How the EU Institutions Function

Summary

This video provides an insightful overview of the European Union's governance structure, highlighting key institutions like the European Council, Commission, and Parliament. It discusses their functions, including law-making and budget oversight, while addressing criticisms regarding the EU's perceived lack of democracy and efficiency. The complex interplay between various bodies is examined, noting the challenges posed by their distribution across multiple cities. The video aims to clarify how these institutions work together, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the Euro and its crisis in future episodes.

Takeaways

• 🇪🇺 The European Council consists of 28 leaders from EU member states who meet quarterly to define EU policy and integration.
• 📜 The European Commission drafts EU laws and is made up of 28 commissioners, each representing a member state.
• 🗳️ The European Parliament votes on proposed laws and allocates the EU budget, reflecting a parliamentary system similar to national parliaments.
• 👥 Seats in the European Parliament are allocated based on the population of member states, with each state receiving at least 6 seats.
• 🤝 The relationship between the European Commission and Parliament raises concerns about democratic legitimacy, as commissioners are not directly elected by citizens.
• 📉 Voter turnout in European elections is declining, with citizens often focusing on national rather than European issues.
• ⚖️ The Council of Ministers, composed of ministers from each member state, balances the power of the European Parliament in legislative matters.
• 🏛️ The European Court of Justice ensures that EU laws are applied consistently across member states and resolves legal disputes.
• 💰 The European Central Bank and Eurogroup play crucial roles in managing the euro and economic stability in the EU.
• 🌍 Non-EU countries can participate in the European Economic Area and Schengen but have no influence over EU legislation, highlighting the complexities of EU relations.

Q & A

What is the role of the European Council?

The European Council is composed of the chancellors, presidents, and prime ministers of the EU member states, meeting four times a year to define EU policy, promote European integration, and can veto EU plans if a majority of leaders oppose them.

How does the European Commission operate?

The European Commission is responsible for drafting EU laws and is made up of 28 commissioners, each representing a member state and specializing in a specific area of EU law. It is led by a president nominated by the European Council and approved by the European Parliament.

What happens after the European Commission proposes a law?

If the proposed law concerns EU policy, it goes to the European Parliament for a vote. If a majority approves it, the law is adopted.

How are seats in the European Parliament allocated?

Seats in the European Parliament are allocated based on the population of each member state, with a minimum of six seats guaranteed for each country, totaling 751 seats.

What are the functions of the European Parliament?

The European Parliament sets the EU budget, oversees other EU institutions, and votes on proposed laws. It operates similarly to national parliaments.

What distinguishes the European Parliament from the European Commission?

The European Commission drafts laws, while the European Parliament debates and votes on them. This unique structure has led to perceptions of a democratic deficit in the EU.

What is the role of the Council of Ministers?

The Council of Ministers consists of one minister from each EU country and is involved in foreign affairs and cooperation between countries, balancing the interests of member states against EU goals.

How does the European Court of Justice function?

The European Court of Justice, comprising one judge from each member state, ensures EU laws are applied consistently across all member states and resolves legal disputes between institutions and countries.

What are the criticisms related to EU governance mentioned in the video?

Critics argue that the Commission is undemocratic since its members are not elected by voters, and that the Parliament often acts more like a lobby group focused on increasing its power rather than genuinely representing citizens.

What is the significance of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Schengen agreements?

Countries like Norway and Iceland participate in the EEA and Schengen, allowing them to trade freely and move across borders with EU states without having a say in EU legislation.