EU Institutions: Roles, Functions, and Locations
Classified in Law & Jurisprudence
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The European Commission
- Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
- Main executive body of the EU, responsible for implementing decisions of the Parliament and the Council.
- Has representation in each of the 27 member states.
- A new Commission is appointed every 5 years, proposed by member state governments.
- Defends the general interests of the Union.
Main Features
- Proposes the elaboration of legislative texts.
- Runs and enforces EU law.
- Represents the EU in international organizations.
The Council of the EU
- Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
- Integrates a government representative from each member country.
- Chaired every 2.5 years by the president of a member country's government.
- Presents to member state governments.
Main Functions
- Decides with the Parliament on the adoption of rules, laws, and the Union's budget.
- Responsible for the external relations of the Union.
- Concludes agreements between the EU and international organizations and countries.
- Coordinates economic policies of the Member States.
European Parliament
- Headquarters in Strasbourg, France.
- Has 751 members, called MEPs.
- Citizens of the EU elect members directly every 5 years.
Main Functions
- Shares the legislative function with the Council.
- Approves the EU budget and monitors its implementation.
- Carries out control over the Commission.
The Court of Justice
- Headquarters in Luxembourg.
- Has 27 judges.
Main Functions
- Ensures the practical application of EU law and that EU law is interpreted and applied in each member state.
- Checks the legality of actions undertaken by the Community institutions.
- Accepts resources from both citizens and member states.
The Court of Auditors
- Headquarters in Luxembourg.
- Has 27 members, appointed by the Council.
Main Functions
- Verifies that all income received by the Union and all EU spending has been made legally and regularly.
- Monitors the financial management of the EU budget and ensures the observance of the principle of sound financial management.