1. 1 EU LAW WEEK 3 INSTITUTIONS OF THE EU

2. 2 INSTITUTIONS Institutions of the EU Principal Institutions Advisory Institutions 1.European Parliament 2.The Council of Ministers 3.The Commission 4.The European Court of Justice & Court of First Instance 1.The Court of Auditors 2.The Economic and Social Committee 3.The Committee of Regions 4.European Investment Bank *The European Council is a political body of EU but it is not an institution. Do not confuse it with the Council of Ministers

3. 3 European Council Started in 1974 Meetings known as “Summits” Legal basis was given by SEA Meetings held twice a year and head of states or governments represented Defines the general political guidelines

4. 4 European Parliament Composition Until SEA it was known as the Assembly Since 1979 MEP are elected by direct universal suffrage Represents the citizens of Europe MEP sit in cross national-political groupings.

5. 5 European Parliament Powers of the Parliament Political Control over the Commission Legislative Power- Democratic Deficit Budgetary Powers

6. 6 The Council of Ministers Composition Main legislative organ Represents the interests of MS Made up of ministers of MS depending on the subject under discussion Presidency rotates among MS

7. 7 Council of Ministers Duties and Powers 1. Coordination of general economic policies 2. Power to take decisions 3. Delegate tasks to the Commission 4. Legislative powers

8. 8 Council of Ministers Voting 3 systems 1. Simple: Unless specified otherwise 2. Unanimity: In a few very important areas 3. Qualified Majority Voting: Almost the norm

9. 9 Council of Ministers COREPER: Committee of Permanent Representatives: Carry out the daily workings of Council Decides on the Agenda

10. 10 Commission Composition Bureaucracy of the Community Consist of 17 Commissioners Nominated by the common accord of MS and approved by the Parliament Divided into directorates-generals

11. 11 Commission Powers and Duties 1. Prepares proposals for legislation: Right of Initiative 2. Coordinator of Community policy 3. Conclude agreements with third countries 4. Management of Funds

12. 12 Commission 5. Guardian of the Treaties: a) Administrative control of MS b) Enforcement roles in relation to state aid and anti-competitive activities c) Advise to national courts in the interpretations of EU competition law

13. 13 European Court of Justice-ECJ Achievements Ensures the effective application of EU law Important role on the development of a ‘constitution’ of EU Developed package of fundamental rights

14. 14 European Court of Justice Developed the doctrine of direct effect and supremacy of EU law Composition Formed by 15 judges and 9 advocates general Each MS nominates one judge Advocates general give opinion on the cases

15. 15 European Court of Justice Procedure before the ECJ Governed by its own rules of procedure 2 stages: Written and oral A judge rapporteur is attained for each case to prepare a ‘report for the hearing’

16. 16 European Court of Justice Jurisdiction 1. Actions against MS infringement of EU law 2. Actions against institutions 3. Actions for annulment 4. Actions for failure to act 5. Preliminary Rulings

17. 17 Court of First Instance-CFI Introduced by SEA and established in 1988 15 judges no advocates general Duty is to assist the ECJ Jurisdiction 1. Cases between the EU and its staff 2. Matters arising out of ECSC Treaty

18. 18 Court of First Instance 3. Actions raised by natural and legal persons in the area of competition law 4. Actions brought by natural and legal persons against acts of institutions

19. 19 Court of Auditors Established in 1977 and since TEU it is accepted as a principal institution Consists of 15 members Consultation of Parliament is required before appointment of the members Examines the legality of revenue and expenditures of the Community

20. 20 The Economic and Social Committee- ECOSOC Consists of representatives from various economic and social interests Organized into specialist sections Committee expresses opinion on matters such as agriculture, environment etc.

21. 21 The Committee of the Regions It was established by the TEU The purpose is to provide opinions on issues which may affect the regions of the Community It must be consulted by the Council and Commission on issues such as education, culture, youth, etc.