Institutions

Question 1

Article 13 TEU entrusts the following seven institutions with carrying out the tasks of the Union:

Answer 1

The Council (consists of ministers)
The European Council
The European Parliament (EP)
The Court of Justice of the EU (aka “CJEU”)
The Court of Auditors
The European Central Bank (ECB)

Question 2

Does the EU follow the doctrine of separation of powers?

Answer 2

No rigid separation of powers but legislative, executive, administrative, and judicial functions are shared among the various institutions.

Question 3

The Commission President

Answer 3

President holds office for 5 years - lays down guidelines for the working of the commission, decides on its internal organisation, appoints the Commission Vice-Presidents and can request the resignation of a commissioner.

Art 14(1) - European Parliament elects the President of the commission.
Art 7(7) - Council puts forward their candidate

Question 4

Supranational

Answer 4

members work for the EU itself.

Question 5

Intergovernmental

Answer 5

members continue to work for their state.

Question 6

Composition of the commission

Answer 6

One commissioner per member state.
This system is to be established by the European Council - Article 7(7) TEU and the composition of the Commission must reflect the demographic and geographical range of all Member States - Article 17(5) TEU, Article 244 TFEU.
Meet collectively as the College of Commissioners and make decisions by majority vote - Article 250 TFEU.

Question 7

Appointment of Commissioners

Answer 7

Member states make suggestions for Commissioners and the Council adopts the lists of those who are to be commissioners. This is subject to a vote by European Parliament. art 7(7)
Commissioners come from Member States but they do not represent their own state and their independence must be beyond doubt.

Question 8

Legislative power of the Commission

Answer 8

Commission develops the overall legislative plan for any single year - the agender- setting aspect of the commission’s work is significant in shaping the EU’s priorities for the year. - role is affirmed and qualified by article 17(1) TEU - Commission initiating the annual and multi-annual programme with a view to achieving inter-institutional agreement.