EU Institutions: Roles and Responsibilities
European Parliament
It has 705 members and a president, elected by direct universal suffrage for a period of 5 years. It is organized into affinity groups by political ideology.
Committees
Formed by members of different groups for the study of specific subjects. The functions of the Parliament are:
- Legislative function, together with the Council.
- Budgetary function.
- Function vs. Democrats on the commission.
Council of Europe
Consists of the Heads of State or Government of the Member States, as well as its President and the Chairman of the Commission. It meets two times per semester to set the overall EU policy and resolve issues that cannot be settled at a lower level. The European Council elects its chairman for a period of 2 and a half years, renewable once.
Council of the European Union
It is the main legislative body for decision-making in the EU. It represents the Member States, and its meetings are attended by one minister from each national government of the Union.
European Commission
It is the executive body of the Union. It represents and defends the interests of the EU as a whole and may not favor or receive instructions from any Member State. The Commission is renewed every 5 years, within 6 months of the elections to the European Parliament. The Commission members are called Commissioners. Its functions are:
- To implement Community law.
- To exercise the executive power of the Union.
- To develop and promote common policies.
- To represent the Community.
Court of Justice
It is in charge of ensuring that EU legislation is interpreted and applied in the same way in each state. The Court can resolve conflicts between EU institutions, companies, and individuals.
Court of Auditors
Controls the good management of the finances of the EU. It elaborates an annual report.
European Central Bank
It is the central financial institution that adopts the Euro monetary policy and is responsible for controlling the quantities that influence inflation, such as the fixing of interest rates.
European Ombudsman
An agency that receives and investigates complaints from citizens, businesses, and EU institutions.
European Data Protection Supervisor
Guarantees that EU institutions respect the right of individuals to privacy in the processing of their data.
Economic and Social Council
A consultative body where various sectors of economic and social life are represented (employers, unions, consumers, etc.).
Committee of the Regions
Advisory body impacting the regions: fund development, communications, etc.
European Investment Bank
It is an autonomous non-profit organization that funds projects benefiting the most disadvantaged regions to achieve the objectives of the EU.
European Investment Fund
Provides venture capital to small businesses, in particular startups and technology companies.
Community Standards
Adopted by the Council and the Commission. These can be:
- Regulations: Mandatory application directly in all Member States.
- Directives: Direct application, binding to one or more Member States.
- Decisions: Rules governing compulsory particular cases.
- Recommendations and Opinions: Guidance, but with no binding force.