EU Flashcards
(12 cards)
What are the main powers of the European Parliament?
+Co-legislates with the Council of the EU under the Ordinary Legislative Procedure – both must agree for most laws to pass.
+Has the power to approve or reject the EU budget (jointly with the Council).
+Holds the European Commission to account, including the power to dismiss it via a motion of censure (requires two-thirds majority).
+Approves international agreements and the appointment of the Commission President.
EURO PAR: How is it composed?
+705 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) elected every 5 years by proportional representation.
+Represent EU citizens and sit in transnational political groups, not national blocs (e.g., European People’s Party, S&D).
EURO PAR:Where is it based?
+Strasbourg – official seat for monthly plenary sessions.
+Brussels – for additional sessions and committee meetings.
+Luxembourg – home to administrative offices.
EURO PAR: Limits to its power?
+Cannot propose new legislation — that power lies with the Commission.
+Must work jointly with the Council, so has limited independent influence.
+National governments (via the Council) often hold more sway on sensitive issues like foreign policy.
What are the Commission’s main powers?
+Sole initiator of EU legislation – no other body can propose new laws.
+Enforces EU law – can bring member states to the Court of Justice for non-compliance.
+Oversees implementation of the EU budget and programmes like the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
+Represents the EU internationally in areas such as trade negotiations (e.g., negotiating trade deals with non-EU countries).
EURO COM: How is it composed?
+27 Commissioners – one from each member state, including the President of the Commission.
+Appointed by national governments and approved by the European Parliament.
+Commissioners swear to act in the EU’s interest, not their home country’s.
EURO COM: Where is it based?
Mainly Brussels, with some functions in Luxembourg.
EURO COM: Limits to its power?
+Cannot pass legislation independently – needs approval from both Parliament and Council.
+Oversight by Parliament and subject to public scrutiny.
+Cannot act against the collective will of member states.
CJEU: What are its main powers?
Court of Justice of the European Union
+Interprets EU law to ensure it is applied uniformly across all member states.
+Adjudicates disputes between EU institutions, and between the EU and member states.
+Can rule on cases brought by individuals, businesses, or member states — e.g., regarding breaches of EU law.
+Can issue preliminary rulings when national courts refer EU law questions.
CJEU: How is it composed?
+1 judge per member state (27 total), plus 11 Advocates-General who advise on complex cases.
+Judges are appointed by agreement between national governments.
CJEU: Where is it based?
Luxembourg City.
