The European Union: Structure

and Functioning
This document provides a comprehensive overview of the European Union (EU), exploring its
historical development, institutional framework, and decision-making processes. It examines
the roles and responsibilities of key EU institutions, including the European Parliament, the
European Commission, and the Council of the European Union. Finally, it addresses the current
challenges facing the EU and considers potential future directions. The aim is to offer a
detailed understanding of how the EU operates and its significance in the global political
landscape.
by lab paractice
Introduction to the European Union
The European Union (EU) is a political and economic alliance of 27 member states located
primarily in Europe. It was established in the aftermath of World War II with the goal of
fostering economic interdependence and preventing future conflicts. The EU operates through
a system of supranational institutions and intergovernmental negotiations. Member states
pool their sovereignty in certain areas to achieve common objectives, such as promoting
peace, prosperity, and security.
The EU's key features include a single market that allows for the free movement of goods,
services, capital, and people. It also encompasses a customs union with a common external
tariff policy. Many EU countries share a common currency, the euro, managed by the European
Central Bank. The EU also pursues common policies in areas such as agriculture, trade,
energy, and environmental protection. The EU has a population of over 447 million people and
represents a significant force in the global economy and political arena.

The EU's structure is complex and involves multiple institutions with distinct roles. The
European Parliament represents the citizens of the EU, while the European Commission acts as
the executive branch, proposing legislation and implementing policies. The Council of the
European Union represents the governments of the member states and is involved in the
legislative process. These institutions work together to shape the EU's policies and
regulations.
The European Union's influence extends beyond its borders through trade agreements,
development aid, and diplomatic initiatives. It plays a significant role in international
organizations such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. The EU is
committed to promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law both within its borders
and around the world.
History and Development of the EU
The origins of the European Union can be traced back to the 1950s, following the devastation
of World War II. The Treaty of Paris, signed in 1951, established the European Coal and Steel
Community (ECSC), bringing together France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and
Luxembourg to regulate their coal and steel industries. The ECSC aimed to prevent future
conflicts by fostering economic cooperation and interdependence.

In 1957, the Treaty of Rome established the European Economic Community (EEC) and the
European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom). The EEC aimed to create a common market
among its member states, while Euratom focused on promoting the peaceful use of atomic
energy. The EEC proved to be highly successful, leading to increased trade and economic
growth among its members.
Over the decades, the EEC expanded its membership and broadened its scope of activities. In
1973, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Denmark joined the EEC. Greece, Spain, and Portugal
followed in the 1980s. The Single European Act, adopted in 1986, aimed to complete the
internal market by removing barriers to trade and harmonizing regulations.

The Treaty on European Union, signed in Maastricht in 1992, marked a significant step in the
integration process. It established the European Union and introduced the concept of a
common currency. The euro was launched in 1999, and euro coins and banknotes entered
circulation in 2002. The EU continued to expand its membership in the 21st century, with
countries from Central and Eastern Europe joining in 2004 and 2007.

The EU has faced numerous challenges throughout its history, including economic crises,
political disagreements, and the rise of populism. The United Kingdom's decision to leave the
EU, known as Brexit, has had a significant impact on the organization. Despite these
challenges, the EU remains a major force in the global political landscape, committed to
promoting peace, prosperity, and cooperation among its member states.
Institutional Framework of the EU
The European Union's institutional framework is composed of several key institutions, each
with distinct roles and responsibilities. These institutions work together to shape the EU's
policies and regulations.
The European Parliament represents the citizens of the EU and is directly elected by them.
It shares legislative power with the Council of the European Union and has budgetary control
over the EU's finances. The Parliament also plays a role in the election of the President of the
European Commission and can hold the Commission accountable.

The European Council is composed of the heads of state or government of the member
states. It provides political direction and sets the overall priorities for the EU. The European
Council does not have legislative power but plays a crucial role in resolving major policy
disagreements.
The Council of the European Union represents the governments of the member states. It
shares legislative power with the European Parliament and is responsible for adopting EU laws
and coordinating policies. The Council is composed of ministers from the member states,
depending on the topic being discussed.

The European Commission acts as the executive branch of the EU. It proposes legislation,
implements policies, and manages the EU's budget. The Commission is composed of
commissioners appointed by the member states. The Commission is responsible for ensuring
that EU laws are properly implemented and enforced.

The Court of Justice of the European Union ensures that EU law is interpreted and applied
correctly. It has jurisdiction over disputes between member states, EU institutions, and
individuals. The Court's rulings are binding on all parties.

Other important EU institutions include the European Central Bank, which manages the euro,
and the European Court of Auditors, which audits the EU's finances. These institutions work
together to ensure that the EU operates effectively and transparently.
Decision-Making Processes in the EU
The European Union's decision-making processes are complex and involve multiple stages and
actors. The most common legislative procedure is the ordinary legislative procedure, also
known as co-decision, which involves both the European Parliament and the Council of the
European Union.
Under the ordinary legislative procedure, the European Commission proposes legislation to the
European Parliament and the Council. The Parliament and the Council each have the power to
amend or reject the Commission's proposal. If the Parliament and the Council agree on the
proposal, it becomes law. If they disagree, the proposal goes through a conciliation process to
reach a compromise.
In certain areas, such as taxation and foreign policy, the Council of the European Union makes
decisions by unanimity, meaning that all member states must agree. This can make it difficult
to reach decisions in these areas. In other areas, the Council makes decisions by qualified
majority voting, which requires a certain number of member states to support the proposal.

