12 page document about the basics of each EU institution and their individual composition, role and functions.
further details about the future and academic opinions.
further details about how the EU can achieve democratic legitimacy
Art. 15 TEU: The European Council shall provide the Union with the necessary impetus for its
development and shall define the general political directions and priorities thereof. It shall not
exercise legislative functions.
Composition:
- Heads of government of EU Member States. - Prime ministers
- President of the European Council (chair). - Elected T of Lisbon
- President of the European Commission.
Functions:
- Sets broad direction for European integration.
- Agrees all treaty changes, accessions, and withdrawals.
- Elects President of European Council and High Representative for Foreign Affairs.
- Proposes President of the Commission.
Notes:
- No role in EU legislation - does not make laws
- Body for agreeing to changes of treaties
- Sets broad general direction
- Proposes President of Commission
The Council (of the European Union/Council of Ministers)
Art. 16 TEU: The Council shall, jointly with the European Parliament, exercise legislative and
budgetary functions. It shall carry out policymaking and coordinating functions as laid down in
the Treaties.
Composition:
- Ministerial representatives of the Governments of the Member States.
- Meets in seven different configurations. - finance, education etc.
- Chair rotates between the Member States every six months.
- High Representative for Foreign Affairs chairs Foreign Affairs Council.
Functions:
- Shares budgetary power with the European Parliament, and legislative power in most
areas.
- Exercises exclusive legislative power in some areas.
- Most decisions by QMV, some by unanimity, and some by simple majority.
- Delegates executive authority to the Commission.
, Notes:
- Composed of ministers of domestic Government
- No fixed members - gathering of ministers in the same area
- Legislative power - involved in all law making
- Qualified majority voting
- Proposal agreed from Commission
- 55% of MS, representing at least 65% of total EU population
- If not from Commission
- 72% of member states, representing 65% of total EU population
- Executive power - set policy and delegate to Commission
-
European Commission
Art. 17 TEU: The Commission shall promote the general interest of the Union and take
appropriate initiatives to that end.
Composition:
- President proposed by European Council and approved by European Parliament.
- High Representative for Foreign Affairs.
- One Commissioner nominated by the Governments of the Members States other than
those Member States from which the President and High Representative are drawn.
- Commission approved as a whole by the European Parliament.
Functions:
- The primary administrative body of the European Union.
- Drafts and proposes legislation.
- Exercises executive functions delegated from the Council.
- Responsible for enforcing EU Law against Member States and, in some areas, against
individuals.
- Executes budget and manages programmes.
Notes:
- Represent whole European interest
- Member State proposes commissioner - one per MS only - but what if there are others
who are a better candidate - Quality is not always the best
- Parliament approves President and Commissioners
- Policy brief which they have to follow by
- Develop policy and administration of policy
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller maddiefox. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £6.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
