The Institutions of the European Union: A Comprehensive Overview
Declaration of Robert Schuman
May 9, 1950
Robert Schuman, the French Foreign Minister, prepared a statement on May 9, 1950, advocating for a united Europe. He believed it was essential for achieving world peace. His model addressed the tense relations between France and Germany stemming from historical conflicts. To foster reconciliation, he proposed pooling their coal and steel production under a common High Authority within an international organization open to other European countries.
This pooling of resources aimed to create a foundation for economic development and integration. The proposal led to the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1951, marking a significant step towards European unity.
European Parliament
The European Parliament represents the citizens of the 27 EU member states, totaling over 500 million people. Representatives are elected by universal suffrage every 5 years.
Initially, with fewer member states, the Parliament had 200 members. With the expansion of the EU, the number has grown to 785 MEPs. The number of representatives per country is determined by its population (e.g., Germany has 99 MEPs, Spain has 50).
The Parliament holds annual sessions and can convene extraordinary sessions upon request. MEPs are organized into political groups based on their ideologies (e.g., EPP, S&D).
Parliamentary Advantages:
- Freedom of Movement
- Inviolability of the Vote
- Legal Protection
Powers of the Parliament:
Legislative Powers:
The Parliament participates in the legislative process with the Council of the European Union. It exercises varying degrees of influence through different procedures: consultation, consent, cooperation, co-decision, and assent.
While not possessing full legislative power, the Parliament can request the Commission to propose acts it deems necessary for Community action.
Powers of Political Control:
The Parliament plays a role in overseeing the Commission, including participating in the investiture vote and the appointment and dismissal of Commissioners. It can also submit a motion of censure to dismiss the entire Commission.
Other powers include:
- Addressing written and oral questions to the Commission or the Council
- Holding general policy debates
- Receiving petitions from citizens
- Appointing the European Ombudsman
Budgetary Powers:
The Parliament has consultative and collaborative roles in the budgetary process, including proposing amendments, approving the budget, and overseeing its execution.
European Commission
The European Commission is an autonomous and independent institution representing the general interest of the EU. It acts as the executive branch, proposing legislation and ensuring its implementation.
Formation:
The Commission is composed of a College of Commissioners, one from each member state, each responsible for a specific policy area (currently 27 Commissioners). They serve a 5-year term and are appointed by the Council. The President of the Commission is nominated by the European Council and elected by the Parliament.
Powers of the European Commission:
Legislative Powers:
The Commission holds the right of legislative initiative, meaning it proposes legislation for adoption by the Council or the Parliament. It can exercise this power on its own initiative or at the request of the Parliament.
Powers of Control:
The Commission acts as the guardian of the Treaties, ensuring their proper implementation and compliance by member states. It can initiate infringement proceedings against member states violating EU law and impose sanctions or fines.
Enforcement Powers:
The Commission enforces legislation adopted by the Council and manages the implementation of EU policies, particularly in areas like the customs union and financial matters.
Competence in External Relations:
The Commission maintains external relations with non-EU countries and international organizations, including the United Nations. It negotiates international agreements on behalf of the EU with the authorization of the Council.
Council of the European Union (Council of Ministers)
The Council of the European Union, also known as the Council of Ministers, is the main legislative and decision-making body of the EU, representing the governments of the member states. It is where ministers from each EU country meet to discuss, amend, and adopt laws and coordinate policies.
Formation:
The Council is composed of government ministers from each member state, with the specific minister attending depending on the topic under discussion. It is assisted by the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER), which prepares the Council’s work.
Skills of the Council:
Legislative Powers:
The Council shares legislative power with the European Parliament, adopting legal acts to implement treaties and develop EU policies.
Executive Powers:
In specific cases, the Council can exercise direct executive powers, although it typically delegates this responsibility to the Commission.
Competences in External Relations:
The Council represents the EU in international relations and concludes international agreements on behalf of the EU. It works with the Commission to ensure consistency in EU external action.
Budgetary Powers:
The Council shares budgetary decision-making power with the Parliament.
Coordination Skills:
The Council coordinates the economic policies of the member states.
Court of Auditors
The Court of Auditors is responsible for auditing the EU’s finances. It ensures that EU funds are properly collected and spent, and that EU financial management is sound.
Composition:
The Court is composed of one member from each member state, appointed for a renewable 6-year term.
Powers of the Court of Auditors:
Supervisory Powers:
The Court examines the revenue and expenditure of the EU, verifies their legality and regularity, and controls sound financial management.
Competence to:
The Court can submit comments and opinions on specific issues at the request of other institutions or on its own initiative.
Court of Justice of the European Union
The Court of Justice is the highest court in the EU, ensuring the uniform interpretation and application of EU law.
Formation:
The Court is composed of 27 judges (one from each member state) and 8 Advocates General, appointed for a 6-year term.
Powers of the Court:
Advisory Skills:
The Court issues opinions on matters referred to it by EU institutions or member states, particularly regarding international agreements.
Contentious Jurisdiction:
The Court settles legal disputes between member states, between member states and the EU, and between EU institutions.
Ruling Competences:
The Court can rule on the interpretation of EU treaties and acts at the request of national courts.
Consultative Bodies:
Economic and Social Committee (EESC)
The EESC is a consultative body representing various economic and social interest groups across the EU.
Composition:
The EESC is composed of representatives from different socio-economic categories, nominated by member states and appointed by the Council.
Task:
The EESC drafts opinions on matters requested by the Commission, the Council, or the Parliament. It can also issue opinions on its own initiative.
Committee of the Regions (CoR)
The CoR is a consultative body representing regional and local authorities across the EU.
Composition:
The CoR is composed of 344 local and regional representatives, holding an electoral mandate.
Task:
The CoR provides opinions on matters affecting regional and local authorities, particularly those with cross-border implications. It can issue opinions on its own initiative or at the request of other EU institutions.
European Council
The European Council is a summit of the heads of state or government of the EU member states, along with the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission. It provides strategic guidance and political direction for the EU.
Function:
The European Council sets the overall political direction and priorities of the EU. It addresses complex and sensitive issues, provides impetus for the development of EU policies, and resolves disagreements that may arise between member states.
The European Council plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the European Union and ensuring its continued progress towards its goals of peace, prosperity, and unity.