The European Union

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5 parts of the European Union

The 5 institutions within the EU include:

  • 1). The European Parliament
  • 2). The Council of Ministers
  • 3). The European Council
  • 4). The European Commission
  • 5). The European Court of Justice
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1). The European Parliament

The European Parliament:

  • This represents the EU citizens
  • Implements binding laws on the EU member states
  • Consists of 800 MEPs and 8 political groups
  • Votes in favour and against new laws
  • Consists of MEPs, such as Nigel Farage.
  • It is a SURPRANTIONAL body, as it makes binding laws.
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2). The Council of Ministers

The Council of Ministers:

  • This adopts new laws, on behalf of national governments
  • Consists of Ministers from each member state
  • These ministers have special fields
  • Negotiates with the European Parliament
  • Every 6 months, the Presidency changes.
  • INTERGOVERNMENTAL body- as it seeks influence, not binding laws.
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3). The European Council

The European Council:

  • This consists of the Heads of States or Heads of Governments from each member state.
  • Meets 4 times a year
  • Negotiates economic and foreign policy
  • This is an institution within the EU
  • INTERGOVERNMENTAL body
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4). The European Commission

The European Commission:

  • This makes proposals
  • This overseas implementation effectively
  • Represents common European interest.
  • However, this is seen as a negative because this means that member states are not representing the interest of their nation states.
  • Has a staff of 20,000.
  • Undemocratic as they are unelected.
  • SUPRANATIONAL body
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5). The European Court of Justice

The European Court of Justice:

  • Composed of 28 Judges (one Judge from each member state).
  • Takes on cases where countries part of the EU have failed to abide by the EU law.
  • They work closely with the European Commission
  • SUPRANATIONAL body has they are above the state-it's authority is higher than state sovereignty.
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