European Union Law

Flashcards about the European Union

What is the main purpose of the European Union?

To promote greater social, political, and economic harmony among the nations of Western Europe.

When was the EU set up and by which treaty?

1957 by 6 countries which signed the Treaty of Rome.

When did the UK join the EU?

1973 after Parliament passed the European Communities Act 1972.

How many member states are currently in the European Union?

27

Name the main institutions that run the EU.

The Council of the EU, the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Court of Justice of the EU.

What is the main decision-making body of the EU?

The Council of the EU

Who makes up the Council of the European Union?

Government ministers from each member state.

How many Commissioners are in the European Commission, and how long do they serve?

27 Commissioners, each serving a 5-year term.

What are the roles of the European Commission?

To propose new laws to the Council and to act as 'guardian of the treaties'.

Does the EU Parliament have independent law-making powers?

No, it now has joint law-making powers with the Council on most matters.

How are Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) elected?

Elected for each member state by the citizens of each of those countries.

What is the role of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU)?

To ensure that EU law is observed in the same way in each member state.

What are Article 267 references?

Questions from the domestic courts of member states for clarification of points of EU law.

What is a 'preliminary ruling' by the CJEU?

The answer which the CJEU sends back to a national court in response to an Article 267 reference, which is binding on the courts of all member states.

Which national courts must make an Article 267 referral to the CJEU if they are uncertain about how to interpret a piece of EU law?

Any court from which there is no further appeal in that country’s court system.

What is the official language of the Court of Justice of the European Union?

French

Are decisions of the CJEU made unanimously?

Decisions are made by a majority vote.

Is the CJEU bound by its own past decisions?

No, unlike most UK courts.

Give three functions of the ECJ.

Interpreting EU law - ensuring consistent application across member states. Van Gend en Loos.

Enforcing EU law - taking action against member states who fail to comply with EU obligations. Can lead to fines or sanctions. Commission v UK (Waste Disposal).

Settling disputes within the EU between EU institutions and member states, or between member states themselves. Factortame.