The Institutions of the EU - The European Council, the Court of Auditors and the European Central Bank

Question 1

What are the key legislative provisions for the European Council?

Answer 1

Article 15 TEU
Articles 235-236 TFEU

Question 2

Discuss the role of the European Council

Answer 2

Article 15(1) TEU - Provide the EU with the necessary impetus for its development and define its general political directions and priorities

Question 3

Discuss the composition of the European Council

Answer 3

Article 15(2) TEU - MS HoS/HoG, its preseident, EC president
HR FASP also takes part in its work

Question 4

Discuss the meetings of the European Council

Answer 4

Article 15(3) TEU - Twice every six months, president can convene special meetings

Question 5

Discuss the decision-making procedure of the European Council.

Answer 5

Article 15(4) - Consensus (unanimity) except where the Treaties provide otherwise

Question 6

Discuss the presidency of the European Council

Answer 6

Article 15(5) TEU - Elected by the European Council for a 2.5 year term renewable once. Removal by European Council vote.

Article 15(6) - President tasks:
- Chair and drive forward its work
- Work with EC president to ensure the preparation and continuity of its work based on GAC work
- Endeavour to facilitate cohesion and consensus within the European Council
- Present a report to the European Parliament after each of the meetings of the European Council
- Ensure the external representation of the Union on issues concerning its common foreign and security policy, without prejudice to HR FASP powers

Question 7

Discuss voting in the European Council.

Answer 7

Article 235/236 TFEU

Question 8

What is the function of the ECB?

Answer 8

Conducting the Euro monetary policy

Question 9

What is the European System of Central Banks (ESCB)?

Answer 9

The ECB and the MS’ central banks together

Question 10

Discuss the governance of the ECB.

Answer 10

• Article 282(2)TFEU – ESCB governed by the ECB decision-making bodies
• ECB internal constitution set out in the Treaties and in a special protocol “The Statute of the ECB and the ESCB”
• Governing council

Question 11

Describe the two key features of the Court of Auditors.

Answer 11

1. Not a court of law
2. Do not have to be a qualified auditor to be a member of the Court of Auditors

Question 12

Discuss the function of the Court of Auditors

Answer 12

Scrutinise EU finances and financial accounts and ensures sound financial management

Question 13

Discuss the composition of the Court of Auditors.

Answer 13

One national per MS appointed on a staggered 6 year term