THE EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS
A QUICK OVERVIEW OF THE MAIN
EU INSTITUTIONS AND THEIR
FUNCTION
The EU triangle:
- The European
Parliament
- The Council of the EU
= The Council of
Ministers
- The European
Commission
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
The only directly elected EU body, this represents the
EU’s 446 million inhabitants and plays a key role in
electing the President of the European Commission. It
shares power over the EU budget and legislation with
the Council of the European Union.
THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL
The EU’s broad priorities are set by the European
Council, which brings together national and EU-level
leaders. It is led by its president and comprises
national Heads of State or Government and the
President of the Commission.
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
= THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
The Council of the European Union represents
the governments of the individual Member
States. The Presidency of the Council is shared
by the Member States on a rotating basis.
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION
The EU’s executive body, it is responsible for
proposing and implementing EU laws, monitoring the
treaties and the day-to-day running of the EU.
THE EUROPEAN COURT OF JUSTICE
The highest court in matters of EU law. It
interprets and ensures equal application of EU law
across all Member States.
THE EUROPEAN COURT OF AUDITORS
The Court of Auditors audits EU finances. As an external
auditor, it contributes to improving EU financial
management and acts as the independent guardian
of the financial interests of EU citizens.
THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK
The central bank for Europe’s single currency, the euro,
its main task is to maintain the euro’s purchasing
power and thus price stability in the euro area.