EU institutions

European Council

executive: regular meetings of heads of government of member states to propose legislation for the Parliament and resolve major political issues

European Parliament

legislative: passes EU laws, democratic supervision over institutions, authority over budget

European Commission

Cross between civil service and an executive body, 27 commissioners.

Council of Ministers

Composed of relevant government ministers, presidency rotates every 6 months. Tasked to settle disagreements and further objectives agreed by the council. Voting by unanimity and majority

European court of Justice

Composed of 27 judges and responsible for making judgments where there are disputes and interpreting community law. Most supranational institution, takes precedence over national law

European central bank

Responsible for control of monetary policies, independent of national governments

Court of Auditors

Carries out value for money audits, indicates if previous expenditure was legally/properly incurred (reports addressed to EP and Court of ministers)

Economic and Social committee

Forum of interested groups to express opinions on proposed legislation

European investment bank

Provides loans to finance capital projects, mostly in regions lacking infrastructure