe?

Answer 8

A/the key decision-making body as a part of the ‘co-decision making’ on EU laws and the budget. It also manages the Common Foreign and Security Policy.

Question 9

What is QMV?

Answer 9

Was updated in 2014 (Double QMV):

• Support from 55 % of the member states comprising of minimum 15 member states were voting on proposals
• Support from minimum 65 % of the population of the EU

Question 10

Does the Council of Europe have any legislative power?

Answer 10

Yes, the institution votes on proposals from the commission (either unanimous or QMV)

Question 11

When was the Council of Europe established?

Answer 11

In 1958 as a part of the Coal and Steel community.

Question 12

Who is in the European Commission?

Answer 12

1 commissioner per member state. The president of the EC appoints a possible VP and commissioners, who then has to be approved by the national heads of government.

Question 13

How is the president of the Council of Europe elected?

Answer 13

They are proposed by the European Council and approved by the EP.

Question 14

What is the role of the European Commission?

Answer 14

It proposes legislations to the Council of Europe/EP, and then ensures that the rules are applied afterwards (watchdog). It also manages the budget and negotiates trade agreements, etc.

Question 15

Does the European commission have any legislative power?

Answer 15

no, it can only make proposals.

Question 16

When was the European commission established?

Answer 16

in 1958

Question 17

Who is in the European Parliament?

Answer 17

705 MEP’s. (Members of European parliament) - elected directly in the member states every 5 years. Number of MEP’s per member state is based on the countrys size.

Question 18

What is the role of the European Parliament?

Answer 18

Co-decision making. Responsible for legislation, supervision and budget. It decides on international agreements and new member states.

Question 19

What is the role of the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU)?

Answer 19

It interprets EU laws and the decisions are binding on national authorities and courts.

Question 20

Does the EP have any legislative power?

Answer 20

yes, in ‘co-decision making’.

Question 21

When was the EP established?

Answer 21

1952 as Parliamentary Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community, 1962 it became the European Parliament, with its first direct elections in 1979