INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

Organizing the Union's institutional framework

The main institutions of the European Union
Other institutions and bodies of the specialized inter-institutional framework of the European Union
Objectives:
delimitation of the main institutions of the European Union;
knowledge of the role and powers in the European Union's main institutions;
acquisition procedure for establishing the agenda, adoption of EU legislation in the EU;
knowledge of the organization and operation of the main EU institutions, and other institutions and bodies
of the EU's institutional structure;
knowledge of institutional bodies and specialized agencies of the EU and their main skills.
Keywords: economic integration, free trade area, customs union, market common economic union,
monetary union, economic union complete, static effects, dynamic effects.
Organizing the institutional framework of the European Union Since its creation by Article 13th of the
treaty establishing the European Union, specifying that the EU must have an institutional framework to
"promote values, to serve the objectives and interests of Member States and its citizens, to ensure
consistency, effectiveness and continuity of its policies and actions ". Currently, the EU benefits from a
single institutional framework in the world in which:
general priorities are set by the European Council, which brings together national and European leaders;
European deputies directly elected represent the citizens interests in the European Parliament;
interests of the Union as a whole, are promoted by the European Commission, whose members are
nominated by national governments;
governments promote interests of member states in the Council of the European Union.
Setting the agenda. The European Council sets the general policy of the EU but has no powers
legislative. It is headed by a president and brings together the Heads of State and Government of the
member countries, together with European Commission by the President twice per semester, during some
meetings taking place over several days. While its role in shaping the directions of the Union's development
has so far been an important one, marked by initiatives such as the monetary union, in an enlarged Union, it
seems to acquire the role of a discussion forum in which successive Presidencies of the Council are trying
to coordinate the objectives and priorities of each term..
The adoption of European legislation. Developing and adopting European legislation involves three
institutions:
European Parliament, which represents the EU's citizens and is directly elected by them;
Council of European Union, represent the Member States. Presidency of the Council is held on a rotating
basis by the Member States;
The European Commission, which represents the interests of the Union as a whole. Together, these three
institutions develop policies and laws that apply throughout the Union, through the "ordinary legislative
procedure" (formerly "co-decision"). In principle, the Commission proposes legislative acts, the Parliament
and Council adopt them. Subsequently, the Commission and the Member States implement them, and the
Commission must ensure that EU law is correctly applied.
Organizing the European Union's institutional framework
The main institutions of the European Union
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT directly elected by EU citizens once every five years, members of European
Parlament represent the peoples of European Union. Parliament is one of the main European institutions
with legislative power with the Council of the European Union ("Council").
1

Parliament has three essential roles:

1. Debate and adopt EU legislation together with the Council EU. In many areas, such as consumer
protection and the environment, Parliament cooperates with the Council (representing national governments
institution) to decide on the content of laws and for adopting them. This process is called "ordinary
legislative procedure" (formerly "co-decision"). Under the Lisbon Treaty, was increase the number of policy
areas covered by the new ordinary legislative procedure. This gives the European Parliament more power to
influence the content of legislative acts in sectors such as agriculture, energy policy, immigration and EU
funds. Also, it requires Parliament's opinion on a number of important decisions such as the accession of
new countries to the EU;
2. It monitors the other European institutions, especially the Commission, to ensure that they operate
democratically. Parliament exercises its influence to other EU institutions in several ways. When forming a
new Commission, its 28 members (one per Member State) can not enter the duties without Parliament's
approval. If do not agree with the nomination of one of the nominated Commissioners members of
Parliament can reject the entire proposed team. Also the Parliament may request the resignation of the
Commission in exercise. The procedure is called "motion of censure". Parliament retains control over the
Commission by examining the reports they draw it and interpellation of Commissioners. Parliamentary
committees play an important role in this respect. Members of Parliament examines petitions from citizens
and form committees of investigation. When national leaders are meeting in the European Council,
Parliament must give its opinion on the topics on the agenda;
3. Debate and adopt the EU budget with the Council. Parliament adopts the annual budget EU together
with the Council of the European Union. In the framework of Parliament there is a committee that monitors
how the budget is spent. Every year, Parliament takes a decision on how the Commission has managed the
budget of the previous financial year.
Table 1.1
Allocation of seats in the European Parliament Country
Germania
Frana
Italia, Regatul Unit
Spania
Polonia
Romnia
Olanda
Belgia, Grecia, Ungaria, Portugalia, Republica Ceh
Suedia
Austria
Bulgaria
Finlanda, Danemarca, Slovacia
Croaia, Irlanda, Lituania
Letonia, Slovenia
Cipru, Estonia, Luxemburg, Malta
Total

