institutional framework

Commission

Equivalent to Executive and Civil servants

Central to lawmaking, often criticised for strong powers and weak democratic accountability: Art 17 TEU, Art 244-250 TFEU

One member per MS, president organises, sets guidelines and may request resignation of commissioners

No legislation without commisison’s proposal, can amend and supplement legislation via delegation, ensure uniform implementation of acts

Cannot adopt legislation alone, needs Council and Parliament approval

Must be independent from gov Art 17 (3)

National loyalties may persist in practice

European Parliament

Equivalent to Lower legislative Chamber (HoC)

frequently litigate legal basis disputes, procedural rights and institutional balance issues

Direct elections under Art 14 (3) TEU

6 - 96 seats with proportional representation of states Art 14 (2) TEU

EU citizens may vote Art 22 (2) TEU

Same role as council in ordinary legislative procedure, consultative role in special legislative procedure (sometimes consent needed through veto power)

Consent required for widening, withdrawal, international faiths, and sanctions under Art 7

Council of the EU

Equivalent to upper legislative chamber (HoL)

National ministers for each subject Art 16 TEU

accountable to national Parliaments

Equal power with Parliament in OLP (Art 294 TFEU), dominant role in special legislative procedure

Make policy on foreign, economic coordination and open method of coordination

authorise and oversee negotiation, sign and conclude agreements

European Council

Separate to council Art 15 TEU, created by institutional practice, recognised in Lisbon treaty

Executive leaders with no legislative power but provides broad political force

Court of Justice

Main EU court

Made of one judge per member state and Advocate Generals

Decisions on infringement proceedings against MSs, preliminary rulings from national courts, appeals from General Court

AGs give non-binding Opinions to assist court on decisions

General court relieves ECJ of excessive case overload → most actions against EU institutions (annulment, failure to act, damages for non-contractual liability of EU)