EU INSTITUTIONS
The Council of the European Union proposes and establishes the economic and political objectives of the European Union. It directs the European Commission to formulate proposals and negotiates with both the Commission and the European Parliament all aspects of
EU, including legislation.
The European Commission drafts legislative proposals, negotiates with the European Parliament and implements EU legislation according to the EU Treaties. It acts as the administrative service of the EU and manages all EU diplomatic and trade representation.
The European Parliament debates EU Commission legislative proposals and negotiates with the Commission and the Council to achieve appropriate EU legislation. It monitors all EU activities through its numerous Committees and has the power to confirm the appointment of Commissioners.
The European Court of Justice interprets EU legislation and its rulings are binding on each Member State.
The European Court of Auditors is the EU’s independent auditor for charged with auditing accounts of the European Institutions, including the Commission, the European parliament and all other EU bodies.
European Economic and Social Committee is an advisory forum of socio-economic organisations from each EU Member State providing a platform for business, professional & trade organisation as well as civil society to liase with the European Union.
Committee of the Regions representing local government from each EU Member State review new EU proposals for opinions fed to both the Commission and the Council.
Institutional links for the EU Europa
The European Union On-Line
http://www.europa.eu.int
European Commission http://europa.eu.int/comm/
European Parliament http://www.europarl.eu.int
Council of the European Union
http://ue.eu.int/en/summ.htm
