TUTORIAL 1 – INTRODUCTION TO LAW AND T HE EUROPEAN UNION
Treaty
Institution Role Composition Election Process
Articles
Proposes and
President proposed by
enforces EU laws, TEU:
European Council and
manages the EU Art. 17,
One Commissioner elected by European
European budget, and TFEU:
from each member Parliament. Commissioners
Commission represents the EU Arts.
state (currently 27). are nominated by member
internationally in 244–
states and approved by the
trade 250
European Parliament.
negotiations.
Co-legislates with
705 Members of TEU:
the Council of the MEPs are directly elected
European Parliament Art. 14,
EU, oversees the by EU citizens every 5 years
European (MEPs) distributed TFEU:
European through proportional
Parlement among member Arts.
Commission, and representation in each
states based on 223–
approves the EU member state.
population. 234
budget.
Represents
member states' Ministers from each Ministers are appointed by TEU:
Council of governments, co- member state, national governments and Art. 16,
the legislates with the meeting in different change depending on the TFEU:
European European configurations (e.g., issue being discussed (e.g., Arts.
Union Parliament, and Foreign Affairs, finance ministers for 237–
coordinates Agriculture). economic matters). 243
policies.
Heads of state or
government from Members are the heads of
TEU:
Defines the EU's each member state, state or government of
Art. 15,
overall political along with the member states. The
European TFEU:
direction and President of the President of the European
Council Arts.
priorities but does European Council is elected by the
235–
not legislate. Commission and the European Council for a 2.5-
236
High Representative year term.
for Foreign Affairs.
,European Commission:
• The Commission acts as the EU's executive body and initiates legislation, ensuring EU laws
are properly implemented.
• Commissioners are independent and do not represent their countries.
• The Commission also manages the EU budget and oversees competition rules.
European Parliament:
• The European Parliament is the only directly elected EU body.
• It plays a crucial role in passing EU legislation (jointly with the Council of the EU) and
monitoring the EU's work.
• It also has budgetary powers and can approve or dismiss the European Commission.
Council of the European Union:
• This body represents the national governments and has a rotating presidency (changing
every 6 months).
• It shares legislative and budgetary power with the European Parliament and plays a major
role in policy coordination.
European Council:
• Sets the EU’s broad priorities but doesn’t directly involve itself in law-making.
• Typically, the European Council holds summits every few months, where key decisions on the
EU's future and direction are made.
European Court of Justice (ECJ):
• Ensures that EU law is applied uniformly across all member states. It interprets EU law and
settles legal disputes between national governments and EU institutions. The ECJ also
handles cases brought by individuals, companies, or member states if they believe their EU
rights have been violated.
European Central Bank (ECB):
• Is responsible for managing the euro and ensuring price stability within the eurozone. It also
conducts monetary policy for the euro area, primarily by setting interest rates and
controlling inflation.
European Court of Auditors (ECA):
• is responsible for auditing the EU's finances to ensure that the budget is spent legally,
efficiently, and for the intended purposes. It examines whether EU funds are correctly
accounted for and reports on any financial irregularities or misuse of EU resources.
• The ECA does not have legal powers but provides oversight to improve financial
management within the EU and advises the European Parliament and Council on budgetary
matters.
,What are DGs within the European Commission? Mention the DGs that are relevant for food issues?
The DGs (Directorates-General) are specialized departments within the European Commission
responsible for formulating and implementing EU policies in specific areas
For food issues, the following DGs are relevant:
• DG SANTE (Health and Food Safety): Responsible for food safety, public health, and animal
health and welfare. It ensures that EU food products are safe and comply with regulations.
• DG AGRI (Agriculture and Rural Development): Focuses on agricultural policy, rural
development, and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which influences food production
in the EU.
• DG ENV (Environment): Covers environmental issues related to food production, such as
biodiversity, water use, and sustainable agriculture practices.
• DG MARE (Maritime Affairs and Fisheries): Manages EU fisheries policy and marine
resources, which impact food from aquatic environments.
Which committee within the European Parliament deals with food issues?
The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) is the primary committee within the
European Parliament that deals with food issues. It handles agricultural policy, rural development,
food production, and the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
Additionally, the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) is also
significant. This committee oversees food safety, health impacts, and environmental issues related to
food production, such as food contamination and GMOs.
Describe some principles
A principle of the treaties refers to a fundamental legal concept or rule that guides how the
European Union (EU) functions, particularly in terms of its powers, decision-making processes, and
interactions with its member states
• Principle of Conferral – The EU can only act within the limits of the powers conferred on it by
the member states through the treaties.
• Principle of Subsidiarity – The EU will only take action if it is more effective than actions
taken at the national or local level.
• Principle of Proportionality – EU actions must not exceed what is necessary to achieve the
objectives set out in the treaties.
• Precautionary Principle – The EU can take action to prevent harm to health or the
environment, even if scientific evidence is not conclusive.
