The Powers of the Main institutions of the European Unions

The Powers of the Main institutions of the European Unions

Seven institutions govern the European Union. These are the Courts of Auditors, the European Parliament, the European Central Bank, the European council, the Court of Justice of the European Union, Council of the European Union, and the European Commission. These institutions were mainly created in the 1950s and have undergone tremendous changes over the years in an effort to transfer powers from the commission to parliament.

The European Parliament

This institution has regulates the budgetary and legislative functions of the European Union, which it shares with the Council of the European Union. It has 736 members, who are elected after a period of five years. Since this institution is very democratic in nature, it is amongst the most powerful legislatures worldwide. Given that it has powers over the commission, this makes it the most powerful institution of the European Union when it comes to directing the EU policy.

The European Council

This comprises presidents of the nations that make up the European Union. It usually meets four times per year to interpret the policy agenda of the Union, where it usually emphasizes integration. The European Council’s president is in charge of heading and driving the institution’s work, which is the highest political organ of the European Union.

The Council

This is informally referred to as the Council of Ministers. It holds minimal executive powers and considerable legislative powers. It is the union’s major decision-making organ. Its presidency is shared amongst member states that elect a new president after every six months. However, three presidencies usually cooperate on one agenda.