22.2 Establishment of the European Union and its institutions

The European Union, established in 1993, transformed Europe's political landscape. It created a unique supranational organization with complex governing bodies and institutions. These structures aimed to foster cooperation and integration among member states.

The EU's institutions include executive, legislative, and judicial bodies. From the European Commission to the Court of Justice, each plays a crucial role in shaping policies and ensuring the Union's smooth functioning. This intricate system balances national interests with collective European goals.

Governing Bodies

Executive and Legislative Institutions

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• European Commission functions as the EU's executive branch, proposing and enforcing legislation
  • Consists of 27 Commissioners, one from each member state
  • Led by the Commission President, elected by the European Parliament
  • Responsible for implementing EU policies and managing day-to-day operations
• European Parliament serves as the directly-elected legislative body of the EU
  • 705 members elected by EU citizens every five years
  • Holds legislative power jointly with the Council of the European Union
  • Scrutinizes other EU institutions and approves the EU budget

Intergovernmental Decision-Making Bodies

• Council of the European Union represents the governments of individual member countries
  • Comprises ministers from each EU country, depending on the policy area discussed
  • Negotiates and adopts EU laws jointly with the European Parliament
  • Coordinates member states' policies and develops the EU's foreign and security policy
• European Council sets the EU's overall political direction and priorities
  • Consists of heads of state or government of EU countries, European Council President, and European Commission President
  • Meets at least four times a year to define the EU's general political direction and priorities
  • Does not pass laws but issues 'conclusions' during European Council meetings to identify specific issues of concern and actions to take

Judicial and Financial Institutions

Legal Oversight and Monetary Management

• Court of Justice of the European Union ensures EU law is interpreted and applied uniformly across member states
  • Comprises one judge from each EU country and 11 advocates general
  • Settles legal disputes between national governments and EU institutions
  • Interprets EU law at the request of national courts through preliminary rulings
• European Central Bank manages the euro and frames and implements EU economic and monetary policy
  • Located in Frankfurt, Germany
  • Main tasks include maintaining price stability and supporting general economic policies in the EU
  • Sets key interest rates for the Eurozone and manages the EU's foreign exchange reserves

Advisory Committees

Regional and Socioeconomic Consultation Bodies

• Committee of the Regions provides a voice for regional and local governments in EU decision-making
  • Composed of 329 members representing regional and local authorities across the EU
  • Consulted on legislative proposals affecting regions and cities (urban policy, transport, education)
  • Issues opinions on draft laws to ensure the position and needs of regional and local authorities are respected
• European Economic and Social Committee represents civil society organizations in EU policy discussions
  • Comprises 329 members from various economic and social interest groups across Europe
  • Provides a bridge between EU institutions and organized civil society
  • Issues opinions on EU legislative proposals and initiates opinions on topics it considers important

Supranational Organization

Structure and Functioning of the European Union

• European Union operates as a unique economic and political union between 27 European countries
  • Originated from the European Economic Community (EEC) established in 1957
  • Maastricht Treaty of 1993 established the EU and introduced European citizenship
  • Covers an area of 4,233,255 km² and has an estimated total population of 447 million
• Governance structure combines supranational and intergovernmental decision-making
  • Member states pool their sovereignty in certain policy areas
  • Maintains a single market with free movement of goods, capital, services, and people
  • Enacts legislation in justice and home affairs, and maintains common policies on trade, agriculture, fisheries, and regional development