EU LAW AND DECISION-MAKING
The hierarchy of norms in EU law refers to the structured order of legal rules, where higher-level
norms have supremacy over lower-level norms. At the top are the EU Treaties (primary law),
followed by EU legislative acts (secondary law like regulations, directives, and decisions), and lastly
non-legislative acts (delegated and implementing acts).
, The Treaties are two key legal frameworks that govern the European Union (EU).
The Treaty on European Union (TEU)
• Focus: Establishes the EU's foundational principles, values, and objectives.
• Main Points: Defines the EU institutions (e.g., European Parliament, Commission),
membership rules, and outlines foreign policy and security cooperation.
• Nature: It is a broad political framework that sets out the Union’s overall structure and
mission. It covers key values like democracy, rule of law, and human rights (Article 2).
• Density: The TEU is less dense, providing a general overview of the EU’s goals and
institutional framework.
the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU)
• Focus: Regulates the specific policies, powers, and functioning of the EU.
• Main Points: Provides detailed rules on internal market, competition law, trade, agriculture,
environmental protection, social policy, and more.
• Nature: a more technical and legal document that defines the EU’s day-to-day operations
and powers.
• Density: The TFEU is more detailed and dense, as it deals with the practical implementation
of EU policies and competencies.
EU Legislative Acts vs. EU Non-Legislative Acts
The European Union uses two types of legal instruments: legislative acts and non-legislative acts,
both of which can have binding legal effects. However, they differ in how they are adopted and their
roles within EU law.
Legislative acts are laws adopted through the ordinary legislative procedure or special legislative
procedures. These acts are usually more significant and involve the democratic participation of key
EU institutions.
➔ Follow ordinary legislative procedure
➔ Commission (proposes new legislation) -> EU parliament -> council
Examples of Legislative Acts:
- Regulations: Directly applicable to all member states without needing national
implementation.
- Directives: Require member states to achieve certain results, but they can decide on the
means of achieving these results.
- Decisions: Binding only to those whom they are addressed.
Non-legislative acts are not adopted through the standard legislative process and often deal with
more technical or detailed matters. They include delegated acts and implementing acts and are
typically used to supplement or implement existing legislative acts.
➔ Delegated Acts: These allow the European Commission to make modifications or updates to
non-essential elements of existing legislation. Delegated acts are often used to amend or
supplement legislative acts with specific technical details.
o Adoption Process: The Commission adopts these acts, but the European Parliament
and the Council have the right to veto or revoke the delegation of power
Treaty
Institution Role Composition Election Process
Articles
Proposes and
President proposed by
enforces EU laws, TEU:
European Council and
manages the EU Art. 17,
One Commissioner elected by European
European budget, and TFEU:
from each member Parliament. Commissioners
Commission represents the EU Arts.
state (currently 27). are nominated by member
internationally in 244–
states and approved by the
trade 250
European Parliament.
negotiations.
Co-legislates with
705 Members of TEU:
the Council of the MEPs are directly elected
European Parliament Art. 14,
EU, oversees the by EU citizens every 5 years
European (MEPs) distributed TFEU:
European through proportional
Parlement among member Arts.
Commission, and representation in each
states based on 223–
approves the EU member state.
population. 234
budget.
Represents
member states' Ministers from each Ministers are appointed by TEU:
Council of governments, co- member state, national governments and Art. 16,
the legislates with the meeting in different change depending on the TFEU:
European European configurations (e.g., issue being discussed (e.g., Arts.
Union Parliament, and Foreign Affairs, finance ministers for 237–
coordinates Agriculture). economic matters). 243
policies.
Heads of state or
government from Members are the heads of
TEU:
Defines the EU's each member state, state or government of
Art. 15,
overall political along with the member states. The
European TFEU:
direction and President of the President of the European
Council Arts.
priorities but does European Council is elected by the
235–
not legislate. Commission and the European Council for a 2.5-
236
High Representative year term.
for Foreign Affairs.
,European Commission:
• The Commission acts as the EU's executive body and initiates legislation, ensuring EU laws
are properly implemented.
• Commissioners are independent and do not represent their countries.
• The Commission also manages the EU budget and oversees competition rules.
European Parliament:
• The European Parliament is the only directly elected EU body.
• It plays a crucial role in passing EU legislation (jointly with the Council of the EU) and
monitoring the EU's work.
• It also has budgetary powers and can approve or dismiss the European Commission.
Council of the European Union:
• This body represents the national governments and has a rotating presidency (changing
every 6 months).
• It shares legislative and budgetary power with the European Parliament and plays a major
role in policy coordination.
European Council:
• Sets the EU’s broad priorities but doesn’t directly involve itself in law-making.
• Typically, the European Council holds summits every few months, where key decisions on the
EU's future and direction are made.