The European Council plays a role in setting the overall political direction of the EU and can
influence the legislative process. The European Council can issue guidelines and
recommendations to the Commission and the Council, but it does not have legislative power.

The decision-making processes in the EU are often criticized for being complex and opaque.
However, they are designed to ensure that the interests of both the member states and the
citizens of the EU are taken into account.
The European Parliament and its Rol
The European Parliament is one of the key institutions of the European Union, representing the
citizens of the EU. It is directly elected by EU citizens every five years. The Parliament has
grown in power and influence over the years and now plays a significant role in the EU's
decision-making processes.
The Parliament shares legislative power with the Council of the European Union. It has the
power to amend or reject legislation proposed by the European Commission. The Parliament
also has budgetary control over the EU's finances and can influence the allocation of funds to
different programs and policies.

The Parliament plays a role in the election of the President of the European Commission. The
Parliament can approve or reject the Commission President nominated by the European
Council. The Parliament also has the power to hold the Commission accountable and can pass
a vote of no confidence, which would force the entire Commission to resign.

The Parliament is composed of members elected from each of the EU member states. The
number of members each country has is based on its population. The members of the
European Parliament (MEPs) are organized into political groups based on their ideological
affiliations.
The Parliament plays a crucial role in promoting democracy and transparency in the EU. It
provides a forum for debate and discussion on important issues and helps to ensure that the
voices of EU citizens are heard.

The European Parliament is actively involved in shaping EU policies in areas such as

environmental protection, consumer rights, and data protection. It works to ensure that EU
laws are effective and that they protect the interests of EU citizens.
The European Commission and its
Functions
The European Commission serves as the executive branch of the European Union. It is
responsible for proposing legislation, implementing policies, and managing the EU's budget.
The Commission plays a crucial role in ensuring that EU laws are properly implemented and
enforced.
The Commission is composed of commissioners appointed by the member states. Each
commissioner is responsible for a specific portfolio, such as trade, energy, or agriculture. The
commissioners work together to develop and implement EU policies.

The Commission has the power to propose legislation to the European Parliament and the
Council of the European Union. The Commission's proposals are based on extensive research
and consultation with stakeholders. The Commission is responsible for ensuring that its
proposals are consistent with EU law and that they promote the interests of the EU as a whole.

The Commission is also responsible for managing the EU's budget. It allocates funds to
different programs and policies and ensures that the money is spent effectively and efficiently.
The Commission works closely with the member states to implement EU policies and programs
at the national level.
The Commission plays a key role in enforcing EU law. It can investigate alleged violations of EU
law and can take legal action against member states that fail to comply. The Commission also
works to ensure that EU laws are applied consistently across all member states.

The European Commission is committed to promoting transparency and accountability in the

EU. It publishes a wide range of information about its activities and provides opportunities for
citizens and stakeholders to participate in the policy-making process.
The Council of the European
Union and its Responsibilities
The Council of the European Union, often referred to as simply "the Council," is one of the key
legislative bodies of the European Union. It represents the governments of the member states
and is composed of ministers from each country, depending on the topic being discussed. The
Council shares legislative power with the European Parliament and plays a crucial role in
adopting EU laws and coordinating policies.

The Council's responsibilities include adopting EU legislation, coordinating economic policies,

concluding international agreements, and approving the EU's budget. The Council also plays a
role in foreign policy and defense matters.

The Council makes decisions in different ways, depending on the issue being discussed. In
some areas, such as taxation and foreign policy, decisions must be made unanimously,
meaning that all member states must agree. In other areas, the Council can make decisions by
qualified majority voting, which requires a certain number of member states to support the
proposal.
The presidency of the Council rotates among the member states every six months. The
country holding the presidency is responsible for setting the agenda and chairing meetings of
the Council. The presidency plays a key role in coordinating the Council's work and in building
consensus among the member states.

The Council works closely with the European Parliament and the European Commission to
shape EU policies and regulations. The Council's decisions have a significant impact on the
lives of EU citizens and on the EU's role in the world.
Challenges and Future of the
European Union
The European Union faces a number of significant challenges in the 21st century. These
challenges include economic crises, political disagreements, and the rise of populism. The EU
also faces external challenges, such as migration flows and security threats.

The EU's economic challenges include high levels of debt in some member states, slow
economic growth, and high unemployment. The EU has implemented a number of measures to
address these challenges, including fiscal austerity and structural reforms.

Political disagreements among the member states can make it difficult to reach consensus on
important issues. The rise of populism in many European countries has further complicated
the political landscape. Populist parties often advocate for policies that are at odds with the
EU's goals and values.
The EU also faces external challenges, such as migration flows from Africa and the Middle
East. These flows have put pressure on the EU's borders and have led to political tensions
among the member states. The EU also faces security threats from terrorism and
cyberattacks.
Despite these challenges, the EU remains a major force in the global political landscape. The
EU is committed to promoting peace, prosperity, and cooperation among its member states.
The EU is also working to address the challenges it faces and to build a stronger and more
resilient organization for the future.

The future of the EU will depend on its ability to adapt to changing circumstances and to
address the concerns of its citizens. The EU must also work to strengthen its institutions and to
improve its decision-making processes. By doing so, the EU can continue to play a vital role in
promoting peace, prosperity, and security in Europe and around the world.