e2.3 - Role of the EU

Question 1

European council

Answer 1

Represents the will of national governments

Function and role:
To define the political direction and priorities of the European Union

Leads on matters of foreign policy

Legislates on most issues in conjunction with other EU institutions

Co-ordinates broad economic policy

Approves the EU’s budget in conjunction with European Parliament

Concludes international agreements with other trading blocs

Arranges co-operation between national courts and police forces on criminal matters

Question 2

European Parliament

Answer 2

Function and role:

Represents citizens through elected Members of Parliament (MEPs)

Has the power to request legislation to the Commission

Joint control of EU budget with Council

Legislates – debates and passes EU laws, with the Council

Scrutinises other EU institutions (particularly the Commission)

751 MEPs

Question 3

European commission

Answer 3

Function and role:

Promotes and represents the interests of the EU

Proposes EU legislation (usually requested by Parliament or Council)

Manages EU budget and implements agreed policy

Enforces EU law (in conjunction with European Court of Justice)

Initiates proceedings against member states for contraventions of EU law

Initiates proceedings against any EU institution which may have exceeded its powers

Duty to uphold the law and treaties

Question 4

Legal instruments in EU law

Answer 4

Treaties

Directives

Regulations

Decisions

Question 5

Treaties

Answer 5

Formally conducted and ratified agreements between member states

Primary EU legislation

Applicable directly to EU member states

Sets the constitutional basis from which all other legislation follows

Question 6

EU regs

Answer 6

Adopted by council in conjunction with European parliament

Directly binding on all member states

no need to assimilate into national laws

Take precedence over national laws

Question 7

Directives

Answer 7

Adopted by Council in conjunction with European Parliament

Addressed to some or all member states

Lay down general objectives to be achieved

Main purpose is to align national legislation

Allows choice of form and method adopted by national law

Usually involves modifying existing law or implementing new law

Usually given time to adopt (UK adopts as UK regulations)

Question 8

Decisions

Answer 8

Instrument by which the EU gives a ruling on a particular matter

can require a member state, organisation or citizen to take or refrain from taking a particular action

The person to whom it is directed must be specified

Question 9

Article 114

Answer 9

Aim - removal of barriers to trade by harmonising standards
Standard - High level of protection (H&S, environmental , consumer)
Voting by council - Unanimous

Question 10

Article 153

Answer 10

Aim - social responsibility, especially protection of workers
Standard - minimum requirement for Health and safety
Voting by council - Qualified majority voting

Question 11

European court of justice

Answer 11

Jurisdiction to give rulings on referrals made to it by the courts of member states

Interprets EU law to make sure it is applied in the same way in all EU countries

Settles legal disputes between EU governments and EU institutions

Individuals, companies or organisations can bring cases before the Court if they feel their rights have been infringed by an EU institution