Lecutre 2 (executive Branch)

Question 1

What is the executive branch of the EU?

Answer 1

European council, European comission

Question 2

Of whom does the **European Council ** consist?

Answer 2

ART. 15 (2) TEU
-Heads of state/ government of the MS.
-The permanent president of the European Council
-the President of the commission

(The High
Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy shall take part in its work.)

ART. 15 (2) TEU

Question 3

What is the function of the European Council?

Answer 3

Art. 15(1) TEU: The European
Council shall define the general political directions and priorities thereof. It shall not exercise
legislative functions.
-specific powers in regard to treaty amendments, institutional arrangements
-FACTUAL ROLE bigger than described in treaties.

ART. 15 (1)

Question 4

How does the EUROPEAN COUNCIL make decisions?

Answer 4

-European Council adopts a conclusion after every meeting (reflection of main agenda points
discussed, political decisions taken and priorities set, statements /declarations made)** which is adopted by consensus.**
-Conclusions not legally binding but
factually they are considered as such

Question 5

What are the tasks and responsibilities of the European Commission?

Answer 5

–MOST IMPORTANT (denk k)= RIGHT TO INITIATIVE=to propose new laws on the matters contained in the treaties
-Promote general interest of the EU.
-Ensure application of EU law by memberstates.
-External representation (negotiation trade agreements (example)
- Budgetary and management functions (EU funds)
-Other (coordinating) functions laid down in the Treaties.

Art. 17(1) TEU

Question 6

Who are the members of the european COMMISSION?

Answer 6

-Every state has one (1) commissioner. In total (27) commisioners.
-each commisioner has certain portfolio (such as; climate).
-are in office for 5 years.
-MEMBER STATES suggest a commisoner.
-parliament consent to commisioners. parliament can send the whole commission but not induvidual member.

Question 7

How does the right to initiative work in practice?

Answer 7

-the content and timing of a commission initiative can frequently be traced back to conclusion of the european council.
-The EC often makes specific requests to the commission to make use of its right of initiative

Question 8

What are the ‘special’ members of the european commission?

Answer 8

• most commisioners are just commisioners, some are also Executive Vice-President.
• The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (Vice President of the Commission, art. 18(4) TEU) is also member of the commission.
• president of commision (ursula von der leyen)

Question 9

What is the role of the president of the commission?

Answer 9

-president has internal and external role.
-external role is to:
-respresent the commison to the EP, and the union in general
- is also member of euro council.
- Eu council proposes president, EP has to elect this candidate.

Question 10

What is the EU’s ‘dual executive’?

Answer 10

the executive consists of the European Commission and the European Council.
the commission has the right to iniative.
the EC leads the EU and has political authority.