Assignment On How To European Union Works

Assignment on
How the European Union works

Your guide to the EU institutions
The European Union (EU) is unique. It is not a federal state like the United States of America
because its member countries remain independent sovereign nations. or is it a purel!
intergovernmental organisation like the United ations because the member countries do pool
some of their sovereignt! " and thus gain much greater collective strength and influence than
the! could have acting individuall!.
The! pool their sovereignt! b! taking #oint decisions through shared institutions such as the
European $arliament% &hich is elected b! the EU citi'ens% and the (ouncil% &hich represents
national government. The! decide on the basis of proposals from the European (ommission%
&hich represent the interests of the EU as a &hole. )ut &hat does each of these institutions do*
+o& do the! &ork together* ,ho is responsible for &hat*
This booklet sets out the ans&ers in clear and simple language. It also gives a brief overvie& of
the agencies and other bodies that are involved in the European Union-s &ork. The aim is to
provide !ou &ith a helpful guide to EU decision.making.
European Union
&&&.Assignmentpoint.com
Contents
Introducing the European Union
The Treaties
+o& the EU takes decisions
The European $arliament/ voice of the people
The (ouncil of the European Union/ voice of the member states
The European (ommission/ promoting the common interest
The (ourt of 0ustice/ upholding the la&
The European (ourt of Auditors/ getting value for !our mone!
The European Economic and Social (ommittee/ voice of civil societ!
The (ommittee of the 1egions/ voice of regional and local government
The European Investment )ank/ financing economic development
The European (entral )ank/ managing the euro
The European 2mbudsman/ investigating !our complaints
The European 3ata $rotection Supervisor/ safeguarding !our privac!
Agencies
Introducing the European Union
The European Union (EU) is a famil! of democratic European countries &orking together to
improve life for their citi'ens and to build a better &orld.
4amil! squabbles and occasional crises are &hat make the ne&s headlines% but a&a! from the
cameras the EU is actuall! a remarkable success stor!. In #ust over half a centur! it has delivered
peace and prosperit! in Europe% a single European currenc! (the euro) and a frontier.free 5single
market- &here goods% people% services and capital move around freel!. It has become a ma#or
trading po&er% and a &orld leader in fields such as environmental protection and development
aid. o &onder it has gro&n from si6 to 78 members and more countries &ant to #oin.
The European Union-s success o&es a lot to the unusual &a! in &hich it &orks. Unusual because
the countries that make up the EU (its 5member states-) remain independent sovereign nations but
the! pool their sovereignt! in order to gain a strength and &orld influence none of them could
have on their o&n. This stops short of being a federation like the United States% but is much more
than an organisation for cooperation bet&een governments% like the United ations. The EU is% in
fact% unique.
$ooling sovereignt! means% in practice% that the member states delegate some of their decision.
making po&ers to shared institutions the! have created% so that decisions on specific matters of
#oint interest can be made democraticall! at European level.
The three main decision.making institutions are/
the European $arliament (E$)% &hich represents the EU-s citi'ens and is directl! elected b!
them9
the (ouncil of the European Union% &hich represents the individual member states9
the European (ommission% &hich represents the interests of the Union as a &hole.
This 5institutional triangle- produces the policies and la&s that appl! throughout the EU. In
principle% it is the (ommission that proposes ne& la&s% but it is the $arliament and (ouncil that
adopt them. The (ommission and the member states then implement them% and the (ommission
enforces them.
The (ourt of 0ustice is the final arbiter in disputes about European la&.
The (ourt of Auditors checks the financing of the Union-s activities.
A number of other bodies also have ke! roles in making the EU &ork/
the European Economic and Social (ommittee represents economic and social pla!ers in
organised civil societ! such as emplo!ers and emplo!ees% trade unions and consumer
organisations9
the (ommittee of the 1egions represents regional and local authorities9
the European Investment )ank finances investment in economic development pro#ects &ithin
and outside the EU% and helps small businesses via the European Investment 4und9
the European (entral )ank is responsible for European monetar! polic!9
the European 2mbudsman investigates complaints about maladministration b! EU
institutions and bodies9
the European 3ata $rotection Supervisor safeguards the privac! of !our personal data.
In addition% specialised agencies handle certain technical% scientific or management tasks.
The po&ers and responsibilities of the EU institutions% and the rules and procedures the! must
follo&% are laid do&n in the Treaties on &hich the EU is founded. The Treaties are agreed b! the
presidents and prime ministers of all the EU countries and then ratified b! their parliaments.
The follo&ing chapters describe the Treaties% the EU institutions and the other bodies and
agencies% e6plaining &hat each entit! does and ho& the! interact.
The Treaties
The EU is founded on four Treaties:
The Treat! establishing the European (oal and Steel (ommunit! (E(S()% &hich &as signed
on :; April :<=: in $aris% came into force on 7> 0ul! :<=7 and e6pired on 7> 0ul! 7??7.
The Treat! establishing the European Economic (ommunit! (EE()% &hich &as signed on 7=
@arch :<=8 in 1ome and came into force on : 0anuar! :<=;. It is often referred to as 5the
Treat! of 1ome-.
The Treat! establishing the European Atomic Energ! (ommunit! (Euratom)% &hich &as
signed in 1ome along &ith the EE( Treat!.
The Treat! on European Union (EU)% &hich &as signed in @aastricht on 8 4ebruar! :<<7%
and came into force on : ovember :<<>. It is often referred to as 5the @aastricht Treat!-.
The E(S(% EE( and Euratom Treaties created the three 5European (ommunities-% i.e. the s!stem
of #oint decision.making on coal% steel% nuclear po&er and other ma#or sectors of the member
states- economies. The common institutions set up to manage this s!stem &ere merged in :<A8%
resulting in a single (ommission and a single (ouncil of @inisters.
The EE(% in addition to its economic role% graduall! took on a &ide range of responsibilities
including social% environmental and regional policies. Since it &as no longer a purel! economic
communit!% the fourth Treat! (@aastricht) renamed it simpl! 5the European (ommunit!- (E().
As the E(S( Treat! approached e6pir! in 7??7% responsibilities for coal and steel &ere
progressivel! merged into other Treaties.
At @aastricht% the member state governments also agreed to &ork together on foreign and
securit! polic!% and in the area of 5#ustice and home affairs-. )! adding this intergovernmental
cooperation to the e6isting (ommunit! s!stem% the @aastricht Treat! created a ne& structure
&ith three 5pillars- &hich is political as &ell as economic. This is the European Union (EU).
The European Union is founded on its Treaties. Its three 5pillars- represent different polic! areas
&ith different decision.making s!stems.
The Treaties are the basis for ever!thing the EU does. The! have been amended each time ne&
member states have #oined. 4rom time to time the Treaties have also been amended to reform the
European Union-s institutions and to give it ne& areas of responsibilit!. This is al&a!s done b! a
special conference of the EU-s national governments (an 5intergovernmental conference- or IB().
Ce! intergovernmental conferences resulted in/
The Single European Act (SEA)% &hich &as signed in 4ebruar! :<;A and came into force on
: 0ul! :<;8. It amended the EE( Treat! and paved the &a! for completing the single market9
The Treat! of Amsterdam% &hich &as signed on 7 2ctober :<<8 and came into force on :
@a! :<<<. It e6tended the pooled sovereignt! to more areas involving more citi'ens- rights%
and closer interaction on social and emplo!ment policies9
The Treat! of ice% &hich &as signed on 7A 4ebruar! 7??: and came into force on :
4ebruar! 7??>. It further amended the other Treaties% streamlining the EU-s decision.making
s!stem so it could continue to &ork effectivel! even after further enlargements9
The draft (onstitutional Treat!% &hich &as agreed and signed in 2ctober 7??D% but has not
come into force% because it &as not ratified b! all EU countries.
The Eisbon Treat!% &hich &as agreed in 7??8% but &ill not come into force until it has been
ratified b! all member states. It &ill make the EU more democratic and transparent% introduce
simplified &orking methods and voting rules% ensure our fundamental rights through a
charter% and allo& the EU to speak &ith one voice on global issues.
How the EU takes decisions
3ecision.making at European Union level involves various EU institutions% in particular/
the European $arliament (E$F$arliament)%
the (ouncil of the European Union% and
the European (ommission.
In general% it is the European (ommission that proposes ne& legislation% but it is the (ouncil and
$arliament that pass the la&s. In some cases% the (ouncil can act alone. 2ther institutions also
have roles to pla!.
The main forms of EU la& are directives and regulations. 3irectives establish a common aim for
all member states% but leave it to national authorities to decide on the form and method of
achieving it. ormall!% member states are given one.to.t&o !ears to implement a directive.
1egulations are directl! applicable throughout the EU as soon as the! come into force &ithout
further action b! the member state.
The rules and procedures for EU decision.making are laid do&n in the Treaties. Ever! proposal
for a ne& European la& must be based on a specific Treat! article% referred to as the 5legal basis-
of the proposal. This determines &hich legislative procedure must be follo&ed. The three main
procedures are 5co.decision-% 5consultation- and 5assent-.
1. Co-decision
(o.decision is the procedure no& used for most EU la&.making. In the co.decision procedure%
$arliament shares legislative po&er equall! &ith the (ouncil.
