EU institutions Flashcards
What are the main institutions of the EU
European Parliament
European Council
Council of EU
European Commission
Court of Justice of the European Union
European Parliament authorisation
Article 14 TEU - exercise legislative and budgetary function
EP composition
750 Members of the European Parliament
1 President of EP
Elected every 5 years - proportional representation
What does degressive proportionality refer to?
The greater the population of a member state, the greater the number of allocated seats in the EP
EP role
legislation, litigation, budget and overseeing other institutions
European Council composition
Head of state of each member
President of European Council
President of European Commission
European council role
decide general political direction of the Union
Council of the EU composition
1 elected minister from each member state
1 president - changes to new country every 6 months
Council of the EU role
legislate and budget, alongside EP
European Commission composition
1 commissioner from every member state
1 president - 5 year term, elected by EP
President + Council propose commissioners, who are voted in by EP
Commissioners must resign if 2/3 vote
European Commission role
- propose legislative acts
- ensure application of treaties
- execute budget
CJEU composition
Court of Justice (CoJ)
- 1 judge per member state
- supported by advocates general
- both elected by member state governments
- 6 year terms
General Court
- at least 1 judge per member state
- no advocates general
Specialised Courts
What is the role of the Court of Justice?
- rule on actions brought by members, citizens or institutions
- give preliminary rulings
- rule under the treaties
What is the role of the general court?
- judicial review
- damages by natural/legal persons
European Commission role
- propose legislative acts
- ensure application of treaties
- execute budget
