L'Union européenne : comment ça marche ?

Summary

The decision-making process in the European Union involves several key institutions. The European Council sets broad political priorities, while the European Commission proposes laws. The European Parliament, composed of 705 elected members, debates and votes on laws, which must also be approved by the Council of the European Union. This often requires multiple readings or a conciliation committee. After adoption, the European Commission ensures implementation, and the European Court of Justice ensures compliance. The European Court of Auditors oversees the Union's budget management. The system emphasizes collaboration between member states to create and enforce EU laws.

Takeaways

• 😀 The European Union's decision-making process involves six key institutions: the European Council, European Commission, European Parliament, Council of the European Union, Court of Justice of the EU, and European Court of Auditors.
• 😀 The European Council sets the general direction and priorities for the EU, gathering the heads of state or government of all 27 member states.
• 😀 The European Commission proposes new laws in the interest of all EU citizens, with one commissioner representing each member state but not acting on behalf of their home country.
• 😀 The European Parliament, composed of 705 members elected across the EU, debates, modifies, and votes on laws, with members grouped by political affiliation rather than nationality.
• 😀 Laws proposed by the European Commission must be approved by both the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, which consists of ministers from member states.
• 😀 The Council of the European Union meets in different formations depending on the subject of the law being discussed and amended.
• 😀 For a law to be adopted, it must pass through multiple readings and may require a conciliation committee to resolve disagreements between Parliament and the Council.
• 😀 Once a law is adopted, the European Commission ensures its implementation by all member states.
• 😀 The Court of Justice of the EU ensures that all member states correctly apply EU laws.
• 😀 The European Court of Auditors monitors the proper management and use of the EU's budget.

Q & A

What is the role of the European Council in the decision-making process of the European Union?

The European Council brings together the heads of state or government of the 27 member states. It sets the overall political direction, priorities, and gives momentum to the Union. It meets at least four times a year to define these priorities.

How does the European Commission contribute to EU decision-making?

The European Commission proposes laws in the interest of all Europeans. It is composed of one commissioner from each member state, but they do not represent their home countries. The Commission's proposals are the basis for legislative debates in the EU.

What is the role of the European Parliament in the legislative process of the EU?

The European Parliament, made up of 705 elected MEPs from the 27 member states, debates, modifies, and votes on proposed laws. The MEPs do not represent their nationalities but are organized into transnational political groups and vote based on their political ideologies.

How are laws passed in the European Union?

For a proposed law to be passed in the EU, it must be approved by both the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. This process may require multiple readings and, in some cases, the convening of a conciliation committee to reach an agreement.

What is the role of the Council of the European Union in lawmaking?

The Council of the European Union, composed of the ministers from each EU member state, discusses and modifies the laws proposed by the European Commission. They vote on these laws, which must also be approved by the European Parliament.

What is the function of the European Commission after a law is adopted?

Once a law is adopted by the European Parliament and the Council, the European Commission is responsible for ensuring its implementation across all EU member states.

What is the role of the Court of Justice of the European Union in the legislative process?

The Court of Justice of the European Union ensures that all EU member states correctly implement and comply with EU laws.

What does the European Court of Auditors do?

The European Court of Auditors is responsible for monitoring the proper management and use of the European Union's budget.

How often does the European Council meet?

The European Council meets at least four times a year to set the EU’s political priorities and direction.

How is the European Parliament structured in terms of political representation?

The European Parliament is composed of MEPs from 27 member states, who are not organized by nationality but into transnational political groups. These MEPs represent the citizens of Europe and vote according to their political beliefs and affiliations.