union of Supranational institutions

What are the core aims of the European Union under TEU Article 3

Promote peace, EU values, and well‑being; ensure an area of freedom, security and justice; establish an internal market; promote sustainable development, balanced growth, price stability, full employment, social progress, territorial cohesion; establish the Economic and Monetary Union with the euro; promote EU values and interests globally; and act within conferred competences

What is the European Commission’s core mission under TEU Article 17

To promote the general interest of the EU and take appropriate initiatives

Why is the Commission called the “guardian of the Treaties”

Because it ensures EU law is applied correctly under supervision of the Court of Justice

What does it mean that the Commission has the right of initiative

Most EU laws originate from Commission proposals, giving it control over the legislative agenda

What is the Commission’s role in the EU budget

It executes the EU budget and manages EU programmes

How long is a Commission’s mandate

Five years

Why must Commissioners be independent

They must serve EU interests, not national governments

How many Commissioners are there

One per Member State (27 total)

How is the Commission President chosen

The European Council proposes a candidate (considering EP elections) and the European Parliament elects them by majority vote

How are individual Commissioners appointed

Member States propose candidates; they undergo EP hearings; the entire College must receive EP consent

How can the Commission be forced to resign

Through a motion of censure by the European Parliament (requires two‑thirds majority)

What is the College of Commissioners

The collective body of all 27 Commissioners, meeting weekly to take decisions

How is the Commission administration structured

Over 32,000 civil servants organised into 41 Directorates‑General, 12 Services, and several Executive Agencies

What are the EP’s main powers under TEU Article 14

Legislates jointly with the Council, adopts the EU budget, elects/approves the Commission, and exercises political oversight

What is the EP’s role in the legislative process

Co‑legislator under the Ordinary Legislative Procedure (OLP), shaping and adopting EU law

How does the EP influence the EU budget

It approves the annual budget and can amend spending proposals

How many MEPs are there

Up to 750 + the President; currently 720

What is “degressive proportionality”

Larger states have more MEPs, but smaller states have more per capita representation

How often are EP elections held

Every five years

What is the purpose of EP committees

Draft reports, examine legislative proposals, amend texts, and prepare plenary decisions

What is a rapporteur

A committee member responsible for steering a legislative file and negotiating amendments

What is the Ordinary Legislative Procedure

The main law‑making process where EP and Council co‑decide, with up to three readings

What is the consultation procedure

The EP gives an opinion but cannot block the proposal

What is the consent procedure

The EP must approve (but cannot amend) certain decisions—e

g

, enlargement, trade agreements

Delegated Acts
What is a delegated act

A law allowing the Commission to update or amend non‑essential elements of legislation; Parliament and Council can revoke or block these acts

What is an implementing act

Technical implementing rules adopted by the Commission under oversight of Member States via comitology committees

What characterises the EU budget

A relatively small budget (around 1–1

4% of EU GNI) focused on shared EU priorities like agriculture, cohesion, research, and development

How is long‑term EU spending planned

Through the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which sets ceilings (e

g

, 2021–2027)

Where does the EU get its revenue

Customs duties, VAT‑based contributions, plastic waste levy, and GNI‑based national contributions

How does the EU budget compare to national budgets

National budgets fund almost all core state functions (health, education, defence)

The EU budget complements them with shared European‑level policies

What does the Commission represent

The supranational, idealist dimension of European integration—acting beyond national interests

What does the European Parliament represent

Democratic legitimacy at EU level, representing citizens rather than states

How does this contrast with the Council and European Council

They represent the realist, state‑centered logic of national interests and intergovernmental bargaining