If (ouncil and $arliament cannot agree on a piece of proposed legislation% there &ill be no ne&
la&. The procedure provides for t&o successive 5readings- in each institution. If an agreement is
reached in these readings% the la& can be passed. If not% it &ill be put before a conciliation
committee% composed of equal numbers of (ouncil and $arliament representatives. 2nce this
committee has reached an agreement% the agreed te6t is sent again to $arliament and the (ouncil
so that the! can finall! adopt it as la&. (onciliation is becoming increasingl! rare. @ost la&s
passed in co.decision are% in fact% adopted either at the first or second reading as a result of good
cooperation bet&een the three institutions.
The diagram sho&s the procedure in greater detail. 4or further information% go to
ec.europa.euFcodecision
Three GcouncilsG/ &hich is &hich*
It-s eas! to get confused about &hich European bod! is &hich " especiall! &hen ver! different
bodies have ver! similar names% such as these three 5councils-.
The European Counci
This means the +eads of State or Bovernment of all the EU countries% plus the $resident of
the European (ommission. It depends on the political s!stem of each countr! &hether their
participant is the president andFor the prime minister. The European (ouncil meets% in
principle% four times a !ear to agree overall EU polic! and to revie& progress. It is the highest
level polic!making bod! in the European Union% &hich is &h! its meetings are often called
5summits-.
The Counci of the European Union
4ormerl! kno&n as the (ouncil of @inisters% this institution consists of government ministers
from all the EU countries. The (ouncil meets regularl! to take detailed decisions and to pass
EU la&s. A fuller description of its &ork is given later in this booklet.
The Counci of Europe
This is not an EU institution at all. It is an intergovernmental organisation &hich aims
(amongst other things) to protect human rights% to promote Europe-s cultural diversit! and to
combat social problems such as racial pre#udice and intolerance. It &as set up in :<D< and
one of its earl! achievements &as to dra& up the European (onvention on +uman 1ights. To
enable citi'ens to e6ercise their rights under that convention% it set up the European (ourt of
+uman 1ights. The (ouncil of Europe no& has DA member countries% including all 78
European Union countries% and its headquarters is the $alais de l-Europe in Strasbourg
(4rance)
!. Consutation
The consultation procedure is used in areas such as agriculture% ta6ation and competition.
)ased on a proposal from the (ommission% the (ouncil consults $arliament% the European
Economic and Social (ommittee and the (ommittee of the 1egions.
Under the consultation procedure% $arliament ma!/
approve the (ommission proposal%
re#ect it% or
ask for amendments.
If $arliament asks for amendments% the (ommission &ill consider all the changes $arliament
suggests. If it accepts an! of these suggestions it &ill send the (ouncil an amended proposal.
The decision ultimatel! rests &ith the (ouncil% &hich either adopts the amended proposal or
amends it further. In this procedure% as in all others% if the (ouncil amends a (ommission
proposal it must do so unanimousl!.
". Assent
The assent procedure means that the (ouncil has to obtain the European $arliament-s assent
before certain ver! important decisions are taken. The procedure is the same as in the case of
consultation% e6cept that $arliament cannot amend a proposal/ it must either accept or re#ect it.
Acceptance (5assent-) requires an absolute ma#orit! of the votes cast.
The assent procedure is mostl! used for agreements &ith other countries% including the
agreements allo&ing ne& countries to #oin the EU.
#ho works for the EU institutions$
The civil servants &ho &ork for the EU institutions come from all EU member countries. The!
cover a &ide range of activities and skills% from polic!makers and managers to economists%
engineers% la&!ers% linguists% secretaries and technical support staff. The! must be able and
&illing to &ork in a multicultural and multilingual environment% usuall! at quite a distance from
their home countr!.
To become an EU civil servant !ou have to pass a tough competitive e6amination. These e6ams
are centrall! organised b! the European $ersonnel Selection 2ffice (E$S2).
4urther information at europa.euFepso
The European %ariament: &oice of the peope
'e( facts
1ole/ 3irectl! elected legislative arm of the EU
e6t election/ 0une 7??<
@eetings/ @onthl! plenar! sessions in Strasbourg% committee meetings and additional sessions in
)russels.
Address/ $lateau du Circhberg% ).$. :A?:% E.7<7< Eu6embourg
Tel. (>=7) D>??.:
Internet/ europarl.europa.eu
The European $arliament (E$) is elected b! the citi'ens of the European Union to represent their
interests. Its origins go back to the :<=?s and the founding Treaties. Since :<8< its members have
been directl! elected b! the citi'ens of the EU.
Elections are held ever! five !ears% and ever! EU citi'en is entitled to vote% and to stand as a
candidate% &herever the! live in the EU. $arliament thus e6presses the democratic &ill of the
Union-s nearl! =?? million citi'ens and it represents their interests in discussions &ith the other
EU institutions.
The latest elections &ere in 0une 7??D. $arliament has 8;= members from all 78 EU countries.
@embers of the European $arliament (@E$s) do not sit in national blocks% but in EU.&ide
political groups. )et&een them% the! represent all vie&s on political issues and European
integration% from the strongl! pro.federalist to the openl! Eurosceptic.
+ans.Bert $Httering &as elected $resident of the E$ in 7??8 and is to hold that post until the
7??< elections.
#here is %ariament )ased$
The European $arliament has three places of &ork/ )russels ()elgium)% Eu6embourg and
Strasbourg (4rance).
Eu6embourg is home to the administrative offices (the 5Beneral Secretariat-). @eetings of the
&hole $arliament% kno&n as 5plenar! sessions-% take place in Strasbourg and sometimes in
)russels. (ommittee meetings are also held in )russels.
*um)er of seats per poitica group+ as at 1 ,eptem)er !--.
%oitica group A))re&iation *o of seats
European $eople-s $art! ((hristian 3emocrats) and
European 3emocrats
E$$.E3 78;
Socialist Broup $ES 7:A
Alliance of Eiberals and 3emocrats for Europe AE3E :?D
Union for Europe of the ations UE DD
BreensFEuropean 4ree Alliance BreensFE4A D7
European United EeftFordic Breen Eeft EUEFBE D:
IndependenceF3emocrac! I3 7D
Identit!% Tradition and Sovereignt! ITS 7>
on.attached members and temporaril! vacant seats I :>
Tota ./0
*um)er of seats per countr(
Austria :; Eatvia <
)elgium 7D Eithuania :>
)ulgaria :; Eu6embourg A
(!prus A @alta =
('ech 1epublic 7D etherlands 78
3enmark :D $oland =D
Estonia A $ortugal 7D
4inland :D 1omania >=
4rance 8; Slovakia :D
Berman! << Slovenia 8
Breece 7D Spain =D
+ungar! 7D S&eden :<
Ireland :> United Cingdom 8;
Ital! 8; Tota ./0
#hat does %ariament do$
$arliament has three main roles.
:. $assing European la&s " #ointl! &ith the (ouncil in man! polic! areas. The fact that the E$
is directl! elected b! the citi'ens of the EU helps guarantee the democratic legitimac! of
European la&.
7. $arliament e6ercises democratic supervision over the other EU institutions% and in particular
the (ommission. It has the po&er to approve or re#ect the nomination of commissioners% and
it has the right to require the (ommission as a &hole to step do&n.
>. The po&er of the purse. $arliament shares &ith the (ouncil authorit! over the EU budget and
can therefore influence EU spending. It adopts or re#ects the budget in its entiret!.
These three roles are described in greater detail belo&.
1. %assing European aws
The most common procedure for adopting (i.e. passing) EU legislation is 5co.decision- (see
above/ 5+o& the EU takes decisions-). This procedure places the European $arliament and the
(ouncil on an equal footing% and it applies to legislation in a &ide range of fields.
In some fields (for e6ample agriculture% economic polic!% visas and immigration)% the (ouncil
alone legislates% but it has to consult $arliament. In addition% $arliament-s assent is required for
certain important decisions% such as allo&ing ne& countries to #oin the EU.
$arliament also provides impetus for ne& legislation b! e6amining the (ommission-s annual
&ork programme% considering &hat ne& la&s &ould be appropriate and asking the (ommission
to put for&ard proposals.
!. 1emocratic super&ision
$arliament e6ercises democratic supervision over the other EU institutions in several &a!s.
,hen a ne& (ommission takes office% its members are nominated b! the governments of the EU
countries% but the! cannot be appointed &ithout $arliament-s approval. $arliament intervie&s
each of them individuall!% including the prospective (ommission $resident% and then votes on
&hether to approve the (ommission as a &hole.
Throughout its term of office% the (ommission remains politicall! accountable to $arliament%
&hich can pass a 5motion of censure- requiring the (ommission-s mass resignation.
@ore generall!% $arliament e6ercises control b! regularl! e6amining reports sent to it b! the
(ommission (the annual general report% reports on the implementation of the budget% etc.).
@oreover% @E$s regularl! ask the (ommission questions &hich the commissioners are legall!
required to ans&er.
$arliament also monitors the &ork of the (ouncil/ @E$s regularl! ask the (ouncil questions% and
the $resident of the (ouncil attends the E$-s plenar! sessions and takes part in important debates.
$arliament can e6ercise further democratic control b! e6amining petitions from citi'ens and
setting up committees of inquir!.
4inall!% $arliament provides input to ever! EU summit (the European (ouncil meetings). At the
opening of each summit% the $resident of $arliament is invited to e6press $arliament-s vie&s and
concerns about topical issues and the items on the European (ouncil-s agenda.
