Law Library at Allard Hall
Introduction
The governmental structure of the EU is divided among various institutions that create a system of checks and balances. Each of the following institutions has specific responsibilities with respect to the shaping, implementing and monitoring of EU regulations and policies. The following is a brief summary of the key institutions. See European Union for more information.
Executive Branch
- European CouncilConsists of the heads of state of EU members and defines the general political guidelines of the EU.
- European CommissionThe EU's politically independent executive arm responsible for drafting all legislative and policy proposals for EU laws, which are then submitted to the Council and the Parliament for amendment and approval. Its primary duty is to uphold the common interest of the EU by ensuring that the regulations and directives adopted by the Council and the Parliament are implemented in the Member States.
Legislative Branch
- European ParliamentThe Parliament is an elected body that represents the interests of the citizens of the EU; it shares its legislative powers with the Council. It is charged with overseeing the EU budget and monitors the activities of the EU Commission. In most cases, the Council submits proposed legislation to the Parliament for comment and debate.
- Council of the European UnionThe Council is the main decision-making body of the EU. It negotiates and adopts EU laws, coordinates member states' policies, develops the EU's common foreign and security policy, concludes international agreements, and adopts the EU budget.
- European CommissionPromotes the general interest of the EU by proposing and enforcing legislation as well as by implementing policies and the EU budget.
Judicial Branch
- Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU)The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) interprets EU law and settles legal disputes between national governments and EU institutions. It can also hear cases by individuals, companies or organisations against EU institutions.
The CJEU is divided into two courts: the Court of Justice which deals with requests for preliminary rulings from national courts and certain actions for annulment and appeals, and the General Court which deals mainly with competition law, State aid, trade, agriculture, and trade marks.