Institutions

Question 1

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Answer 1

The only directly elected EU body, this represents the EU’s 500 million inhabitants and plays a key role in electing (wählen) the President of the European Commission. It shares power over the EU budget and legislation with the Council of the European Union.

Question 2

THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL

Answer 2

The EU’s broad (breite) priorities are set by the European Council, which brings together national and EU-level leaders. It is led by its president and comprises (beinhalten) national Heads of State or Government and the President of the Commission.

Question 3

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

Answer 3

The Council of the European Union represents the governments of the individual Member States. The Presidency of the Council is shared by the Member States on a rotating basis.

Question 4

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Answer 4

The EU’s executive body, it is responsible for proposing (Vorschlag) and implementing (Erfüllen) EU laws, monitoring the treaties and the day-today running of the EU.

Question 5

THE COURT OF JUSTICE

Answer 5

The highest court in matters of EU law. It interprets and ensures (garantiert) equal application of EU law across all Member States.

Question 6

THE COURT OF AUDITORS

Answer 6

The Court of Auditors audits (prüfen) EU finances. As an external auditor, it contributes (beisteuern) to improving (verbessern) EU financial management and acts as the independent guardian of the financial interests of EU citizens.

Question 7

THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK

Answer 7

The central bank for Europe’s single currency, the euro, its main task is to maintain (aufrechterhalten) the euro’s purchasing (Einkauf) power and thus price stability in the euro area.