Roles and functions of EU institutions Flashcards
What makes EU institutional architecture unique?
It has a mix of intergovernmental bodies where nations meet and supranational bodies with authority of their own
Give some example of intergovernmental institutions in the EU
The Council of the EU and the European Council
Give some examples of supranational EU bodies
European Commission, European Parliament and the Court of Justice
What does the European Commission do?
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
Where is the European Commission based?
Brussels
How is the president of the European Commission decided upon?
They are nominated by the European Council and then elected by the European parliament
How are European Commission commissioners decided upon?
They are nominated by national governments and then approved by the European Parliament
How is the workload divided within the European Commission?
The president will allocate policy portfolios to commissioners. The Commission is organised into directorates that cover different policy areas
List the 4 main functions of the European Commission
- 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
What does the Council of the EU act as?
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
Where is the Council of the EU based?
Brussels
Who leads the Council of the EU?
The president, a position that will be held by member states for a 6 month period
List the 3 main functions of the Council of the EU
- Shares legislative authority with the European Parliament
- Coordinates economic policy of member states
- Develops common foreign and security policy
How are most decisions made in the Council of the EU?
By consensus, but votes are held regularly
What are the two main voting procedures used by the Council of the EU?
Unanimity and qualified majority voting (QMV)
What is unanimity?
A proposal will fail if one member state vetoes it - only applies to major or sensitive policies
What is QMV?
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
What is the European Council?
A body where heads of government, foreign minster and the president of the European commission meet at least four times per year
Who leads the European Council?
A president elected by member states to serve for a 2.5 year renewable term
What does the European Council do?
Acts as the EU’s key strategic body, enhancing the power of member states and reducing the influence of the European Commission
List the 4 main functions of the European Council?
- 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
What makes the European Parliament unique in relation to the other EU institutions?
It is the only one that is directly elected
How often do elections for the European Parliament take place?
Every 5 years
Describe the composition of the European Parliament
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
What three areas is European Parliamentary business held in?
Strasbourg, Brussels and Luxembourg
List three main powers held by the European Parliament?
Legislative power, budgetary power and democratic supervision
Describe the legislative power held by the European Parliament
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
Describe the budgetary power held by the European Parliament
Shares this with the Council of the EU and can request budget amendments or veto it entirely
Describe the power of democratic supervision held by the European Parliament
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
What does the Court of Justice for the EU (CJEU) do?
Upholds EU law and ensures that it is applied uniformly and correctly by deciding upon cases involving member states, EU institutions, businesses and individuals.
What is the CJEU divided into?
Three separate courts
What does the European Court of Justice (ECJ) do?
Handles requests from national courts
What does the General Court do?
Rules on cases in core EU policy areas
What does the European Civil Service Tribunal do?
Hears cases involving EU employees
What have decisions by the CJEU done?
Extended EU competences and strengthened its institutions
