Roles and functions of EU institutions

Question 1

What makes EU institutional architecture unique?

Answer 1

It has a mix of intergovernmental bodies where nations meet and supranational bodies with authority of their own

Question 2

Give some example of intergovernmental institutions in the EU

Answer 2

The Council of the EU and the European Council

Question 3

Give some examples of supranational EU bodies

Answer 3

European Commission, European Parliament and the Court of Justice

Question 4

What does the European Commission do?

Answer 4

Acts as the executive body of the EU, with political and administrative functions. Acts in the general interests of the union as a supranational body

Question 5

Where is the European Commission based?

Answer 5

Brussels

Question 6

How is the president of the European Commission decided upon?

Answer 6

They are nominated by the European Council and then elected by the European parliament

Question 7

How are European Commission commissioners decided upon?

Answer 7

They are nominated by national governments and then approved by the European Parliament

Question 8

How is the workload divided within the European Commission?

Answer 8

The president will allocate policy portfolios to commissioners. The Commission is organised into directorates that cover different policy areas

Question 9

List the 4 main functions of the European Commission

Answer 9

• Has the sole right to initiate draft legislation in most areas of EU activity
• Executes EU legislation and ensures it is correctly applied
• Administers EU expenditure and collects revenue
• Represents the EU on the world stage, notably in trade negotiations

Question 10

What does the Council of the EU act as?

Answer 10

The main decision making body of the EU; government ministers from all member states will meet to make key decisions on EU legislation. It meets in 10 configurations that deal with specific policy areas

Question 11

Where is the Council of the EU based?

Answer 11

Brussels

Question 12

Who leads the Council of the EU?

Answer 12

The president, a position that will be held by member states for a 6 month period

Question 13

List the 3 main functions of the Council of the EU

Answer 13

• Shares legislative authority with the European Parliament
• Coordinates economic policy of member states
• Develops common foreign and security policy

Question 14

How are most decisions made in the Council of the EU?

Answer 14

By consensus, but votes are held regularly

Question 15

What are the two main voting procedures used by the Council of the EU?

Answer 15

Unanimity and qualified majority voting (QMV)

Question 16

What is unanimity?

Answer 16

A proposal will fail if one member state vetoes it - only applies to major or sensitive policies

Question 17

What is QMV?

Answer 17

QMV is achieved if 55% of member states vote in favour and supported by states representing at least 65% of the EU population - applies to most areas of EU activity

Question 18

What is the European Council?

Answer 18

A body where heads of government, foreign minster and the president of the European commission meet at least four times per year

Question 19

Who leads the European Council?

Answer 19

A president elected by member states to serve for a 2.5 year renewable term

Question 20

What does the European Council do?

Answer 20

Acts as the EU’s key strategic body, enhancing the power of member states and reducing the influence of the European Commission

Question 21

List the 4 main functions of the European Council?

Answer 21

• Discussing major issues
• Setting the political direction for the EU
• Making key decisions on economic and foreign policy issues
• Launching new initiatives and agreeing to treaties

Question 22

What makes the European Parliament unique in relation to the other EU institutions?

Answer 22

It is the only one that is directly elected

Question 23

How often do elections for the European Parliament take place?

Answer 23

Every 5 years

Question 24

Describe the composition of the European Parliament

Answer 24

There are 705 MEPs with seats allocated to member states roughly according to their population. MEPs sit in transnational party groups based on ideology rather than nationality

Question 25

What three areas is European Parliamentary business held in?

Answer 25

Strasbourg, Brussels and Luxembourg

Question 26

List three main powers held by the European Parliament?

Answer 26

Legislative power, budgetary power and democratic supervision

Question 27

Describe the legislative power held by the European Parliament

Answer 27

Shares legislative power with the Council of the EU. Can’t initiate legislation, but can amend and veto proposed legislation. Most amendments are accepted in whole or in part. Vetoes are used in most areas of EU activity

Question 28

Describe the budgetary power held by the European Parliament

Answer 28

Shares this with the Council of the EU and can request budget amendments or veto it entirely

Question 29

Describe the power of democratic supervision held by the European Parliament

Answer 29

Elects the president of the European Commission after nomination by the European Council. Holds hearing for nominated commissioners and has caused the withdrawal of some by expressing concerns. Questions commissioners and council members already in post

Question 30

What does the Court of Justice for the EU (CJEU) do?

Answer 30

Upholds EU law and ensures that it is applied uniformly and correctly by deciding upon cases involving member states, EU institutions, businesses and individuals.

Question 31

What is the CJEU divided into?

Answer 31

Three separate courts

Question 32

What does the European Court of Justice (ECJ) do?

Answer 32

Handles requests from national courts

Question 33

What does the General Court do?

Answer 33

Rules on cases in core EU policy areas

Question 34

What does the European Civil Service Tribunal do?

Answer 34

Hears cases involving EU employees

Question 35

What have decisions by the CJEU done?

Answer 35

Extended EU competences and strengthened its institutions