european union Flashcards
what is European Union?
It’s a supranational political and economic union of 27 member states located primary in Europe
type of governement of EU
Mixed intergovernamental, directorial, parlamentary confederation
What are European Institutions?
European institutions are like the key organizations that work together to manage the affairs of the European Union (EU).
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
- Headquarters: Primarily in Strasbourg, France, with some sessions in Brussels.
- President: Roberta Metzola.
- Duration: five years.
- Composition: 705 deputies elected directly by people
- Tasks:(EU’s legislative institution)
It has the power to approve, amend or reject legislative and budgetary proposals
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
- Headquarters: Located in Brussels, Belgium.
- President: Ursula von der Leyen.
- Duration: five years.
- Composition: It consists of one representative from each EU member country, known as Commissioners.
- Tasks: The Commission makes sure EU rules are followed and helps create new ones. They also manage trade agreements (accordi commerciali) and the EU budget.
EUROPEAN COUNCIL
- Headquarters: In Brussels, Belgium.
- President: Charles Michel.
- Duration: two years and an half
- Composition: the heads of state of all european countries, the European Council President, and the European Commission President
- Tasks: It decides on the EU’s political and policy instructions
COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN UNION
- Headquarters: Mainly in Brussels, but meetings can be in different EU cities.
- President: The presidency rotates among EU member countries every six months.
- Composition: It includes ministers from each EU member state, and the composition changes depending on the topic.
- Tasks: The Council discusses and approves new laws and important issues about EU countries.
COURT OF JUSTICE OF EU
- Headquarters: In Luxembourg.
- President: Koen Lenaerts.
- Duration: six years and cannot be reappointed.
- Composition: It includes judges from each EU member country.
- Tasks: This court interprets and enforces EU laws resolving disputes on EU regulations.
EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK
- Headquarters: Located in Frankfurt, Germany.
- President: Christine Lagarde.
- Duration: eight years.
- Composition: the President and Vice-President of the ECB and the governors of the national central banks of all EU countries
- Tasks: The ECB oversees monetary policy, especially the euro currency and price stability.
EUROPEAN COURT OF AUDITORS
European Court of Auditors:
- Headquarters: Based in Luxembourg.
- President: Klaus-Heiner Lehne.
- Duration: three years.
- Composition: it is composed of one Member from each EU Member State and is supported by an organ of around 900 people, of all EU nationalities.
- Tasks: This group audits EU spending to maintain responsible financial management.
OTHER INSTITUTIONS
Committee of the Regions:
- Tasks: The Committee supports smaller regions and cities in the EU, giving advice on proposed laws and policies.
- European Economic and Social Committee:
- Tasks: This committee represents regular people and groups, giving suggestions about EU laws and policies.
- European External Action Service:
- Tasks: This service manages EU foreign and security policy matters, represents the EU internationally, and coordinates diplomatic efforts.
who is Josep Borrel?
Josep Borrell is the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
How many meetings does the European Parliament have throughout the year and where do they take place?
The main meetings of the European Parliament, also known as ‘plenary sessions’, take place in Strasbourg, France, 12 times a year, and in Brussels, Belgium, up to six times a year.