". The power of the purse
The EU-s annual budget is decided #ointl! b! $arliament and the (ouncil. $arliament debates it in
t&o successive readings% and the budget does not come into force until it has been signed b! the
$resident of $arliament.
$arliament-s (ommittee on )udgetar! (ontrol monitors ho& the budget is spent. In addition% the
$arliament each !ear decides &hether to approve the (ommission-s handling of the budget. This
approval process is technicall! kno&n as 5granting a discharge-.
How is %ariament2s work organised$
$arliament-s &ork is divided into t&o main stages.
%reparing for the penar( session. @E$s debate the (ommission-s proposals in committees
that specialise in particular areas of EU activit! and on the basis of a report prepared b! one
of the committee members% the so called 5rapporteur-. The report gives the background and
the pros and cons of the proposal. The issues for debate are also discussed b! the political
groups.
The penar( session. Each !ear% :7 four.da! plenar! sessions are held in Strasbourg and si6
t&o.da! sessions are held in )russels. At these sessions% $arliament e6amines proposed
legislation and votes on amendments before deciding on the te6t as a &hole.
2ther agenda items ma! include (ommission 5communications- setting out its intentions in a
particular sphere% or questions to the (ommission or (ouncil about &hat is going on in the EU or
the &ider &orld.
The Counci of the European Union: &oice of the
mem)er states
'e( facts
1ole/ Eegislative (in some fields e6ecutive) arm of the EU9 represents the member states.
@embers/ 2ne minister from each EU countr!
$residenc!/ 1otates ever! si6 months
@eetings/ In )russels ()elgium)% e6cept in April% 0une and 2ctober (Eu6embourg).
Address/ 1ue de la EoiF,etstraat :8=% ).:?D; )russels
Tel. (>7.7) 7;= A: ::
Internet/ consilium.europa.eu
The (ouncil is the EU-s main decision.making bod!. Eike the European $arliament% the (ouncil
&as set up b! the founding Treaties in the :<=?s. It represents the member states% and its meetings
are attended b! one minister from each of the EU-s national governments.
,hich ministers attend &hich meeting depends on &hat sub#ects are on the agenda. If% for
e6ample% the (ouncil is to discuss environmental issues% the meeting &ill be attended b! the
environment minister from each EU countr! and it &ill be kno&n as the 5Environment (ouncil-.
The EU-s relations &ith the rest of the &orld are dealt &ith b! the 5Beneral Affairs and E6ternal
1elations (ouncil-. )ut this (ouncil configuration also has &ider responsibilit! for general polic!
issues% so its meetings are attended b! &hichever minister or state secretar! each government
chooses.
Altogether there are nine different (ouncil configurations.
Beneral Affairs and E6ternal 1elations%
Economic and 4inancial Affairs (Ecofin)%
0ustice and +ome Affairs%
Emplo!ment% Social $olic!% +ealth and (onsumer Affairs%
(ompetitiveness%
Transport% Telecommunications and Energ!%
Agriculture and 4isheries%
Environment%
Education% Iouth and (ulture.
Each minister in the (ouncil is empo&ered to commit his or her government. In other &ords% the
minister-s signature is the signature of the &hole government. @oreover% each minister in the
(ouncil is ans&erable to his or her national parliament and to the citi'ens that parliament
represents. Together &ith the European $arliament-s involvement in decision.making% this
ensures the democratic legitimac! of the (ouncil-s decisions.
Up to four times a !ear the presidents andFor prime ministers of the EU countries% together &ith
the $resident of the European (ommission% meet as the European (ouncil. These 5summit-
meetings set overall EU polic! and resolve issues that could not be settled at a lo&er level (i.e. b!
the ministers at normal (ouncil meetings). Biven the importance of European (ouncil
discussions% the! often go on late into the night and attract a lot of media attention.
#hat does the Counci do$
The (ouncil has si6 ke! responsibilities.
:. To pass EU la&s " #ointl! &ith the European $arliament in man! polic! areas.
7. To coordinate the broad economic and social policies of the member states.
>. To conclude international agreements bet&een the EU and other countries or international
organisations.
D. To approve the EU-s budget% #ointl! &ith the European $arliament.
=. To define and implement the EU-s common foreign and securit! polic! ((4S$) based on
guidelines set b! the European (ouncil.
A. To coordinate cooperation bet&een the national courts and police forces in criminal matters.
@ost of these responsibilities relate to the 5(ommunit!- domain " i.e. areas of action &here the
member states have decided to pool their sovereignt! and delegate decision.making po&ers to the
EU institutions. This domain is the 5first pillar- of the European Union.
+o&ever% the last t&o responsibilities relate largel! to areas in &hich the EU countries have not
delegated their po&ers but are simpl! &orking together. This is called 5intergovernmental
cooperation- and it covers the second and third 5pillars- of the European Union.
The (ouncil-s &ork is described in greater detail belo&.
1. 3egisation
The bulk of the (ouncil-s &ork is in passing legislation in areas &here the EU has pooled its
sovereignt!. The most common procedure for this is 5co.decision-% &here EU legislation is
adopted #ointl! b! the (ouncil and $arliament on the basis of a proposal from the (ommission. In
some areas% the (ouncil has the final &ord but onl! on the basis of a (ommission proposal and
onl! after having taking into account the vie&s of the (ommission and the $arliament (see above/
5+o& the EU takes decisions-).
!. Coordinating the poicies of mem)er states
The EU countries have decided that the! &ant an overall economic polic! based on close
coordination bet&een their national economic policies. This coordination is carried out b! the
economics and finance ministers% &ho collectivel! form the Economic and 4inancial Affairs
(Ecofin) (ouncil.
The! also &ant to create more #obs and to improve their education% health and social protection
s!stems. Although each EU countr! is responsible for its o&n polic! in these areas% the! can
agree on common goals and learn from each other-s e6perience of &hat &orks best. This process
is called the 5open method of coordination-% and it takes place &ithin the (ouncil.
". Concuding internationa agreements
Each !ear% the (ouncil 5concludes- (i.e. officiall! signs) a number of agreements bet&een the
European Union and non.EU countries% as &ell as &ith international organisations. These
agreements ma! cover broad areas such as trade% cooperation and development or the! ma! deal
&ith specific sub#ects such as te6tiles% fisheries% science and technolog!% transport% etc.
In addition% the (ouncil ma! conclude conventions bet&een the EU member states in fields such
as ta6ation% compan! la& or consular protection. (onventions can also deal &ith cooperation on
issues of freedom% securit! and #ustice (see belo&).
4. Appro&ing the EU )udget
The EU-s annual budget is decided #ointl! b! the (ouncil and the European $arliament.
0. Common foreign and securit( poic(
The EU countries are &orking to develop a common foreign and securit! polic! ((4S$). )ut
foreign polic!% securit! and defence are matters over &hich the individual national governments
retain independent control. +o&ever% the EU countries have recognised the advantages of
&orking together on these issues% and the (ouncil is the main forum in &hich this
5intergovernmental cooperation- takes place.
This cooperation not onl! covers defence issues but crisis management tasks% such as
humanitarian and rescue operations% peacekeeping and peacemaking in trouble spots. The EU
countries tr! to mobilise and coordinate militar! and police forces% so that the! can be used in
coordination &ith diplomatic and economic action. Through these mechanisms% the EU has
helped to maintain peace% build democrac! and spur economic progress in places as far apart as
Indonesia% the 3emocratic 1epublic of the (ongo and the countries of south.eastern Europe.
5. 6reedom+ securit( and 7ustice
EU citi'ens are free to live and &ork in &hichever EU countr! the! choose% so the! should have
equal access to civil #ustice ever!&here in the European Union. ational courts therefore need to
&ork together to ensure% for e6ample% that a court #udgment delivered in one EU countr! in a
divorce or child custod! case is recognised in all other EU countries.
4reedom of movement &ithin the EU is of great benefit to la&.abiding citi'ens% but it is also
e6ploited b! international criminals and terrorists. To tackle cross.border crime requires cross.
border cooperation bet&een the national courts% police forces% customs officers and immigration
services of all EU countries.
The! have to ensure% for e6ample/
that the EU-s e6ternal borders are effectivel! policed9
that customs officers and police e6change information on the movements of suspected drugs
traffickers or people smugglers9
that as!lum seekers are assessed and treated in the same &a! throughout the EU% so as to
prevent 5as!lum shopping-.
Issues such as these are dealt &ith b! the 0ustice and +ome Affairs (ouncil " i.e. the
ministers for #ustice and of the interior. The aim is to create a single 5area of freedom% securit!
and #ustice- &ithin the EU-s borders.
How is the Counci2s work organised$
The Counci presidenc(
The presidenc! of the (ouncil rotates ever! si6 months. In other &ords% each EU countr! in turn
takes charge of the (ouncil agenda and chairs all the meetings for a si6.month period% promoting
legislative and political decisions and brokering compromises bet&een the member states.
The 8enera ,ecretariat
The presidenc! is assisted b! the Beneral Secretariat% &hich prepares and ensures the smooth
functioning of the (ouncil-s &ork at all levels.
In 7??D% 0avier Solana &as reappointed Secretar!.Beneral of the (ouncil. +e is also +igh
1epresentative for the common foreign and securit! polic! ((4S$) and in this capacit! he helps
coordinate the EU-s action on the &orld stage.
The Secretar!.Beneral is assisted b! a 3eput! Secretar!.Beneral in charge of managing the
Beneral Secretariat.
