The European Union and its institutions

Question 1

What did the European union emerge from?

Answer 1

-Three communities created by six European countries. one as single market.
-UK joined in 1973

Question 2

What was the original main purpose of the EU?

Answer 2

1. prevent future wars
2. help countries rebuild economy after ww2.

Question 3

How many member states does the EU have?

Answer 3

27.

Question 4

Which treaty restructured the EU and how?

Answer 4

-2009 treaty of Lisbon
-now governed by the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and the Treaty onthe Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

Question 5

What are the four institutions of the European union?

Answer 5

1. The commission
2. The council of the European Union
3. The parliament
4. The courts of justice of the European Union

Question 6

What is the commission?

Answer 6

-27 commisoners working **‘independent beyond doubt’ **elected by parliament for 5 year terms on particular areas of responsibility.
-president nominated by heads of state + elected in parliament.

Question 7

What are three key roles of the commission?

Answer 7

1. Initiator of new laws
   2.** Guardian of treaties**- make sure EU law is enforced- if not it goes to courts
2. Powers relating to the EU budget.

Question 8

What is the council of the European union?

Answer 8

-decide which of councils proposals should be law.
-28 ministers will attend based on area of expertise.
-‘effective centre of power’- final say

Question 9

How are proposals agreed in the council of the European union?

Answer 9

1. By simple majority
2. By a qualified majority voting system

Question 10

What change has occured to the council of the European union following the treaty of Lisbon?

Answer 10

-There are now 2 councils.
-Council of the European union
-European council.

Question 11

What is the European council?

Answer 11

-heads of states of members + president of comission and president of the European council
-defines the** ‘general political directions’ + crisis solving **
-meetings refered to as summits.

Question 12

What is the European parliament?

Answer 12

-can reject proposed budget
-holds the commission (can dismiss whole thing) and council accountable (reports 3x/ yr)
-increasing law making power**- co-decide + consult since Lisbon.

Question 13

What is meant by the courts of justice in the European union?

In LUXEMBOURG

Answer 13

1. 28 judges appointed for 6 yrs by home country.
2. Purposive approach
3. Highest court in member states.

Question 14

What are the two roles of the courts of justice in the European union?

Answer 14

1. The judicial role
2. The supervisory role