Number of
Members
96
74
73
54
51
32
26
21
20
18
17
13
11
8
6
751

Composition of the European Parliament. With the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty on 1 December
2009, the number of deputies has been temporarily increased to 754. However, the maximum number of
751 was achieved with the elections of 2014. The number of parliamentarians from each country is about in
proportion to the number of inhabitants of that country. Under the Lisbon Treaty, no country can less than 6
2

or more than 96 representatives. Therefore, the European Parliament now has 751 members, divided
between Member States as shown in Table 1.1.
Members of European Parliament (MEP) are broken down by political affiliation and not nationality.
According to the results of European elections in 2014 mandates in Parliament are distributed as follows:
European People's Party (Christian Democrats) (220 seats), the Group of the Progressive Alliance of
Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament (191 seats), Conservatives and Reformists European
(70 seats), Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Group (68 seats), Confederal Group of the
European United Left / Nordic Green Left (52 seats), the Greens / European Free Alliance (50 seats), the
Group Europe Direct Freedom and Democracy (48 seats) and the non-attached MEPs (52 votes). Members
of Parliament elect the President for a term of 2.5 years. The President represents Parliament in the other
EU institutions and internationally and is assisted by 14 vice-presidents. President of the European
Parliament, together with Council President signs all legislative acts once they are adopted.
The organization is guided by the European Parliament Rules of Procedure. Political bodies, committees,
delegations and political groups guide Parliament's activities. Parliament's political bodies are: the Bureau
(the President and the 14 Vice-Presidents), the Conference of Presidents (President and political group
chairmen), the five Quaestors, responsible for administrative and financial matters Members Conference of
Committee Chairs and Conference of Delegation Chairmen. The term of office of the President, VicePresidents and Quaestors and the Committee Chairs and of Delegation is two and a half years.
Committees and delegations: Members are organized into 20 committees, two subcommittees, and 39
delegations (delegations and delegations to joint parliamentary committees, parliamentary cooperation
committees and multilateral parliamentary assemblies in January. Parliament sends a delegation and
Assembly Joint formed under the Agreement between the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) and EU2.
Parliament may constitute special committees (Article 184) or committees of inquiry (Article 226 TFEU
and Article 185). Under Article 191, each committee or delegation elects its own office, consisting of a
chairman and up to four vice-presidents in March. Political groups MEPs are not in national blocks but
according to political affinities, in transnational groups. Under the Rules of Procedure, a political group
must comprise Members elected in at least one quarter of the Member States and be made up of at least 25
deputies (Article 30). Political groups arrange regular meetings in the week before the part-session and
week of session and workshops to establish the basic principles of their work. Some political groups
correspond supranational political parties operating in the EU.
European political parties and foundations. The European Parliament recommends creating an
environment conducive to the ongoing development of European political parties and foundations,
including the adoption of framework legislation. Article 224 TFEU provides a legal basis for adoption
under the ordinary legislative procedure, of a statute for political parties at European level and rules
regarding their funding. Most political parties are created under Regulation (EC) no. 2004/2003, which was
revised in 2007 (Regulation 1524/2007 (EC)) to introduce the possibility of financing political foundations
to support parties that are affiliated with educational and research activities. Since funding for election
campaigns remains weak and is still subject to national regulations, the Commission proposed a new
regulation repealing Regulation 2004/2003, which will come into force in 2014, following a first reading
agreement between Parliament and Council in April 2014.
European Parliament Secretariat Secretary-General's Office consists of 12 Directorates General and the
Legal Service. It's mission is to coordinate legislative work number for each committee Members set out in
paragraph 1 of the European Parliament decision of 14 December 2011 on the numerical strength of the
standing committees (P7_TA (2011) 0570). 2A see Article 17 of the Cotonou Agreement of 22 June 2010. 3
See European Parliament decision of 14 December 2011 on the numerical strength of the standing
committees, point 2, P7_TA (2011) 0570. 44 European Parliament's resolution of 16 April 2014 on the
proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the statute and financing of
European political parties and European political foundations, P7_TA (2014) 0421 in connection with the
European Parliament's resolution of 16 April 2014 on the financing of political parties, P7_TA (2014) 0422.
3