Coreper
In )russels% each EU countr! has a permanent team (5representation-) that represents it and
defends its national interest at EU level. The head of each representation is% in effect% that
countr!-s ambassador to the EU.
These ambassadors are kno&n as 5permanent representatives- and meet &eekl! &ithin the
$ermanent 1epresentatives (ommittee ((oreper). The role of this committee is to prepare the
&ork of the (ouncil% &ith the e6ception of most agricultural issues% &hich are handled b! the
Special (ommittee on Agriculture. (oreper is assisted b! a number of &orking groups% attended
b! officials from the representations or national administrations.
,ecurit( and defence
The (ouncil is assisted b! a separate structure in matters of securit! and defence/
the $olitical and Securit! (ommittee ($S()% &hich is to this cooperation &hat (oreper is to
other t!pes of decision9
the European Union @ilitar! (ommittee (EU@()% made up of the member states- (hiefs of
3efence Staff9 and
the European Union @ilitar! Staff (EU@S)% composed of militar! and civilian e6perts
seconded to the (ouncil Secretariat b! the member states9
the (ommittee for the (ivilian Aspects of (risis @anagement.
How man( &otes per countr($
3ecisions in the (ouncil are taken b! vote. The bigger the countr!-s population% the more votes it
has% but the numbers are &eighted in favour of the less populous countries/
4rance% Berman!% Ital! and the United Cingdom 7<
$oland and Spain 78
1omania :D
etherlands :>
)elgium% ('ech 1epublic% Breece% +ungar! and $ortugal :7
Austria% )ulgaria% S&eden :?
3enmark% 4inland% Ireland% Eithuania and Slovakia 8
(!prus% Estonia% Eatvia% Eu6embourg and Slovenia D
@alta >
Total "40
9uaified ma7orit( &oting
In some particularl! sensitive areas such as common foreign and securit! polic!% ta6ation% as!lum
and immigration polic!% (ouncil decisions have to be unanimous. In other &ords% each member
state has the po&er of veto in these areas.
2n most issues% ho&ever% the (ouncil takes decisions b! 5qualified ma#orit! voting-.
A qualified ma#orit! is reached/
if a ma#orit! of member states (in some cases a t&o.thirds ma#orit!) approve9
and
if a minimum of 7== votes is cast in favour " &hich is 8>.<J of the total.
In addition% a member state ma! ask for confirmation that the votes in favour represent at least
A7J of the total population of the Union. If this is found not to be the case% the decision &ill not
be adopted.
The European Commission: promoting the common
interest
'e( facts
1ole/ E6ecutive arm of the EU and initiator of legislative proposals
@embers/ 78/ one from each of the member states.
Term of office/ 4ive !ears (7??DK?<)
Address/ ).:?D< )russels
Tel. (>7.7) 7<< :: ::
Internet/ ec.europa.eu
The (ommission is independent of national governments. Its #ob is to represent and uphold the
interests of the EU as a &hole. It drafts proposals for ne& European la&s% &hich it presents to the
European $arliament (E$) and the (ouncil.
It is also the EU-s e6ecutive arm " in other &ords% it is responsible for implementing the
decisions of $arliament and the (ouncil. That means managing the da!.to.da! business of the
European Union/ implementing its policies% running its programmes and spending its funds.
Eike the E$ and the (ouncil% the European (ommission &as set up in the :<=?s under the EU-s
founding Treaties.
#hat is the Commission$
The term 5(ommission- is used in t&o senses. 4irst% it refers to the team of men and &omen "
one from each EU countr! " appointed to run the institution and take its decisions. Secondl!% the
term 5(ommission- refers to the institution itself and to its staff.
Informall!% the appointed members of the (ommission are kno&n as 5commissioners-. The! have
generall! held political positions in their countries of origin and man! have been government
ministers% but as members of the (ommission the! are committed to acting in the interests of the
Union as a &hole and not taking instructions from national governments.
A ne& (ommission is appointed ever! five !ears% &ithin si6 months of the elections to the
European $arliament. The procedure is as follo&s/
the member state governments agree together on &ho to designate as the ne& (ommission
$resident9
the (ommission $resident.designate is then approved b! $arliament9
the (ommission $resident.designate% in discussion &ith the member state governments%
chooses the other members of the (ommission9
the ne& $arliament then intervie&s each commissioner.designate and then gives its opinion
on the &hole team. 2nce the ne& (ommission is approved% it can officiall! start &ork.
The present (ommission-s term of office runs until >: 2ctober 7??<. Its $resident is 0osL @anuel
)arroso.
The (ommission remains politicall! accountable to $arliament% &hich has the po&er to dismiss
the &hole (ommission b! adopting a motion of censure. Individual members of the (ommission
must resign if asked to do so b! the $resident and the other commissioners approve.
The (ommission is represented at all sessions of $arliament% &here it must clarif! and #ustif! its
policies. It also replies regularl! to &ritten and oral questions posed b! @E$s.
The da!.to.da! running of the (ommission is in the hands of administrative officials% e6perts%
translators% interpreters and secretarial staff. There are appro6imatel! 7> ??? of these European
civil servants. That ma! sound a lot% but in fact it is fe&er than the number of staff emplo!ed b! a
t!pical medium.si'ed cit! council in Europe.
#here is the Commission )ased$
The 5seat- of the (ommission is in )russels ()elgium)% but it also has offices in Eu6embourg%
representations in all EU countries and delegations in man! capital cities around the &orld.
#hat does the Commission do$
The European (ommission has four main roles/
:. to propose legislation to $arliament and the (ouncil9
7. to manage and implement EU policies and the budget9
>. to enforce EU la& (#ointl! &ith the (ourt of 0ustice)9
D. to represent the European Union on the international stage% for e6ample b! negotiating
agreements bet&een the EU and other countries.
1. %roposing new egisation
The (ommission has the 5right of initiative-. In other &ords% the (ommission alone is responsible
for dra&ing up proposals for ne& EU legislation% &hich it presents to $arliament and the (ouncil.
These proposals must aim to defend the interests of the Union and its citi'ens% not those of
specific countries or industries.
)efore making an! proposals% the (ommission must be a&are of ne& situations and problems
developing in Europe% and it must consider &hether EU legislation is the best &a! to deal &ith
them. That is &h! the (ommission is in constant touch &ith a &ide range of interest groups and
&ith t&o advisor! bodies " the European Economic and Social (ommittee and the (ommittee
of the 1egions. It also takes the opinions of national parliaments and governments into account.
The (ommission &ill propose action at EU level onl! if it considers that a problem cannot be
solved more efficientl! b! national% regional or local action. This approach of dealing &ith issues
at the lo&est possible level is called the 5subsidiarit! principle-.
If the (ommission concludes that EU legislation is needed% then it drafts a proposal that it
believes &ill deal &ith the problem effectivel! and satisf! the &idest possible range of interests.
To get the technical details right the (ommission consults e6perts% via various advisor!
committees and consultative groups. 4requentl!% it publishes 5Breen- and 5,hite- papers% holds
hearings% seeks the vie&s of civil societ! and commissions specialist e6pert reports% and often
consults the public directl! before it makes a proposal in order to ensure that it has as complete a
picture as possible.
!. Impementing EU poicies and the )udget
As the European Union-s e6ecutive bod!% the (ommission is responsible for managing and
implementing the EU budget. @ost of the actual spending is done b! national and local
authorities% but the (ommission is responsible for supervising it " under the &atchful e!e of the
(ourt of Auditors. )oth institutions aim to ensure good financial management. 2nl! if it is
satisfied &ith the (ourt of Auditors- annual report does the European $arliament grant the
(ommission discharge for implementing the budget.
The (ommission also has to implement decisions taken b! $arliament and the (ouncil% such as
those relating to the common agricultural polic!% fisheries% energ!% regional development% the
environment% or !outh and educational training and e6change schemes% such as the Erasmus
programme. It also pla!s a ma#or role in competition polic! in order to ensure that businesses
operate on a level pla!ing field. The (ommission ma! prohibit mergers bet&een companies if it
thinks the! &ill lead to unfair competition. The (ommission also has to make sure that EU
countries do not distort competition through e6cessive subsidies to their industries.
". Enforcing European aw
The (ommission acts as 5guardian of the Treaties-. This means that the (ommission% together
&ith the (ourt of 0ustice% is responsible for making sure EU la& is properl! applied in all the
member states.
If it finds that an EU countr! is not appl!ing an EU la&% it launches a process called the
5infringement procedure-. The first step is to send the government an official letter% sa!ing &h!
the (ommission considers this countr! is infringing EU la& and setting it a deadline for sending a
detailed e6planation.
If the member state does not have a satisfactor! e6planation or put matters right% the (ommission
&ill send another letter confirming that EU la& has been infringed and setting a deadline for it to
be corrected. If the member state still fails to compl!% the (ommission &ill refer the matter to the
(ourt of 0ustice to decide. The (ourt-s #udgements are binding on the member states and the EU
institutions. In cases &here member states continue failing to adhere to a #udgment% the (ourt can
impose financial sanctions.
4. :epresenting the EU on the internationa stage
The European (ommission is an important spokesperson for the European Union on the
international stage. It is the voice of the EU in international forums such as the ,orld Trade
2rganisation% in negotiations on the international climate change agreement% the C!oto $rotocol%
and the EU-s important aid and trade partnership &ith developing countries in Africa% the
(aribbean and the $acific% kno&n as the (otonou Agreement.
