B4L1: EU institutional triangle, political power and democratic control

What are the four main aspects of the EU as a system?

The EU is a legal system, a political system, a community of values, and a cultural and economic space.

What are the main principles of the EU decision-making process?

Compromise, voluntary commitment, loyal cooperation, dual logic of representation and control, and a special separation of powers.

Name the seven primary EU institutions listed in Article 13 of the TEU.

1. European Parliament (EP)

2. European Council

3. Council (of Ministers)

4. European Commission

5. Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU)

6. European Central Bank (ECB)

7. Court of Auditors

What is the role of the European Parliament in the EU?

The EP is directly elected by EU citizens and exercises legislative, budgetary, and supervisory functions jointly with the Council of Ministers.

What is the ‘ordinary legislative procedure’ in the EU?

It is the main process for adopting EU legislation, where the European Commission proposes laws, and the European Parliament and Council co-decide.

What are the steps in the ordinary legislative procedure?

1. Problem identification and proposal by the Commission.

2. First reading by the EP and Council.

3. Second reading if disagreements persist.

4. Conciliation Committee if necessary.

5. Final adoption of the act.

What were the key issues debated during the EU Climate Law process?

Intermediate CO2 reduction targets, carbon sinks, the scope of climate neutrality, social and economic impacts, and transparency in measuring progress.

How is transparency maintained in EU decision-making processes?

By publicizing Council votes, live-streaming debates, publishing legislative documents, and allowing public consultations.

What challenges does the EU face regarding transparency and efficiency in decision-making?

The process is complex, involving many actors and levels, and trilogue negotiations lack full transparency despite their efficiency.

How does the EU ensure legitimacy in its decision-making process?

Through democratic structures such as citizen-elected EP members, transparent procedures, protection of minority positions, and adherence to shared values.

What are some specific roles of the European Commission in the legislative process?

Proposing legislation, ensuring Treaty compliance, managing the budget, representing the EU externally, and moderating trilogues.

Why is the EU decision-making system referred to as a "compromise system"?

Because it balances diverse interests of member states, institutions, and stakeholders, often leading to trade-offs.

What was the main goal of the EU Climate Law adopted in 2021?

To establish a framework for achieving climate neutrality in the EU by 2050.

What is the role of the European Council in EU decision-making?

It provides general political direction and priorities but does not exercise legislative functions.

What instruments does the EU use to implement common rules across member states?

Regulations, directives, decisions, and recommendations.

What are the three main modes of EU policy-making?

• Consultation Procedure

• Ordinary Legislative Procedure (co-decision)

• Consent Procedure

What is the principle of subsidiarity in EU decision-making?

Subsidiarity ensures that the EU only acts when objectives cannot be effectively achieved at the national or local levels.

What are the key elements of the European Commission’s proposals under the ordinary legislative procedure?

• Problem description and objectives

• Legal basis, subsidiarity, and proportionality

• Impact assessments

• Budgetary implications

• Draft legislation and possible alternatives

What was a major outcome of the negotiations on the EU Climate Law?

Adoption of a legally binding 55% CO2 reduction target by 2030 and the establishment of a European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change.

What are the primary responsibilities of the Council of Ministers?

1. Legislative and budgetary functions jointly with the EP.

2. Policy coordination among member states.

3. Representing member states’ interests in decision-making.

How does the European Parliament contribute to the ordinary legislative procedure?

It reviews, amends, and votes on legislative proposals, often engaging in trilogue negotiations with the Council and Commission.

What is the European Council’s role in appointing the European Commission president?

It proposes a candidate, taking into account the EP elections, who must then be approved by the European Parliament.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of trilogue negotiations in the EU?

Benefits: Faster decision-making, compromise facilitation.
Drawbacks: Reduced transparency and accountability.

What are the seven additional EU bodies that complement the main institutions?

1. European External Action Service (EEAS)

2. European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)

3. Committee of the Regions (CoR)

4. European Investment Bank (EIB)

5. European Ombudsman

6. European Data Protection Officer

7. Decentralized Agencies

What are the key stages in the policy cycle for EU legislation?

1. Identifying the problem.

2. Proposal development.

3. Legislative procedure.

4. Implementation.

5. Evaluation and revision.

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

Ensures compliance with EU law, interprets treaties, and settles disputes between EU institutions, member states, and individuals.

What mechanisms are used to evaluate the effectiveness of EU legislation?

Impact assessments, monitoring progress, public consultations, and stakeholder reviews.

How is the EU budget managed and implemented?

The budget is proposed by the Commission, approved by the Parliament and Council, and primarily funded through member state contributions.

What are some challenges in EU policy-making?

Balancing efficiency and transparency, addressing diverse member state interests, and maintaining democratic legitimacy.

What is the "dual logic" of EU representation?

The European Parliament represents EU citizens, while the Council represents member states' democratically elected governments.

What is the historical basis for the EU’s institutional structure?

The original structure was designed for the European Coal and Steel Community with a High Authority, a Council of Ministers, a Parliamentary Assembly, and a Court.

What role do stakeholders and lobbyists play in EU decision-making?

They provide input during consultations, influence legislative proposals, and advocate for specific interests.

How does the EU address concerns of minority positions in its decision-making?

By ensuring all voices are heard, protecting minority interests, and requiring transparent and inclusive procedures.

What are the main challenges faced in implementing EU Climate Law?

Ensuring member state compliance, addressing sector-specific emissions, and managing external factors like energy crises.