73 and to hold plenary sessions and meetings. It also provides technical and legal assistance and expert
advice parliamentary bodies and Members to assist them in exercising their mandates. The Secretariat
provides interpretation and translation services for all meetings and official documents.
Operation European Parliament: Under the Treaty, Parliament organizes its work independently. It shall
adopt its rules of procedure by majority vote (Article 232 TFEU). Unless otherwise provided in the Treaties,
the Parliament decides by majority vote (Article 231 TFEU). It decides the agenda for its session periods,
which are intended mainly to the adoption of the reports prepared by its committees, questions to the
Commission and the Council, punctual and urgent debates and statements by the Presidency. Committee
meetings and plenary sessions are public and broadcast on the Internet. Parliament is based in Strasbourg,
where it holds 12 monthly part-session, including the session in which it decided on the EU's annual budget.
In accordance with Article 229 TFEU, Parliament may meet in extraordinary part-session at the request of a
majority of its component members, the Council or the Commission. Additional sessions held in Brussels.
Parliamentary committees meet in Brussels. In general, in one year, Parliament has 12 periods of four-day
session in Strasbourg and six-session two-day Brussels.
EUROPEAN COUNCIL
The European Council was created in 1974 with the intention of establishing an informal forum for
discussion between Heads of State or Government. The European Council has quickly become the body
that sets the Union's objectives and the line followed to achieve them, in all areas of EU activity. It acquired
a formal status in the Treaty of Maastricht in 1992, that "the European Council impetus for its development
and defines EU general political guidelines thereof". Since 1 December 2009 under the Treaty of Lisbon,
the European Council became one of the seven institutions of the Union. The European Council has a dual
role - setting priorities and overall political direction of the EU and tackling complex or sensitive that can
not be solved by intergovernmental cooperation to a new level. While it may influence setting the political
agenda of the EU, has no power to adopt acts. At the European Council, the Heads of State meet
government in every country of the EU Commission President and President of the European Council who
chairs meetings. High Representative for Common Security and Defence Policy also take part in the
meetings. European Council meetings are summit in which EU leaders take decisions on general policy
priorities and major initiatives. Normally organized four such meetings a year, chaired by a permanent
president. The European Council shall elect its President, by qualified majority. The mandate of the
President is two and a half years, renewable once European Council President Donald Tusk. His term began
on 1 December 2014 and will end on 31 May 2017. The European Council meets twice every six months,
convened by its President. When the situation so requires, the President shall convene an extraordinary
meeting of the European Council. The European Council meets, usually in Brussels and is assisted by the
General Secretariat of the Council.
If the Treaty does not contain specific provisions on this issue, the European Council takes its decisions by
consensus. In some cases, the rule of unanimity or qualified majority, depending on the provisions of the
Treaty. President of the European Council, President of the Commission and High Representative for the
Common Foreign and Security not vote. It is important to make the distinction between the European
Council, European Union and Council of Europe.
The European Council comprises the heads of state and government from each EU country.
Council of the European Union, known as the EU Council represents forum bringing together ministers
from member states to adopt laws and coordinate European policies.
Council of Europe is an international, intergovernmental and regional council.
It was established on 5 May 1949 and brings together all the democratic states of the European Union, and
other countries in central and eastern Europe. It is independent of the European Union is different and the
European Council or the Council of the European Union. The Council of Europe is based in Strasbourg and
the main objective is the promotion of democracy and protection human rights, democratic pluralism and
4

