22.2 Establishment of the European Union and its institutions
3 min read•august 9, 2024
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 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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Top images from around the web for 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
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
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
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
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
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 and manages the EU's foreign exchange reserves
Advisory Committees
Regional and Socioeconomic Consultation Bodies
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
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 (EEC) established in 1957
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