European Union Institutions: Structure, Functions and History
Institutions of the European Union
European Parliament
The European Parliament is made up of MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) who are elected by direct universal suffrage since 1979. Elections are held every 5 years, and the most recent ones were in 2009 and 2014. Each country elects a number of MEPs that corresponds to its population, and the different political forces of each country are represented. However, the Parliament does not represent the political forces of the EU as a whole.
The European Parliament does not initiate legislation, but it passes the EU legislation together with the Council. It also approves the EU budget each year. The Parliament meets in Strasbourg. It is one of the few democratic institutions of the EU, as its representatives are the only ones directly chosen by voters.
Council of the European Union
The Council is formed by one minister from each EU member state. Ministers attend according to the subject under discussion. Each country holds the presidency for six months on a rotating basis. The Council can approve community initiatives and legislation, and it meets in Brussels and Luxembourg.
European Council
The European Council is formed by the heads of state or government of the member states. It meets several times a year and sets the general political direction of the EU. It is chaired by a President of the European Council, and its meetings are usually held in Brussels.
European Commission
The Commission is formed by one European Commissioner per member state. The Commissioners are approved by the European Parliament. The Commission acts as the executive government of the EU, proposes legislation, and ensures that EU laws are applied. Only the Commission can propose a new legislative act, which is then discussed in Brussels.
Other EU Institutions
Court of Justice
The Court of Justice is formed by 27 judges, one from each member state. It meets in Luxembourg and ensures that EU law is interpreted and applied correctly.
Court of Auditors
The Court of Auditors has one member from each EU country. It checks that the EU budget is implemented correctly.
Economic and Social Committee
The Economic and Social Committee is a consultative body formed by many representatives of the different member states. Its members are divided into categories according to the type of work they do. The Committee must be consulted on EU legislation in economic and social matters.
EU Objectives and Budget
The EU was created to achieve several objectives, which have expanded over time. The EU needs funds and institutions to govern, and its specific needs are financed through the EU budget. Funds come from customs duties, a share of VAT collected by member states, and other sources, as well as contributions from member states. The majority of EU money is spent on aid to regions and to countries in less developed areas.
Key Milestones in EU History
- 1946: Churchill proposes the creation of the United States of Europe in Zurich.
- 1948: The Benelux Economic Union is created by Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, which boosts economic activity.
- 1950: Schuman proposes the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).
- 1951: The ECSC Treaty is signed.
- 1953: The ECSC enters into force, and the European Convention on Human Rights is signed.
- 1957: The Treaty of Rome is signed, establishing the European Economic Community (EEC) and Euratom.
- 1992-1993: The Treaty on European Union (TEU), or Maastricht Treaty, is signed. The EU is named, and the need for a single economic and political currency is established.
- 1999: The euro is introduced as a virtual currency, working alongside the ECU.
- 2002: Euro banknotes and coins begin to circulate.
- 2004: The Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe is signed, bringing together all the valid treaties and introducing changes to the EU.