The (ommission also speaks and negotiates on behalf of the EU in areas &here the member states
have pooled sovereignt!. This is done on the basis of agreements reached in advance &ith the
states.
How is the Commission2s work organised$
It is up to the (ommission $resident to decide &hich commissioner &ill be responsible for &hich
polic! area% and to reshuffle these responsibilities (if necessar!) during the (ommission-s term of
office.
The (ommission generall! meets once a &eek% usuall! on ,ednesda!s% and usuall! in )russels.
Each item on the agenda is presented b! the commissioner responsible for that polic! area% and
the &hole team then takes a collective decision on it.
The (ommission-s staff is organised in departments% kno&n as 5directorates.general- (3Bs) and
5services- (such as the Eegal Service). Each 3B is responsible for a particular polic! area and is
headed b! a director.general &ho is ans&erable to one of the commissioners. 2verall
coordination is provided b! the Secretariat.Beneral% &hich also manages the &eekl! (ommission
meetings. It is headed b! the Secretar!.Beneral% &ho is ans&erable directl! to the $resident.
It is the 3Bs that actuall! devise and draft legislative proposals% but these proposals become
official onl! &hen 5adopted- b! the (ommission at its &eekl! meeting. The procedure is roughl!
as follo&s.
Suppose% for e6ample% that the (ommission sees a need for EU legislation to prevent pollution of
Europe-s rivers. The 3irectorate.Beneral for the Environment &ill dra& up a proposal% based on
e6tensive consultations &ith European industr!% farming and environmental organisations% and
environment ministries in the EU countries. The draft &ill also be discussed &ith other
(ommission departments &ith an interest in this topic% and checked b! the Eegal Service and the
Secretariat.Beneral.
2nce the proposal is full! read!% it &ill be put on the agenda of a (ommission meeting. If at least
:D of the 78 commissioners approve the proposal% the (ommission &ill adopt it and it &ill have
the &hole team-s unconditional support. The document &ill then be sent to the (ouncil and the
European $arliament for them to decide on the proposal. The (ommission ma! subsequentl!
make amendments in the light of the comments from these t&o institutions and then send the
proposal back for final approval.
The Court of ;ustice: uphoding the aw
'e( facts
1ole/ To give legal #udgments on cases brought before it.
(ourt of 0ustice/ 2ne #udge from each EU countr!9 eight advocates.general
(ourt of 4irst Instance/ At least one #udge from each EU countr! (78 in 7??8)
(ivil Service Tribunal/ Seven #udges
Term of office/ 1ene&able terms of si6 !ears
Address/ )oulevard Conrad Adenauer% E.7<7= Eu6embourg
Tel. (>=7) D> ?>.:
Internet/ curia.europa.eu
The (ourt of 0ustice of the European (ommunities (often referred to simpl! as 5the (ourt-) dates
back to the ver! first of the EU Treaties% the E(S( Treat! of :<=7. It is based in Eu6embourg.
Its #ob is to make sure that EU legislation is interpreted and applied in the same &a! in all EU
countries% so that the la& is equal for ever!one. It ensures% for e6ample% that national courts do not
give different rulings on the same issue.
The (ourt also makes sure that EU member states and institutions do &hat the la& requires. The
(ourt has the po&er to settle legal disputes bet&een EU member states% EU institutions%
businesses and individuals.
The (ourt is composed of one #udge per member state% so that all 78 of the EU-s national legal
s!stems are represented. 4or the sake of efficienc!% ho&ever% the (ourt rarel! sits as the full court.
It usuall! sits as a 5Brand (hamber- of #ust :> #udges or in chambers of five or three #udges.
The (ourt is assisted b! eight 5advocates.general-. Their role is to present opinions on the cases
brought before the (ourt. The! must do so publicl! and impartiall!.
The #udges and advocates.general are people &hose impartialit! is be!ond doubt. The! have the
qualifications or competence needed for appointment to the highest #udicial positions in their
home countries. The! are appointed to the (ourt of 0ustice b! #oint agreement bet&een the
governments of the EU member states. Each is appointed for a term of si6 !ears% &hich ma! be
rene&ed.
To help the (ourt of 0ustice cope &ith the large number of cases brought before it% and to offer
citi'ens better legal protection% a (ourt of 4irst Instance &as created in :<;;. This court (&hich is
attached to the (ourt of 0ustice) is responsible for giving rulings on certain kinds of case%
particularl! actions brought b! private individuals% companies and some organisations% and cases
relating to competition la&. This court also has one #udge from each EU countr!.
The European Union (ivil Service Tribunal ad#udicates in disputes bet&een the European Union
and its civil service. This tribunal is composed of seven #udges and is attached to the (ourt of
4irst Instance.
The (ourt of 0ustice% the (ourt of 4irst Instance and the (ivil Service Tribunal each have a
president chosen b! their fello& #udges to serve for a rene&able term of three !ears. Massilios
Skouris &as elected $resident of the (ourt of 0ustice in 7??>. @arc 0aeger is the current $resident
of the (ourt of 4irst Instance. $aul 0. @ahone! has been $resident of the (ivil Service Tribunal
since 7??=.
#hat does the Court do$
The (ourt gives rulings on cases brought before it. The five most common t!pes of case are/
:. references for a preliminar! ruling9
7. actions for failure to fulfil an obligation9
>. actions for annulment9
D. actions for failure to act9
=. actions for damages.
The! are each described in greater detail belo&.
1. The preiminar( ruing procedure
The national courts in each EU countr! are responsible for ensuring that EU la& is properl!
applied in that countr!. )ut there is a risk that courts in different countries might interpret EU la&
in different &a!s.
To prevent this happening% there is a 5preliminar! ruling procedure-. This means that if a national
court is in an! doubt about the interpretation or validit! of an EU la& it ma!% and sometimes
must% ask the (ourt of 0ustice for advice. This advice is given in the form of a 5preliminar!
ruling-.
!. Actions for faiure to fufi an o)igation
The (ommission can start these proceedings if it has reason to believe that a member state is
failing to fulfil its obligations under EU la&. These proceedings ma! also be started b! another
EU countr!.
In either case% the (ourt investigates the allegations and gives its #udgment. The accused member
state% if it is indeed found to be at fault% must set things right at once. If the (ourt finds that the
member state has not complied &ith its #udgment% it ma! impose a fine on that countr!.
". Actions for annument
If an! of the member states% the (ouncil% the (ommission or (under certain conditions)
$arliament believes that a particular EU la& is illegal% the! ma! ask the (ourt to annul it.
These 5actions for annulment- can also be used b! private individuals &ho &ant the (ourt to
cancel a particular la& because it directl! and adversel! affects them as individuals.
If the (ourt finds that the la& in question &as not correctl! adopted or is not correctl! based on
the Treaties% it ma! declare the la& null and void.
4. Actions for faiure to act
The Treat! requires the European $arliament% the (ouncil and the (ommission to make certain
decisions under certain circumstances. If the! fail to do so% the member states% the other EU
institutions and (under certain conditions) individuals or companies can lodge a complaint &ith
the (ourt so as to have this failure to act officiall! recorded.
0. Actions for damages
An! person or compan! &ho has suffered damage as a result of the action or inaction of the
(ommunit! or its staff ma! bring an action seeking compensation before the (ourt of 4irst
Instance.
How is the Court2s work organised$
(ases are submitted to the registr! and a specific #udge and advocate.general are assigned to each
case.
The procedure that follo&s is in t&o stages/ first a &ritten and then an oral phase.
At the first stage% all the parties involved submit &ritten statements and the #udge assigned to the
case dra&s up a report summarising these statements and the legal background to the case.
Then comes the second stage " the public hearing. 3epending on the importance and comple6it!
of the case% this hearing can take place before a chamber of three% five or :> #udges% or before the
full (ourt. At the hearing% the parties- la&!ers put their case before the #udges and the advocate.
general% &ho can question them. The advocate.general then gives his or her opinion% after &hich
the #udges deliberate and deliver their #udgment. This &ill not necessaril! follo& the opinion of
the advocate.general.
0udgments of the (ourt are decided b! a ma#orit! and pronounced at a public hearing. 3issenting
opinions are not e6pressed. 3ecisions are published on the da! of deliver!.
The procedure in the (ourt of 4irst Instance is similar% e6cept that there is no opinion from an
advocate.general.
The European Court of Auditors: getting &aue for (our
mone(
'e( facts
1ole/ To check that EU funds are used properl!
@embers/ 2ne from each EU countr!
Term of office/ @embers are appointed for a rene&able term of si6 !ears
Address/ :7 rue Alcide de Basperi% E.:A:= Eu6embourg
Tel. (>=7) D> <;.:
Internet/ eca.europa.eu
The (ourt of Auditors &as set up in :<8=. It is based in Eu6embourg. The court-s #ob is to check
that EU funds are managed properl! so that the citi'ens of the Union get ma6imum value for
mone!. It has the right to audit an! person or organisation handling EU funds.
The court has one member from each EU countr!% appointed b! the (ouncil for a rene&able term
of si6 !ears. The members elect one of them as $resident for a rene&able term of three !ears.
+ubert ,eber has been $resident of the (ourt of Auditors since 0anuar! 7??=.
