Politics and Society Leaving Cert European Union

European Union

supranational political and economic union of 27 member states, responsible for the economic political and social integration of the member states, responsible for the coordination of foreign and security policy amongst member states, implementation of the single a market

European Council

The highest policy-making body, it consists of heads of member-countries' government, responsible for implementation of EU legislation, forum of dialogue between member states which allows countries to discuss and coordinate policy initiatives

European Parliament

directly elected legislative body of EU comprised of 705 members from 27 member states, responsible for adoption of EU legislation and has power to amend or reject proposed legislation, forum of dialogue between citizens and countries

European Commission

executive body of EU responsible for the proposal, implementation and enforcement of EU laws, legislation must be approved by european council and european parliament before adoption, also acts as a stand-alone executive branch to investigate companies

European Court of Justice

judicial branch of EU responsible for interpretation and enforcement of EU law

Council of Europe

international organization separate from the European Union, primary purpose is to promote and protect human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, oversees the European Convention on Human Rights