Understanding the Structure and Functions of EU Institutions

EU Institutions

EU Council

• Presidency: Each country holds the presidency for 6 months.
• Composition: Includes a minister from each member state.
• Preparation: Meetings are prepared by the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER).
• Powers: Holds legislative and budgetary power alongside the European Parliament.
• Decision-making: In accordance with treaties, decisions are agreed upon by simple majority, qualified majority, or unanimity.
• Qualified Majority: Each country has a determined number of votes. This majority is reached if two-thirds of members approve and it meets 73.9% of the votes.

European Council

Government leaders meet four times a year. It acts as an arbitration body for contentious issues when an agreement cannot be reached within the EU Council.

European Parliament

The organ of democratic expression and political control of the European Communities. Members are elected by universal suffrage every five years. It currently has 785 members, with the secretariat general headquartered in Luxembourg.

Legislative Procedures:

• Cooperation: Participates in the preparation of directives and regulations.
• Assent: Ratifies international agreements negotiated by the Commission.
• Codecision: Strengthens the parliamentary role in areas such as the internal market, education, and culture. The Parliament can reject the position adopted by the Council and end the procedure.

The Parliament can reject budgets prepared by the Commission, thereby influencing EU policies, and has the power to overthrow the Commission via a motion of censure.

European Commission

Composed of one member per country. It oversees the application of regulations and directives approved by the Council. It can intervene to facilitate agreements between the Council and Parliament, executes decisions taken by the Council, and maintains financial autonomy, exercising its powers in full independence.

Other Institutions

Court of Justice

Consists of one judge per member state serving six-year terms. It ensures compliance with Community law and the correct application of treaties.

Court of Auditors

Composed of one member per country. It verifies the legality of the income and expenditure of the European Communities and may apply to the Court to defend its privileges.

European Economic and Social Committee

Assists the Council and Commission. Formed by members representing different sectors of economic and social life; it must be consulted for numerous decisions and may issue opinions.

Committee of the Regions

Composed of representatives of regional and local entities appointed by the Council. It serves as a consultative organ to the Council.

European Investment Bank

Headquartered in Luxembourg, it has the jurisdiction to grant loans to less developed regions.

European Central Bank

Headquartered in Frankfurt, it manages the euro and EU monetary policy.

European Ombudsman

Investigates complaints regarding maladministration by institutions or organs of the EU.