rule of law in all European countries. Another objective is to encourage diversity and preserving cultural
identity of all member countries.
COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
The European Union Council is the institution representing EU governments.
Also known as the informal EU Council or the Council of Ministers, representing forum bringing together
ministers from member states to adopt laws and coordinate European policies.
The role of the EU Council:
1. Adopt EU legislation. Council and Parliament have the last word on legislation proposed by the
Commission.
2. Coordinates the general economic policies of the Member States. EU Member States have decided to
pursue a common overall economic policy, coordinated economic and finance ministers of each country.
Among the objectives of the EU Council, are: to create jobs, improve education and healthcare systems and
increasing welfare. While Member States are responsible, individually, for their own policies in these areas,
they can fall acordasupra common objectives and can exchange experience.
3. Sign agreements between the EU and other countries. Council signs on behalf of EU agreements in
various fields: environment, trade, development, textiles, fisheries, science, technology and transportation.
4. To approve the EU's annual budget. Council and Parliament decide jointly on the annual budget of the
EU.
5. Foreign and defense policy makers in the EU. National governments have control of these areas, but
work together to develop so called Common Security and Defence Policy. The Council is the main forum
for conducting this cooperation. EU does not have its own army. But to react as quickly as in the case of
international conflicts and natural disasters, some countries contribute troops to the rapid reaction force,
which is involved only in humanitarian, rescue and peacekeeping.
6. Coordinates cooperation between courts and police forces in member countries. EU citizens must have
equal access to justice throughout the Union. In the Council, justice ministers are striving to ensure that the
sentences handed down by a court in an EU country - in cases of divorce, example - are recognized in all
other Member States. Justice and Home Affairs ministers coordinate surveillance of external borders and
the fight against terrorism and international organized crime.
Council members. The Council is composed of permanent members. At each meeting of the Council,
Member States shall send the ministers responsible for the discussion on the agenda - for example,
environment ministers, if the meeting focuses on environmental issues. That meeting will be called
"Environment Council".
Table 1.2 Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2014 2020
Country
Period
Year
Greece
January-June
2014
Italy
July-December
2014
Latvia
January-June
2015
Luxembourg
July-December
2015
Netherlands
January-June
2016
Slovakia
July-December
2016
Malta
January-June
2017
UK
July-December
2017
Estonia
January-June
2018
Bulgaria
July-December
2018
Austria
January-June
2019
Romania
July-December
2019
Finland
January-June
2010

Chairing meetings. Council brings together the foreign ministers is permanently chaired by the same person
or the High Representative for Common Security and Defence Policy. All other meetings are chaired by the
minister from the country holding the EU presidency at the time. For example, if the Environment Council
meets in the period when Estonia holds the EU presidency, the meeting will be chaired by the Estonian
environment minister. EU Council Presidency calendar, during 2014- 2020 is shown in Table 1.2.
The voting system. In general, the EU Council adopted decisions applying the rule "qualified majority".
The country's population is larger, the more votes are available to the country. However, in reality, the
number of votes is not strictly proportional to population, but weighted in favor of countries with fewer
inhabitants (Table 1.3.)
Table 1.3. Number of votes of the member states in the EU Council
Country
Germany, France, Italy, the UK
Spain, Poland
Romania
Netherlands
Belgium, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Portugal
Sweden, Bulgaria, Austria
Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Lithuania, Slovakia
Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Luxembourg, Slovenia
Malta
TOTAL

