European Union Institutions – Lecture Review

These flashcards cover the key provisions, compositions, procedures and powers of the main European Union institutions as presented in the lecture notes.

Which Treaty article sets out the EU institutional framework and the duty of loyal cooperation?

Article 13 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU).

Under which articles of the Treaties is the European Parliament (EP) regulated?

Articles 14 TEU and 223–234 TFEU.

What historical names preceded the current title “European Parliament”?

Initially "Assembly," then "European Parliamentary Assembly," and from 1962 "European Parliament."

Whom does the European Parliament represent?

The citizens of the European Union.

How are Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) elected and for how long?

By direct universal suffrage for a five-year term.

What is the maximum number of MEPs under Article 14(2) TEU?

751, including the President.

How many MEPs are there after Brexit and for the 2024-2029 legislature?

705 after Brexit; 720 following Decision (EU) 2023/2061 for 2024-2029.

Is nationality a criterion for EP candidature?

No; EU citizens may stand and vote in any Member State.

Which legal act lays down common principles for European elections?

The 1976 European Electoral Act, as amended.

Name the three official seats of the European Parliament.

Strasbourg (plenary), Brussels (committees & groups), Luxembourg (Secretariat).

How many political groups currently exist in the EP (2024-2029)?

Eight political groups, plus Non-Inscrits (NI).

How long do the President and 14 Vice-Presidents of the EP serve?

Two and a half years.

How many standing committees does the EP have?

22 standing committees plus two sub-committees (2024-2029).

In ordinary legislative procedure, what role does the EP play?

Co-legislator with the Council.

Which Treaty article gives the EP final say on adopting the EU budget?

Article 314 TFEU.

What is the EP’s ‘discharge’ procedure?

Political control over the implementation of the EU budget.

Name two additional non-legislative powers of the EP.

1) Electing/approving the Commission President and college. 2) Receiving petitions from EU citizens.

Which EU institution elects the European Ombudsman?

The European Parliament.

Who is the current European Ombudsman (mandate until Feb 2025)?

Emily O’Reilly.

Under which articles are the powers of the European Commission defined?

Articles 17 TEU and 244–250 TFEU.

List four core roles of the European Commission.

Promotes the EU’s general interest, guardian of the Treaties, EU executive, and holds right of legislative initiative.

How many Commissioners serve, and what decision fixed this number?

One per Member State (currently 27); fixed by European Council Decision 2013/272/EU.

Describe the Spitzenkandidaten process.

European political parties designate lead candidates for Commission President before EP elections.

Who formally proposes the Commission President and how is the President elected?

The European Council proposes by qualified majority; the EP elects by majority of its members.

What vote must the EP hold before the Commission can take office?

A vote of approval on the Commission as a whole.

Who appoints the High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) and what dual role do they hold?

The European Council appoints; HR/VP is both a Commission Vice-President and chairs the Foreign Affairs Council.

How are internal portfolios in the Commission allocated?

The President assigns policy portfolios (directorates-general) to each Commissioner.

What principle governs Commission decision-making?

The principle of collegiality.

Which Treaty articles empower the Commission to adopt delegated and implementing acts?

Article 290 TFEU (delegated acts) and Article 291 TFEU (implementing acts).

Name two fields where the Commission represents the EU externally.

International negotiations (e.g., trade agreements) and relations with international organisations.

Which institution is the primary negotiator of EU international agreements?

The European Commission.

Which treaties set out the Council of the European Union’s legal basis?

Article 16 TEU and Articles 237–243 TFEU.

Who composes the Council of the EU?

One ministerial-level representative from each Member State, empowered to bind the state.

How long does each Member State hold the Council presidency and how is it arranged?

Six months, following an equal rotation (in trios).

Which countries form the 2025 presidency trio and which holds the first semester?

Poland, Denmark, Cyprus; Poland presides January–June 2025.

What voting rule is standard in the Council?

Qualified majority voting (QMV).

Explain the ‘double majority’ QMV system.

55% of Member States (at least 15) representing 65% of EU population; 72% if not on Commission proposal; blocking minority = at least 4 states representing 35% of population.

Name two Council formations entrenched in Article 16 TEU.

General Affairs and Foreign Affairs Councils.

Which body of finance ministers from euro-area states meets informally?

The Eurogroup.

State three key powers of the Council of the EU.

Co-legislation with EP, budgetary authority with EP, and coordinating EU policies/external action.

Under which articles is the European Council established?

Article 15 TEU and Articles 235–236 TFEU.

Who participates in European Council meetings?

Heads of State/Government, its President, Commission President, and the HR/VP.

How is the European Council President chosen and for how long?

Elected by the European Council for 2.5 years, renewable once.

What decision-making mode does Article 15(4) TEU prescribe for the European Council?

Consensus, except where the Treaties specify otherwise.

Does the European Council have legislative powers?

Generally no, but it can adopt binding acts where the Treaties allow.

Which Treaty articles create the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU)?

Article 19 TEU and Articles 251–281 TFEU.

Name the two current judicial components of the CJEU.

The Court of Justice and the General Court (Tribunal).

How many judges sit on the Court of Justice and for how long are they appointed?

One per Member State (27); six-year renewable terms.

Why was the General Court expanded to two judges per Member State by 2019?

To manage caseload after the abolition of the Civil Service Tribunal and transfer of its competences.

Which EU institution examines the legality and sound management of EU finances?

The European Court of Auditors.

How is the Court of Auditors composed and for what term?

One member per Member State, appointed for six years, renewable.

What exclusive monetary power does the European Central Bank hold?

Authorising the issuance of euro banknotes.

What are the three main internal bodies of the ECB?

Executive Board, Governing Council, and General Council.

What is the mandate length for the ECB President?

Eight years, non-renewable.

What is the primary mission of the European Investment Bank?

To finance projects of public interest and foster balanced EU development, on a non-profit basis.

How many members may the Committee of the Regions have and what is its core function?

Up to 350 members (currently 329); consultative role representing regional/local authorities.

Which EU advisory body represents employers, workers, and civil society?

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).

Can the Committee of the Regions bring an annulment action, and on what ground?

Yes; to protect its prerogatives, notably the subsidiarity principle.

What is the typical mandate length for members of both the CoR and EESC?

Five years, renewable.