#hat does the court do$
The court-s main role is to check that the EU budget is correctl! implemented " in other &ords%
that EU income and e6penditure is obtained% spent and recorded legall! and to ensure sound
financial management. So its &ork helps guarantee that the EU s!stem operates economicall!%
efficientl!% effectivel! and openl!.
To carr! out its tasks% the court can investigate the paper&ork of an! person or organisation
handling EU income or e6penditure. It frequentl! carries out on.the.spot checks. Its findings are
&ritten up in reports &hich bring an! problems to the attention of the (ommission and EU
member state governments.
To do its #ob effectivel!% the (ourt of Auditors must remain completel! independent of the other
institutions but at the same time sta! in constant touch &ith them.
2ne of its ke! functions is to help the European $arliament and the (ouncil b! presenting them
ever! !ear &ith an audit report on the previous financial !ear. $arliament e6amines the court-s
report in detail before deciding &hether or not to approve the (ommission-s handling of the
budget. If satisfied% the (ourt of Auditors also sends the (ouncil and $arliament a statement of
assurance that European citi'ens- mone! has been properl! used.
4inall!% the court informs the citi'ens of the results of its &ork through reports on sub#ects of
particular interest.
How is the court2s work organised$
The (ourt of Auditors has appro6imatel! ;?? staff% including translators and administrators as
&ell as auditors. The auditors are divided into 5audit groups-. The! prepare draft reports on &hich
the court takes decisions.
The auditors frequentl! go on tours of inspection to the other EU institutions% the member states
and an! countr! that receives aid from the EU. Indeed% although the court-s &ork largel! concerns
mone! for &hich the (ommission is responsible% more than ;?J of EU e6penditure is managed
b! the national authorities.
The (ourt of Auditors has no legal po&ers of its o&n. If auditors discover fraud or irregularities
the! inform 2EA4 " the European Anti.4raud 2ffice. 2EA4 is a department of the European
(ommission &ith a special status &hich ensures total autonom!.
The European Economic and ,ocia Committee: &oice
of ci&i societ(
'e( facts
1ole/ 1epresents organised civil societ!
@embers/ >DD
Term of office/ 4our !ears
@eetings/ )russels% monthl!
Address/ 1ue )elliard <<% ).:?D? )russels
Tel. (>7.7) =DA <? ::
Internet/ eesc.europa.eu
4ounded in :<=8 under the Treat! of 1ome% the European Economic and Social (ommittee
(EES() is a consultative bod! that gives representatives of Europe-s interest groups% such as
emplo!er organisations and trade unions% and other 5organised civil societ!- bodies% such as
consumer associations% a formal platform to e6press their points of vie&s on EU issues.
The EES( has >DD members " the number from each EU countr! roughl! reflecting the si'e of
its population. The numbers per countr! are as follo&s/
4rance% Berman!% Ital! and the United Cingdom 7D
$oland and Spain 7:
1omania :=
Austria% )elgium% )ulgaria% ('ech 1epublic% Breece% +ungar!%
the etherlands% $ortugal and S&eden :7
3enmark% 4inland% Ireland% Eithuania and Slovakia <
Estonia% Eatvia and Slovenia 8
(!prus and Eu6embourg A
@alta =
Tota "44
The members are nominated b! the EU governments but the! &ork in complete political
independence. The! are appointed for four !ears% and ma! be reappointed.
The (ommittee meets in plenar! assembl!% and its discussions are prepared b! si6 subcommittees
kno&n as 5sections-% each dealing &ith particular polic! areas. It elects its $resident and t&o
Mice.$residents for a t&o.!ear term. 3imitris 3imitriadis became $resident of the EES( in
2ctober 7??A.
#hat does the EE,C do$
The European Economic and Social (ommittee has three main roles/
to advise the European $arliament% (ouncil of the European Union and the European
(ommission% either at their request or on the (ommittee-s o&n initiative9
to encourage civil societ! to become more involved in EU polic!making9
to bolster the role of civil societ! in non.EU countries and to help set up advisor! structures.
The (ommittee-s opinions are for&arded to the larger institutions " the (ouncil% the
(ommission and the European $arliament. It must be consulted before decisions are taken on
economic and social% regional and environment polic!. It thus has a ke! role to pla! in the
Union-s decision.making process. The EES( is a bridge bet&een the Union and its citi'ens%
promoting a more participator!% more inclusive and therefore more democratic societ! in Europe.
#ho are the EE,C2s mem)ers$
,orking mostl! in their countries of origin the members of the (ommittee form three groups that
represent emplo!ers% emplo!ees% and various other economic and social interests.
The Emplo!ers- Broup has members from private and public sectors of industr!% small and
medium.si'ed businesses% chambers of commerce% &holesale and retail trade% banking and
insurance% transport and agriculture.
The Emplo!ees- Broup represents all categories of emplo!ees% from manual to e6ecutive. Its
members come from national trade union organisations.
The Marious Interests Broup represents non.governmental organisations (B2s)% farmers-
organisations% small businesses% crafts and professions% cooperatives and non.profit associations%
consumer and environmental organisations% the scientific and academic communities% and
associations that represent the famil! and the disabled.
The Committee of the :egions: &oice of regiona and
oca go&ernment
'e( facts
1ole/ 1epresents regional and local authorities
@embers/ >DD
Term of office/ 4our !ears
@eetings/ )russels% five plenar! sessions per !ear
Address/ 1ue )elliard :?:% ).:?D? )russels
Tel. (>7.7) 7;7 77 ::
Internet/ cor.europa.eu
Set up in :<<D under the Treat! on European Union% the (ommittee of the 1egions ((o1) is an
advisor! bod! composed of representatives of Europe-s regional and local authorities. The (o1
has to be consulted before EU decisions are taken on matters such as regional polic!% the
environment% culture% education and transport " all of &hich concern local and regional
government.
The (ommittee has >DD members. The number from each EU countr! appro6imatel! reflects its
population si'e% as follo&s/
4rance% Berman!% Ital! and the United Cingdom 7D
$oland and Spain 7:
1omania :=
Austria% )elgium% )ulgaria% ('ech 1epublic% Breece% +ungar!%
the etherlands% $ortugal and S&eden :7
3enmark% Ireland% Eithuania% Slovakia and 4inland <
Estonia% Eatvia and Slovenia 8
(!prus and Eu6embourg A
@alta =
Tota "44
The members of the (ommittee are elected members of% or ke! pla!ers% in local or regional
authorities in their home region. The! are nominated to the (ommittee b! the national
governments and appointed b! the (ouncil of the European Union for four !ears. The! ma! be
reappointed. Each countr! chooses its members in its o&n &a!% but the mi6 must reflect political
and geographical balances. If the! lose their electoral mandate at home% the! &ill have to stand
do&n from the (ommittee.
There are four political groups/ the European $eople-s $art!% the $art! of the European Socialists%
the Alliance of Eiberals and 3emocrats for Europe% and the Union for Europe of the ationsK
European Alliance.
The $resident of the (o1 is elected for a t&o.!ear term from among its members. @ichel
3elebarre &as elected $resident in 7??A.
#hat does the Committee do$
The role of the (ommittee of the 1egions is to put for&ard the local and regional points of vie&
on EU legislation. It does so b! issuing reports% or 5opinions-% on (ommission proposals.
The (ommission and the (ouncil must consult the (o1 before EU decisions are taken on matters
that concern local and regional government. This can be emplo!ment polic!% the environment%
education% culture% vocational training and !outh% energ!% transport% telecommunications% and
public health.
This list is not e6haustive. The (ommission% the (ouncil and the European $arliament are free to
consult the (o1 on other issues. 4or its part% the committee can adopt opinions on its o&n
initiative and present them to the (ommission% (ouncil and $arliament.
How is the Committee2s work organised$
Each !ear the (ommittee of the 1egions holds five plenar! sessions% during &hich its general
polic! is defined and opinions are adopted.
There are si6 5commissions- to consider different polic! areas and prepare the opinions to be
debated in the plenar! sessions.
The European In&estment <ank: financing economic
de&eopment
'e( facts
1ole/ 4inances economic development
@embers/ The EU member states
)oard of 3irectors K 7;% @anagement (ommittee K <
Address/ :??% )oulevard Conrad Adenauer% E.7<=? Eu6embourg
Tel. (>=7) D> 8<.:
Internet/ &&&.eib.org
The European Investment )ank (EI)) &as set up in :<=; b! the Treat! of 1ome. Its main role is
to lend mone! for pro#ects of European interest% such as rail and road links% airports% or
environmental schemes. It also provides finance for small business investment in the EU and for
economic development in candidate countries and the developing &orld.
$hilippe @a!stadt became $resident of the EI) in 0anuar! 7???.
#hat does the <ank do$
The EI) is a non.profit.making% self.financing institution% independent of the EU budget. It is
financed through borro&ing on the financial markets. The )ank-s shareholders " the member
states of the European Union " subscribe #ointl! to its capital% each countr!-s contribution
reflecting its economic &eight &ithin the Union.
This backing b! the member states gives the EI) the highest possible credit rating (AAA) on the
capital markets% &here it can therefore raise ver! large amounts of capital on ver! competitive
terms. This in turn enables the )ank to invest in pro#ects of public interest that &ould other&ise
not get the mone! " or &ould have to borro& it more e6pensivel!.
The pro#ects in &hich the bank invests are carefull! selected.
Its priorities in the EU are to support/
cohesion and convergence%
small and medium.si'ed enterprises%
environmental sustainabilit!%
innovation%
development of trans.European transport net&orks% and
sustainable% competitive and secure energ!.
