EU Institutions and Spanish Political System Explained

Institutions of the European Union

The European Union is governed by several key institutions:

• European Council: The supreme political body comprising heads of state or government of member countries and the President of the Commission. The presidency rotates every six months.
• Council of the European Union: Represents member states, consisting of one minister from each country. It holds legislative and budgetary powers, with a rotating six-month presidency.
• European Commission: Represents the interests of the EU. Composed of a president and one commissioner per member state, it proposes legislation and manages the budget and European programs.
• European Parliament: Represents EU citizens. It consists of 785 members elected by universal suffrage every five years, responsible for passing laws and the budget.
• Court of Justice: Composed of one judge from each country, plus one rotating judge, appointed for six-year terms.
• Court of Auditors: Composed of one representative from each member state, appointed for six-year terms.

Political Organization of the Spanish State

The political organization of Spain is governed by the 1978 Constitution, which establishes the rights and duties of citizens and regulates state institutions. Sovereignty resides with the Spanish people, from whom all powers emanate. Spain is defined as a democratic, social, and law-based welfare state.

State Structure and Governance

• Parliamentary Monarchy: The King serves as the highest representative of the state with limited, symbolic functions.
• Legislative Power (The Cortes): Comprised of two chambers elected every four years: the Congress of Deputies and the Senate.
• Executive Power (The Government): Led by a President, a Vice-Presidency, and various ministries. Its functions include implementing laws, directing domestic and foreign policy, and national defense.
• Judicial Power (The Courts): Exercised by independent magistrates and judges. The Supreme Court is the highest judicial body, while the Constitutional Court holds authority over constitutional matters.