European Union Institutions and Core Functions

Functions of a National Parliament

The typical functions of a national parliament include:

1. Legislative function (making laws).
2. Budgetary function (approving finances).
3. Democratic control function (oversight of the executive).

Key Responsibilities of the Council of the European Union

The Council of the European Union (often referred to simply as "the Council") shares legislative and budgetary powers with the European Parliament. Its responsibilities include:

1. Approving European laws (co-legislator).
2. Coordinating the economic policies of member states.
3. Concluding international agreements.
4. Approving the EU budget (co-approver).

The Role of the European Court of Auditors (ECA)

The European Court of Auditors (ECA) is responsible for auditing the EU's finances. Its primary functions are:

• Controlling the sound management of the Union's finances.
• Elaborating a report on the current financial and economic management of the Union.

Principal Legal Instruments of the EU

1. Regulations
2. Directives
3. Decisions
4. Recommendations and Opinions

The European Ombudsman: Role and Scope

The European Ombudsman is an agency tasked with receiving and investigating complaints concerning maladministration in the EU institutions, bodies, offices, or agencies.

Who can address the Ombudsman?

Any citizen of the Union, or any natural or legal person residing or having a registered office in a Member State of the Union, can address the Ombudsman.

List of EU Member States (Historical Context)

The following nations were listed as members of the European Union:

• Germany
• Austria
• Belgium
• Cyprus
• Denmark
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Finland (Original: Firlandia)
• France
• Greece
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands (Original: P. Holland)
• Poland
• Portugal
• United Kingdom (Original: Reino Unido)
• Czech Republic (Original: Republi. Xeca)
• Romania
• Sweden
• Estonia

Key Facts About the European Parliament

1. How many representatives form the Parliament?

   784 representatives, plus the President. (Note: This figure reflects historical composition.)

2. How many representatives are allocated to Spain?

   54 representatives.

3. How often are its members elected?

   Every 5 years.

4. Where is the Parliament located?

   Strasbourg, France.

5. Which institution exercises the legislative function jointly with the European Parliament?

   The Council of the European Union.

Understanding the European Commission

1. What power does the Commission hold?

   The Executive Branch power.

2. How often is the Commission renewed?

   Every 5 years.

3. Who appoints the President of the Commission?

   The Member States (Heads of State or Government) propose the candidate, who is then elected by the European Parliament.

4. Who chooses the Commissioners?

   The President of the Commission, based on proposals from Member States.

5. To whom is the Commission politically responsible?

   The European Parliament.

6. Where is the Commission located?

   Brussels, Belgium.

Differences Between the European Parliament and the Spanish Cortes Generales

The principal differences between the European Parliament and the Spanish Parliament (Cortes Generales) relate to their organization and function:

• European Parliament: Organized into transnational political groups and currently had 784 deputies (at the time of this data).
• Cortes Generales of Spain: Organized primarily around the relationship between the Government and the Members of Parliament (MPs), reflecting national political parties.

Addressing the European Ombudsman

The European Ombudsman can be addressed by anyone (any EU citizen or resident/legal entity).

Four Principal Functions of the European Commission

1. Proposing legislation to the European Parliament and the Council.
2. Managing EU policies and the budget.
3. Ensuring compliance with European legislation (Guardian of the Treaties).
4. Representing the EU internationally.