EU Institutions

EU Institutions

1. Commission

   • President
     • Article 149(1) TEU: Elected by the European Parliament
     • Responsibilities: Lay down guidelines, appoint vice-presidents, internal organisation
   • College Of Commsioners
     • Commission now comprised of members which represent two thirds of the member states, unless the European Council votes unanimously to alter this number. Article 27(5) TEU
       • Previously One member from each member state - Article 17(4) TEU (PRE October 2014)
     • Member states make suggestions for members. The Council and the Commission's president elect then selects a list of who are to be commissioners. This list is subject to a vote of approval by the European Parliament
   • Powers of the commission set out in Article 17 TEU

2. The European Parliament

   • 750 members, plus the president. The number of each state's members based on the population size. Minimum of six members per state, Maximum 96
   • The European Parliament Elects the President of the Commission

3. The European Council

   • Recommends A candidate for the Presidency of the Commission to Parliament
   • Presidency decided by a overall majority - In office for 2.5 years
   • Central to the EU's decision making process. No important developments occurs without having been considered by the council

4. The Council

   • Split into different configurations depending on the subject being discussed.
     • Members - A representative of each member state at ministerial level
     • General Affaris Council
       • Creates Agenda for European Council
     • Foreign Affairs Council
       • Chaired By the High representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs
     • Economics Finance Council
     • Presidents of configurations (aside from the foreign affairs committee) decided by a qualified majority
   • Represents National Interests