European Court of Justice (ECJ):
• Ensures that EU law is applied uniformly across all member states. It interprets EU law and
settles legal disputes between national governments and EU institutions. The ECJ also
handles cases brought by individuals, companies, or member states if they believe their EU
rights have been violated.
European Central Bank (ECB):
• Is responsible for managing the euro and ensuring price stability within the eurozone. It also
conducts monetary policy for the euro area, primarily by setting interest rates and
controlling inflation.
European Court of Auditors (ECA):
• is responsible for auditing the EU's finances to ensure that the budget is spent legally,
efficiently, and for the intended purposes. It examines whether EU funds are correctly
accounted for and reports on any financial irregularities or misuse of EU resources.
• The ECA does not have legal powers but provides oversight to improve financial
management within the EU and advises the European Parliament and Council on budgetary
matters.
,What are DGs within the European Commission? Mention the DGs that are relevant for food issues?
The DGs (Directorates-General) are specialized departments within the European Commission
responsible for formulating and implementing EU policies in specific areas
For food issues, the following DGs are relevant:
• DG SANTE (Health and Food Safety): Responsible for food safety, public health, and animal
health and welfare. It ensures that EU food products are safe and comply with regulations.
• DG AGRI (Agriculture and Rural Development): Focuses on agricultural policy, rural
development, and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which influences food production
in the EU.
• DG ENV (Environment): Covers environmental issues related to food production, such as
biodiversity, water use, and sustainable agriculture practices.
• DG MARE (Maritime Affairs and Fisheries): Manages EU fisheries policy and marine
resources, which impact food from aquatic environments.
Which committee within the European Parliament deals with food issues?
The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) is the primary committee within the
European Parliament that deals with food issues. It handles agricultural policy, rural development,
food production, and the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
Additionally, the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) is also
significant. This committee oversees food safety, health impacts, and environmental issues related to
food production, such as food contamination and GMOs.
Describe some principles
A principle of the treaties refers to a fundamental legal concept or rule that guides how the
European Union (EU) functions, particularly in terms of its powers, decision-making processes, and
interactions with its member states
• Principle of Conferral – The EU can only act within the limits of the powers conferred on it by
the member states through the treaties.
• Principle of Subsidiarity – The EU will only take action if it is more effective than actions
taken at the national or local level.
• Principle of Proportionality – EU actions must not exceed what is necessary to achieve the
objectives set out in the treaties.
• Precautionary Principle – The EU can take action to prevent harm to health or the
environment, even if scientific evidence is not conclusive.
EU LAW AND DECISION-MAKING
The hierarchy of norms in EU law refers to the structured order of legal rules, where higher-level
norms have supremacy over lower-level norms. At the top are the EU Treaties (primary law),
followed by EU legislative acts (secondary law like regulations, directives, and decisions), and lastly
non-legislative acts (delegated and implementing acts).
, The Treaties are two key legal frameworks that govern the European Union (EU).
The Treaty on European Union (TEU)
• Focus: Establishes the EU's foundational principles, values, and objectives.
• Main Points: Defines the EU institutions (e.g., European Parliament, Commission),
membership rules, and outlines foreign policy and security cooperation.
• Nature: It is a broad political framework that sets out the Union’s overall structure and
mission. It covers key values like democracy, rule of law, and human rights (Article 2).
• Density: The TEU is less dense, providing a general overview of the EU’s goals and
institutional framework.
the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU)
• Focus: Regulates the specific policies, powers, and functioning of the EU.
• Main Points: Provides detailed rules on internal market, competition law, trade, agriculture,
environmental protection, social policy, and more.
• Nature: a more technical and legal document that defines the EU’s day-to-day operations
and powers.
• Density: The TFEU is more detailed and dense, as it deals with the practical implementation
of EU policies and competencies.
EU Legislative Acts vs. EU Non-Legislative Acts
The European Union uses two types of legal instruments: legislative acts and non-legislative acts,
both of which can have binding legal effects. However, they differ in how they are adopted and their
roles within EU law.
Legislative acts are laws adopted through the ordinary legislative procedure or special legislative
procedures. These acts are usually more significant and involve the democratic participation of key
EU institutions.
➔ Follow ordinary legislative procedure
➔ Commission (proposes new legislation) -> EU parliament -> council
Examples of Legislative Acts:
- Regulations: Directly applicable to all member states without needing national
implementation.
- Directives: Require member states to achieve certain results, but they can decide on the
means of achieving these results.
- Decisions: Binding only to those whom they are addressed.
Non-legislative acts are not adopted through the standard legislative process and often deal with
more technical or detailed matters. They include delegated acts and implementing acts and are
typically used to supplement or implement existing legislative acts.
➔ Delegated Acts: These allow the European Commission to make modifications or updates to
non-essential elements of existing legislation. Delegated acts are often used to amend or
supplement legislative acts with specific technical details.
o Adoption Process: The Commission adopts these acts, but the European Parliament
and the Council have the right to veto or revoke the delegation of power
