The
European Union
THE
EUROPEAN UNION
The European Union (EU) consists of a group of countries in Europe
which have decided to join forces for their mutual benefit.
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The
objectives of the EU include :
- the
defence of freedom, democracy, respect for human rights,
fundamental freedoms and the rule of law
- the
creation of an economic and monetary union, including
a stable, single currency
- solidarity
between the Union’s peoples
- the
promotion of social and economic progress
- the
establishment of a common citizenship
- the
development of a common foreign and security policy
- cooperation
in the fields of justice and home affairs
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THE
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
- 626
members
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elected for five years by direct universal suffrage
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the Parliament normally meets in Strasbourg
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powers :
- legislative power
- budgetary powers
- supervision of the executive
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THE
EUROPEAN COUNCIL
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- called
the “European Summit”
- composed
if the Heads of State and Government
- meets
twice a year
-
sets the general guidelines for Europe’s development
and activities
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THE
COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
-
principal decision – making institution of the EU
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shares executive power with the Commission
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made up of Member States’ government ministers for each
specific area (agriculture, finance, transport, etc..)
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has the final say over whether Union legislation is adopted
or not
THE
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
- the
executive institution
-
made up of twenty members appointed for five years
- powers
:
- to ensure that the treaties are observed
- to propose European legislation
- to administer Union policies
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THE
COURT OF JUSTICE
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- made
up of fifteen judges
-
ensures that the law is observed in the interpretation
and application of the Treaties and generally in all of
the activities of the Union
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THE
COURT OF AUDITORS
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-
made
up of fifteen members appointed for a six-year term
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responsible for checking that the EU spends its money
according to its budgetary rules and regulations and
for the purposes for which it is intended
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