EU Institutions
Who is the EU? – Institutions
The EU’s institutional framework doesn’t look like that of a typical nation state.
Focus on a balance of powers, rather than a separation of powers.
An institution may have several different functions.
Commission.
Logistics power.
Judicial power.
Executive power.
Several institutions may participate in the same function.
Law-making.
Article 13 TEU – Institutional Framework
Art 13(1) – ‘The Union shall have an institutional framework which shall aim to
promote its values, advance its objectives, serve its interests, those of its citizens and
those of the Member States, and ensure the consistency, effectiveness and
continuity of its policies and actions…’.
The 7 EU institutions:
European Parliament.
European Council.
Council of the EU.
European Commission.
Court of Justice.
European Central Bank.
Court of Auditors.
Article 13(2) – ‘Each institution shall act within the limits of the powers conferred on
it in the Treaties, and in conformity with the procedures, conditions and objectives
set out in them. The institutions shall practice mutual sincere cooperation.
Institutional Power Relations in the EU
Consider the institutions in terms of:
Supranational or intergovernmental character?
Supranational – operate independently, or beyond, the Member State
interests.
Intergovernmental – reliant on Member State input, interests and
priorities.
Significance of their powers.
Increased or decreased throughout time?
Accountability of institutions to each other and democratic legitimacy more
generally.
Dependent on other institutions, or independent?
Participation in legislative processes.
Active, or no involvement at all?
Dynamics and factors that influence change.
The European Commission
Who is the EU? – Institutions
The EU’s institutional framework doesn’t look like that of a typical nation state.
Focus on a balance of powers, rather than a separation of powers.
An institution may have several different functions.
Commission.
Logistics power.
Judicial power.
Executive power.
Several institutions may participate in the same function.
Law-making.
Article 13 TEU – Institutional Framework
Art 13(1) – ‘The Union shall have an institutional framework which shall aim to
promote its values, advance its objectives, serve its interests, those of its citizens and
those of the Member States, and ensure the consistency, effectiveness and
continuity of its policies and actions…’.
The 7 EU institutions:
European Parliament.
European Council.
Council of the EU.
European Commission.
Court of Justice.
European Central Bank.
Court of Auditors.
Article 13(2) – ‘Each institution shall act within the limits of the powers conferred on
it in the Treaties, and in conformity with the procedures, conditions and objectives
set out in them. The institutions shall practice mutual sincere cooperation.
Institutional Power Relations in the EU
Consider the institutions in terms of:
Supranational or intergovernmental character?
Supranational – operate independently, or beyond, the Member State
interests.
Intergovernmental – reliant on Member State input, interests and
priorities.
Significance of their powers.
Increased or decreased throughout time?
Accountability of institutions to each other and democratic legitimacy more
generally.
Dependent on other institutions, or independent?
Participation in legislative processes.
Active, or no involvement at all?
Dynamics and factors that influence change.
The European Commission
