European institutions 3

Question 1

7 European instituions

Answer 1

1. European council
2. Council
3. European commission
4. European parliament
5. Court of justice
6. European central bank
7. Court of auditors

Question 2

European council

Answer 2

• heads of gevernment of all states
• provides political direction and represents the EU externally
• ultimate decision-making body, for issues that cannot be resolved by the council
• role in revising treaties
• appoints its own presidents, the president of the commission and the Uion’s high representative

Question 3

Council

Answer 3

• national interest, ministers of 27 member states, representation of member states
• intergovernmental institution
• implementation of policies
• negotiate and adopt laws
• coordinate ms policies
• develop foreign security policies

Question 4

European commission

Answer 4

• supranational
• hybrid between government and civil service
• 27 commissioners from member states -> president proposed by EU council and elected by EU parliament
• initiates legislation
• set objectives and priorities for action
• manages, implements EU policies and budgets
• represents EU externally concerning specific policies

Question 5

European parliament

Answer 5

• supranational
• 720 members, 8 political groups, directly elected
• modifying and adopting legislative measures, provide the basics for EU policies
• represents the citizens
• oppoints the commission
• decides on budget
• supervision and control of EU Budgets
• does not dismiss/appoint council of ministers, no proposal of legislation

Question 6

Court of justice

Answer 6

• supranational
• 27 judges, appointed by their government
• judical task: interpretation of EU law, adjudication of conflicts involving EU institutions or member states, supervision of EU laws.

Question 7

European central bank

Answer 7

• supranational
• executive role in implementing monetary policy in the member states that have the euro as a currency

Question 8

Court of auditors

Answer 8

• supranational
• provides additional supportive tasks:
  > examines EU expenses and revenues
  > their reports are used by EU parliament and council in excersising power to
  control eu budget.

Question 9

why could this cause democratic deficit?

Answer 9

• Accountability to whom?
• election turnout
• choosing leader? -> main bodies are not all directly elected by citizens
• distance -> people do not feel represented
• secrecy
• media

Question 10

why is it democratic?

Answer 10

• there is a consensus system
• EP has increasing power
• there is transparency
• EU is not a state

Question 11

why is the EU a consensus democracy?

Answer 11

most decisions require the approval of multiple institutions, and qualified majoraties or even unanimity are often needed