2utside the EU% the EI) supports EU development and cooperation policies in candidate and
potential candidate countries% countries around the @editerranean and in eastern Europe
(including 1ussia) &hich are covered b! the EU-s neighbourhood polic!% and countries in Africa%
the (aribbean% the $acific% Asia and Eatin America. Eending to these countries focuses on/
private sector development%
infrastructure development%
securit! of energ! supplies% and
environmental sustainabilit!.
4inall!% the EI) is ma#orit! shareholder in the European Investment 4und% &ith &hich it forms the
5EI) Broup-. The 4und invests in venture capital and provides guarantees for small and medium.
si'ed enterprises. It does not lend directl! to businesses or invest directl! in firms. Instead% it
&orks through banks and other financial intermediaries% providing them &ith guarantees to cover
their loans to small businesses.
The 4und is active in the member states of the European Union and in countries &hich are
candidates for membership.
How is the <ank2s work organised$
The EI) is an autonomous institution. It makes its o&n borro&ing and lending decisions on the
merits of each pro#ect and the opportunities offered b! the financial markets. Each !ear% it
presents a report on all its activities.
The bank cooperates &ith the EU institutions. 4or e6ample% its representatives take part in
committees of the European $arliament% and the $resident of the EI) attends the (ouncil
meetings &hen the Economics and 4inance ministers of the EU countries meet.
The )ank-s decisions are taken b! the follo&ing bodies.
The )oard of Bovernors consists of ministers (normall! the finance ministers) from all the
member states. It defines the )ank-s general lending polic!% approves the balance sheet and
annual report% authorises the )ank to fund pro#ects outside the EU and decides on capital
increases.
The )oard of 3irectors approves lending and borro&ing operations and it makes sure that the
EI) is properl! managed. It consists of 7; directors " one nominated b! each EU member
state and one b! the European (ommission.
The @anagement (ommittee is the )ank-s full.time e6ecutive. It handles the EI)-s da!.to.
da! business. It has nine members.
The European Centra <ank: managing the euro
'e( facts
1ole/ To maintain price stabilit! in the euro area and to conduct monetar! polic!
@embers/ Boverning (ouncil K :<% Beneral (ouncil K 7<% E6ecutive )oard K A
Address/ Caiserstrasse 7<% 3.A?>:: 4rankfurt am @ain
Tel. (D<) A<: >D D?
Internet/ &&&.ecb.eu
The European (entral )ank (E()) &as set up in :<<;. It is based in 4rankfurt (Berman!). Its #ob
is to manage the euro " the EU-s single currenc!% and to safeguard price stabilit! for the more
than t&o.thirds of the EUGs citi'ens &ho use the euro. The E() is also responsible for framing
and implementing the monetar! polic! of the euro area.
To carr! out its role% the E() &orks &ith the 5European S!stem of (entral )anks- (ES()).
(ountries &hich have so far adopted the euro collectivel! make up the 5euro area-. The central
banks of these countries% together &ith the European (entral )ank% make up &hat is called the
5Euros!stem-.
The E() &orks in complete independence. either the E()% the national central banks of the
ES()% nor an! member of their decision.making bodies can ask for or accept instructions from
an! other bod!. The EU institutions and the governments of the EU countries must respect this
principle and must not seek to influence the E() or the national central banks.
0ean.(laude Trichet became $resident of the E() in ovember 7??>.
#hat does the <ank do$
2ne of the E()-s main tasks is to maintain price stabilit! in the euro area% so that the euro-s
purchasing po&er is not eroded b! inflation. The E() aims to ensure that the !ear.on.!ear
increase in consumer prices is less than% but close to% 7J over the medium term.
It does this b! setting benchmark interest rates based on the anal!sis of economic and monetar!
developments. It raises interest rates if it &ants to curb inflation% and lo&ers them if it thinks the
risk of inflation is limited.
How is the <ank2s work organised$
The E6ecutive )oard of the E() is responsible for implementing monetar! polic!% as defined b!
the Boverning (ouncil (see belo&)% and for giving instructions to the national central banks. It
also prepares the Boverning (ouncil meetings and is responsible for the da!.to.da! management
of the E().
It comprises the $resident of the E()% the Mice.$resident and four other members% all appointed
b! common agreement of the presidents or prime ministers of the euro area countries. The
E6ecutive )oard members are appointed for a non.rene&able term of eight !ears.
The Boverning (ouncil is the European (entral )ank-s highest decision.making bod!. It
comprises the si6 members of the E6ecutive )oard and the governors of the central banks of the
euro area. It is chaired b! the $resident of the E(). Its primar! mission is to define the monetar!
polic! of the euro area% and% in particular% to fi6 the interest rates at &hich commercial banks can
obtain mone! from the E().
The Beneral (ouncil comprises the E()-s $resident and the Mice.$resident and the governors of
the national central banks of all 78 EU member states. The Beneral (ouncil contributes to the
E()-s advisor! and coordination &ork and helps prepare for the further enlargement of the euro
area.
The European =m)udsman: in&estigating (our
compaints
'e( facts
1ole/ To uncover cases of maladministration and propose solutions
Term of office/ 4ive !ears% rene&able
Address/ :% Avenue du $rLsident 1obert Schuman% ).$. D?>
4.A8??: Strasbourg
Tel. (>>) >;; :8 7> :>
Internet/ ombudsman.europa.eu
The position of European 2mbudsman &as created b! the Treat! on European Union in :<<7.
The 2mbudsman acts as an intermediar! bet&een the citi'en and the EU authorities. +e is
entitled to receive and investigate complaints from EU citi'ens% businesses and organisations% and
from an!one residing or having their registered office in an EU countr!.
The 2mbudsman is elected b! the European $arliament for a rene&able term of five !ears% &hich
corresponds to $arliament-s legislative term. ikiforos 3iamandouros took up the post of
European 2mbudsman in April 7??> and &as re.elected in 0anuar! 7??= for a five.!ear term.
#hat does the =m)udsman do$
+e investigates 5maladministration- in the European Union institutions and bodies.
5@aladministration- means poor or failed administration " in other &ords% &hen an institution
fails to act in accordance &ith the la&% or fails to respect the principles of good administration% or
violates human rights. Some e6amples are/
unfairness%
discrimination%
abuse of po&er%
lack or refusal of information%
unnecessar! dela!%
incorrect procedures.

The 2mbudsman carries out investigations follo&ing a complaint or on his o&n initiative. +e
operates completel! independentl! and impartiall!. +e does not request or accept instructions
from an! government or organisation.
How do I compain to the =m)udsman$
If !ou &ant to complain about maladministration b! an EU institution or bod!% the first thing to
do is contact that institution or bod! through the usual administrative channels and tr! to get them
to put the situation right.
If that approach fails% !ou can complain to the European 2mbudsman.
Iou must make !our complaint to the 2mbudsman &ithin t&o !ears of the date on &hich !ou
became a&are of the act of maladministration. Iou must clearl! state &ho !ou are% &hich
institution or bod! !ou are complaining about% and &hat problem !ou are complaining about. Iou
ma! ask for the complaint to remain confidential.
4or practical guidance on making !our complaint% go to the 2mbudsman-s &ebsite/
ombudsman.europa.eu
#hat resut can I e>pect$
If the 2mbudsman cannot deal &ith !our complaint " for e6ample% if it has alread! been the
sub#ect of a court case " he &ill do his best to advise !ou &hich other bod! ma! be able to help.
To resolve !our problem% the 2mbudsman ma! simpl! need to inform the institution or bod!
concerned. If the problem is not cleared up during his enquiries% the 2mbudsman &ill tr! to find a
friendl! solution &hich puts the matter right and satisfies !ou.
If this fails% the 2mbudsman can make recommendations to resolve the issue. If the institution
concerned does not accept his recommendations% he can make a special report to the European
$arliament so that it can take &hatever political action is necessar!.
Ever! !ear% the 2mbudsman presents the European $arliament &ith a report on all his &ork.
The European 1ata %rotection ,uper&isor:
safeguarding (our pri&ac(
'e( facts
1ole/ To protect personal data processed b! the EU institutions
Term of office/ 4ive !ears% rene&able
Address/ 1ue ,iert' A?% @2 A>% ).:?D8 )russels
Tel. (>7.7) 7;> :< ??
Internet/ edps.europa.eu
The position of European 3ata $rotection Supervisor (E3$S) &as created in 7??:. The
responsibilities of the E3$S are to make sure that the EU institutions and bodies respect the right
to privac! &hen processing personal data.
#hat does the E1%, do$
,hen EU institutions and bodies process personal data about an identifiable person% the! must
respect that person-s right to privac!. The E3$S makes sure the! do.
5$rocessing- covers activities such as collecting data% recording and storing them% retrieving them
for consultation% sending them or making them available to other people% and also blocking%
erasing or destro!ing them.
There are strict privac! rules governing these activities. 4or e6ample% EU institutions and bodies
are% in general% not allo&ed to process personal data that reveal !our racial or ethnic origin%
political opinions% religious or philosophical beliefs or trade.union membership.
The E3$S &orks &ith the data protection officers in each EU institution or bod! to ensure that
the privac! rules are applied.
The E3$S gives advice on all matters that concern the processing of personal data " both on
processing done b! the EU institutions and bodies% and on proposals for ne& legislation. It
cooperates &ith national protection authorities in the EU countries% as &ell as &ith other actors in
this field.
