Presentation Transcript

1. Institutions of the European Union

   Romy Franks, BYU MEU Student Director European Studies, German Studies
2. Main Governing Bodies European Central Bank Court of Justice of the European Union Court of Auditors European Parliament European Commission Council of the European Union European Council
3. EU vs. US
4. The European Parliament MEPs are directly elected every 5 years and represent the European citizens. Currently 754 members. Largest trans-national democratic electorate in the world.
5. The European Parliament Three main roles: Debating and passing European laws (with Council); Democratic supervision of other EU institutions (particularly the Commission); Debating and adopting EU budget (with Council).
6. Political Groups in the European Parliament
7. European Parliament Building “EspaceLéopold” in Brussels
8. The European Commission Promotes interests of the EU as a whole. President nominated by European Council. Current President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso of Portugal. Members or “Commissioners” appointed by national governments (subject to approval of European Parliament). One Commissioner per country; serves for 5-year term. Can refer to 27 individual Commissioners, the permanent staff, or the institution as a whole.
9. The European Commission European Commission Staff: Administrators, Lawyers, Economists, Translators, Interpreters, Secretarial Staff. Organized in departments known as Directorates-General (DGs).
10. The European Commission Oversees and implements EU policies by: Proposing new laws to Parliament and the Council; Managing EU budget and allocating funds; Enforcing EU law (with Court of Justice); Representing the EU internationally (negotiating agreements between EU and other countries).
11. European Commission Building “Berlaymont Building” in Brussels
12. The Council of the European Union Also known as the Council of Ministers or simply “The Council.” Represents the governments and national interests of individual member states. Where national ministers from EU countries meet to adopt laws and coordinate policies. Each member state has a certain number of votes based on population. Chaired by a “Presidency of the Council” (rotated between member states). Currently the Irish Presidency.
13. The Council of the European Union Main objectives: Passes EU laws; Coordinates broad economic policies of EU member states; Signs agreements between EU and other countries; Approves annual EU budget; Develops EU foreign and defense policies; Coordinates cooperation between courts and police forces of member countries.
14. Council of the European Union Building “Justus Lipsius Building”
15. The European Council Sets the EU’s overall political direction and broad priorities. No legislative power – cannot pass laws. Led by a president, currently Herman Van Rompuy (A Belgian). Comprised of national heads of state or government and the President of the Commission. Meets roughly two times every six months for a few days.
16. The European Council “Justus Lipsius Building”
17. Recap
18. Recap
19. Recap
20. Questions?
21. Sources “The History of the European Union” http://www.freedominfonetwork.org/profiles/blogs/the-history-of-the-european-union “European Union Institutions and Other Bodies” http://europa.eu/about-eu/institutions-bodies/index_en.htm European Council: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Council, http://europa.eu/about-eu/institutions-bodies/european-council/index_en.htm European Commission: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Commission, http://europa.eu/about-eu/institutions-bodies/european-commission/index_en.htm European Parliament:http://europa.eu/about-eu/institutions-bodies/european-parliament index_en.htm, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Parliament Council of the European Union: http://europa.eu/about-eu/institutions-bodies/council-eu/index_en.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_the_European_Union Pictures through Google Images and Wikipedia