Institutions

Question 1

European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)

Answer 1

Based in Strasbourg
Upholds privacy and data protection laws through its enforcement of the European Convention on Human Rights and Convention 108
Not part of the European Union

Question 2

Council of Europe

Answer 2

International Organization

47 member states

Question 3

European Union

Answer 3

Economic and Political Union
28 member states
Comprises of legislative, policy-making, and Judicial bodies

Question 4

European Economic Area (EEA)

Answer 4

Based on the Agreement of the European Economic Area of 1994
Allows Members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) to participate fully in the EU’s internal market

Composed of 31 states:

28 EU member states.

+ 3 EFTA member states that are not currently EU members states.

Question 5

What 3 EFTA member states are part of the EEA but not currently EU member states?

Answer 5

Iceland
Liechtenstein
Norway

Question 6

European Parliament

Answer 6

Members are directly elected (every 5 years)

Three Primary Responsibilities:

1. Legislative Development
2. Supervisory Oversight of the other institutions
3. Development of the budget

Question 7

European Council

Answer 7

Defines the EU’s priorities
Sets the political direction for the EU
Composed of heads of state or government of all EU countries including:
European Council President
European Commission President
High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

Question 8

European Commission

Answer 8

Implements the EU’s decisions, policies and directives
Exclusive competence to propose legislation

Composed of one commissioner per member state

Question 9

What institution is responsible for ensuring that directives are implemented properly by the member states?

Answer 9

European Commission

Question 10

Which institution has the power to adopt adequacy findings for the European Union?

Answer 10

European Commission

Question 11

Court of Justice of the EU

CJEU

Answer 11

Based in Luxembourg
The judicial body of the EU
Makes decisions on issues of EU law and enforces decisions, either in respect to actions taken by the European commission against a member state or by an individual or organisation to enforce their rights under EU law.
Comprises of the European court of justice and the General Court.
Provides clarification of EU law to national courts to assist national courts in upholding EU law..

Question 12

Which European Institution audits the European Union?

Answer 12

Court of Auditors