In 7??D% $eter 0ohan +ustin6 &as appointed as European 3ata $rotection Supervisor.
How can the E1%, hep (ou$
If !ou have reason to believe that !our right to privac! has been infringed b! an EU institution or
bod!% !ou should firstl! address the people responsible for the processing. If !ou are not satisfied
&ith the outcome% !ou should contact the relevant data protection officer (the names can be found
on the E3$S &ebsite). Iou can also complain to the European 3ata $rotection Supervisor% &ho
&ill investigate !our complaint and let !ou kno& the outcome as soon as possible.
The E3$S can% for e6ample% order the institution or bod! concerned to correct% block% erase or
destro! personal data that have been unla&full! processed.
If !ou disagree &ith his decision% !ou ma! take the matter to the (ourt of 0ustice.
Agencies
An agenc( is not an EU institution: it is a )od( set up )( a specific piece of EU egisation to
carr( out a particuar task. *ot a EU agencies ha&e the word ?agenc(2 in their officia tite:
the( ma( instead )e caed+ for e>ampe+ a Centre+ 6oundation+ Institute+ or =ffice.
Communit( 6isheries Contro Agenc( @C6CAA
Eocation/ Migo% Spain (provisional headquarters/ )russels% )elgium)%
ec.europa.euFcfcaFinde6Nen.htm
This agenc! promotes and coordinates effective and uniform compliance &ith the rules of the
common fisheries polic!% in particular the protection of fish stocks.
Communit( %ant Bariet( =ffice @C%B=A
Eocation/ Angers% 4rance
&&&.cpvo.europa.eu
The ($M2 administers a s!stem of plant variet! rights% equivalent to a patent for ne& plant
varieties. These are protected for 7= or >? !ears depending on the t!pe of plant.
Education+ Audio&isua and Cuture E>ecuti&e Agenc( @EACEAA
Eocation/ )russels% )elgium
eacea.ec.europa.eu
This agenc! manages the practical aspects of the EU programmes &hich provide funding for
!outh% student and teacher programmes% and cultural and media activities.
Euro7ust
Eocation/ The +ague% etherlands
euro#ust.europa.eu
Euro#ust helps investigators and prosecutors across the EU &ork together in fighting cross.border
crime. It pla!s a ke! role in the e6change of information and e6tradition.
European Agenc( for the Canagement of =perationa Coordination at
the E>terna <orders of the Cem)er ,tates of the EU @6ronte>A
Eocation/ ,arsa&% $oland
fronte6.europa.eu
4ronte6 assists the EU countries in implementing EU rules on e6ternal border controls
consistentl! and in returning illegal immigrants to their countries of origin.
European Agenc( for :econstruction @EA:A
Eocation/ Thessaloniki% Breece
ear.europa.eu
The EA1 manages EU programmes for providing assistance &ith reconstruction% and economic
and social development% to &ar.damaged countries in the )alkan region.
European Agenc( for ,afet( and Heath at #ork @=,HAA
Eocation/ )ilbao% Spain
osha.europa.eu
This agenc! pools and raises a&areness of kno&ledge and information on health and safet! at
&ork% &ith an emphasis on creating a culture of effective prevention.
European A&iation ,afet( Agenc( @EA,AA
Eocation/ (ologne% Berman!
easa.europa.eu
The EASA promotes the highest possible standards of safet! and environmental protection in EU
civil aviation% and provides certification for planes and components.
European Centre for the 1e&eopment of Bocationa Training @CedefopA
Eocation/ Thessaloniki% Breece
cedefop.europa.eu
The centre promotes the development of vocational education and training. It is a centre of
e6pertise for the dissemination of kno&ledge and support for polic!making.
European Centre for 1isease %re&ention and Contro @EC1CA
Eocation/ Stockholm% S&eden
ecdc.europa.eu
E(3( identifies% assesses and provides information on current and emerging threats to human
health from infectious diseases% such as influen'a% SA1S and +IMFAI3S.
European Chemicas Agenc( @ECHAA
Eocation/ +elsinki% 4inland
ec.europa.euFecha
The agenc! manages the technical% scientific and administrative aspects of 1EA(+% the EU
registration s!stem for chemicals.
European 1efence Agenc( @E1AA
Eocation/ )russels% )elgium
eda.europa.eu
The E3A helps promote coherence in place of fragmentation in Europe-s defence and securit!
capabilities% including in armaments and equipment% research and operations.

European En&ironment Agenc( @EEAA
Eocation/ (openhagen% 3enmark
eea.europa.eu
The EEA provides polic!makers and the public &ith information to help promote
sustainable development and improvements in Europe-s environment.
European 6ood ,afet( Authorit( @E6,AA
Eocation/ $arma% Ital!
efsa.europa.eu
The authorit! provides the (ommission and the public &ith independent scientific advice on food
safet! and risks in the food chain 5from farm to fork-.
European 6oundation for the Impro&ement of 3i&ing and #orking
Conditions @EurofoundA
Eocation/ 3ublin% Ireland
eurofound.europa.eu
The foundation is a hub of information on social polic! issues% including emplo!ment and living
conditions% industrial relations and partnership% and social cohesion.
European 8o)a *a&igation ,ateite ,(stem ,uper&isor( Authorit(
@8,AA
Eocation/ )russels% )elgium (provisional headquarters)
ec.europa.euFtransportFgsa
This agenc! manages Europe-s satellite navigation programmes (notabl! Balileo and EB2S)%
&hich are giving Europe its o&n capabilit! and the latest technolog! in this field.
European Institute for 8ender EDuait(
Eocation/ Milnius% Eithuania
This ne& institute promotes gender equalit!% including gender mainstreaming% and supports the
fight against discrimination.
European Caritime ,afet( Agenc( @EC,AA
Eocation/ Eisbon% $ortugal
emsa.europa.eu
E@SA provides the (ommission and the EU countries &ith technical and scientific advice on
ho& to improve safet! and securit! at sea and prevent marine pollution.
European Cedicines Agenc( @ECEAA
Eocation/ Eondon% United Cingdom
emea.europa.eu
E@EA advises the (ommission &hen human and veterinar! medicines are read! to be put on the
EU market. It monitors adverse effects% and provides scientific advice.
European Conitoring Centre for 1rugs and 1rug Addiction
@ECC11AA
Eocation/ Eisbon% $ortugal
emcdda.europa.eu
The centre is a source of ob#ective% reliable and comparable information on drugs and drug
addiction in order to help polic!makers identif! common problems and goals.
European *etwork and Information ,ecurit( Agenc( @E*I,AA
Eocation/ +eraklion ((rete)% Breece
enisa.europa.eu
EISA helps ensure that information net&orks and the data the! carr! are secure b! collecting
information% anal!sing risks% raising a&areness and promoting best practice.
European %oice Coege @CE%=3A
Eocation/ )ramshill% United Cingdom
cepol.net
The college trains senior EU police officials and prepares training programmes for middle.
ranking officers% &ith a particular emphasis on combating cross.border crime.
European %oice =ffice @EuropoA
Eocation/ The +ague% etherlands
&&&.europol.europa.eu
Europol aims at improving the effectiveness and cooperation of la& enforcement authorities in
the EU countries in their fight against international organised crime.
European :aiwa( Agenc( @E:AA
Eocation/ EilleFMalenciennes% 4rance
&&&.era.europa.eu
This agenc! &orks on common approaches to rail&a! safet! and common standards for
interoperabilit! of rail&a!s to pave the &a! for a full! integrated EU net&ork.
European Training 6oundation @ET6A
Eocation/ Turin% Ital!
etf.europa.eu
The ET4 helps improve vocational training in non.EU countries% mainl! around the
@editerranean% in eastern Europe and in 1ussia.
European Union Agenc( for 6undamenta :ights @6:AA
Eocation/ Mienna% Austria
fra.europa.eu
This agenc! collects and disseminates ob#ective% and comparable information on fundamental
rights matters% and advises on ho& to promote these rights. This can be racism and 6enophobia
but also other fundamental rights.
European Union Institute for ,ecurit( ,tudies @EUI,,A
Eocation/ $aris% 4rance
&&&.iss.eu.org
The institute aims to help create a common European securit! culture% to enrich the strategic
debate% and s!stematicall! to promote the securit! interests of the Union.
European Union ,ateite Centre @EU,CA
Eocation/ Torre#On de Ardo'% Spain
&&&.eusc.europa.euF
The centre collects and anal!ses data and images from earth observation satellites in support of
EU foreign and securit! polic! priorities and humanitarian activities.
E>ecuti&e Agenc( for the %u)ic Heath %rogramme @%HEAA
Eocation/ Eu6embourg
ec.europa.euFphea
$+EA manages the practicalities of EU funding programmes for public health pro#ects% and feeds
the results back to public.health stakeholders and polic!makers.
=ffice for Harmonisation in the Interna Carket @Trade Carks and
1esignsA @=HICA
Eocation/ Alicante% Spain
&&&.oami.europa.eu
The office registers trade marks and designs. These are then valid across the EU. This s!stem
e6ists side.b!.side &ith the individual EU countries- domestic registration s!stems.
Transation Centre for the <odies of the European Union @C1TA
Eocation/ Eu6embourg
cdt.europa.eu
The centre provides translation services for the specialised agencies of the EU.


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