Understanding EU Institutions and Economic Disparities

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Main EU Institutions and Functions

The European Union comprises several key institutions, each with distinct roles:

  • European Parliament: Represents 370 million EU citizens. Its primary objectives are to approve laws and exercise executive control. It is elected by universal suffrage.
  • Council of the EU: Represents the governments of Member States. It establishes political objectives, coordinates national policies, and resolves differences between Member States and with other institutions.
  • European Commission: This body is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, defending the Treaties, and managing the day-to-day affairs of the Union.
  • Court of Justice of the European Union: Organised to primarily exercise jurisdiction and ensure that EU law is interpreted and applied the same way in every Member State.
  • European Court of Auditors: The supreme auditing institution responsible for auditing the accounts and management of the EU's economic and public sector.

Economic Imbalances in the EU

Economic disparities are evident across various sectors and regions within the EU. The Union is composed of regions with vastly different characteristics, making uniformity challenging to achieve.

Some areas benefit from significant technological development and favorable climatic conditions, supporting highly productive agriculture. Conversely, other regions face environmental challenges and harsh climates, making farming and ranching minimally profitable.

The Industrial Revolution, originating in Europe, led to highly consolidated industries in certain regions. However, its spread was uneven, resulting in areas with very low industrialization. Some regions with a long industrial tradition struggled to adapt to new technologies and the evolving global economic landscape, impacting major industrial centers.

The services sector has also developed unevenly across the territory. This has led to areas with well-developed and noticeable tertiary activities, while others have not reached an acceptable level of service comparable to the EU average.

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