Number of votes
29
27
14
13
12
10
7
4
3
352

For a proposal to be adopted, it will need to meet two types of majority: a country (at least 16) and the EU
population (the countries that are in favor of the proposal must represent at least 65% of the EU population
(ca. . 329 million EU citizens of all 506 million). This procedure is called double majority system. in
addition, any Member State may request verification that most sitting represent at least 62% of the
population. otherwise proposalIt can not be adopted. In sensitive areas, such as security, foreign affairs and
taxation Council decisions have unanimously. In other words, every country has the right
veto.
Organizing the EU Council. The Council is supported by the Permanent Representatives Committee
(Coreper) and over 150 workshops and highly specialized committees, known as "preparatory bodies of the
Council". These preparatory works examine legislative proposals and conduct leading up to Council
decisions.
EUROPEAN COMMISSION The European Commission is one of the main institutions of the European
Union that represents and upholds the interests of the Union as a whole. Propose legislation and managing
the implementation of European policies and how EU funds are spent. The European Commission
represents the interests of the European Union (unlike Parliament and Council) and the EU's executive arm.
The main powers of the Commission are:
initiative: the Commission has the 'right of initiative' - may propose legislation to protect the interests of
the Union and its citizens. It does so only in situations where an effective measure can not be taken at
national, regional or local level (subsidiarity). When proposing a legislative proposal, the Commission
seeks to take into account the interests of the widest categories. To ensure that technical details are right the
Commission consults experts from the various committees and working groups. Before submitting
proposals, the Commission shall organize public consultations to ensure that they are taken into account the
views of all stakeholders. In most cases, with the proposal itself is and publish an assessment of economic,
social and environmental benefits that it might have.

The Commission departments in charge of drafting legislation. If at least 15 of the 28 commissioners agree
with the project, it is submitted to Council and Parliament, which, after debating it and make the changes,
deciding whether to adopt it or not.
execution: Government plays a Community level, with responsibility for the implementation and
coordination, and management of Structural Funds and the Union's annual budget. Together with
Parliament and the Council, the Commission sets priorities for long-term expenses in the context of
"financial framework" European. Also, prepare a draft annual budget,
submit it to Parliament and the Council for approval and oversees the spending of European funds, for
example, by national and regional agencies and authorities. The way the Commission manages the budget is
verified by the Court. Shall manage the funds devoted to European policies (eg agriculture and rural
development) and programs such as Erasmus (student exchange).
control: with the Court of Justice, oversee the EU Treaty and implementation of Community legislation.
As "guardian of the Treaties", the Commission shall ensure that each Member State shall apply correctly the
European legislation. If it considers that a government is not respecting its obligations in this respect, the
Commission had first addressed a formal letter asking him to rectify the situation. Ultimately, the
Commission may refer the case to the Court of Justice. Court can impose sanctions, and its decisions are
binding for all countries and European institutions;
representation: The Commission represents the EU's external interests and speak on behalf of all EU
countries in international bodies such as the World Trade Organization. Also, negotiating international
agreements between the Union and other countries receives credentials of ambassadors of the countries
outside the EU in the EU and has Delegations - with the rank of ambassador - in the candidate countries or
other countries outside the Union, as well as representative offices Member States etc.
Composition. The Commission is a team of 28 commissioners, one from each Member State, is appointed
every five years. The European Council nominates a candidate for President of the Commission. It must
obtain a majority vote MEPs. If MEPs reject the proposal, Council must nominate another candidate within
one month. President-elect forms his team Commissioners considered the proposals of the EU countries and
establishing the portfolio of each member. Commissioners list is sent for approval (by qualified majority)
and the Council of Ministers and Parliament. Each Commissioner is assigned by the chairman, the
responsibility for one or more policy areas. At the end of the procedure, the Council officially appoint the
new Commission. However, from 2014, the Treaty of Lisbon provides that in future the Commission will be
composed of a number of Commissioners lower than the number of Member States. Committee members
will be elected under a system of rotation based on the principle of equality, the implementing rules which
will be adopted by the European Council, which will decide unanimously on the following principles:
the number of Commissioners should represent two thirds of the Member States;
Member States should be treated equally in terms of order of rotation and duration of the presence of its
representatives in the College of Commissioners. In any case, two members of the same nationality can not
be present in the College;
each successive college should be established in such a way as to reflect optimally, demographic and
geographical range of all the Member States.
This rotation system is the rule of principle enshrined in the EU Treaty. However, the treaty provides for a
derogation as the European Council, acting unanimously, decides to alter the number of commissioners.
This option has already been used. In order to facilitate the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, the
European Council of 11-12 December 2008, provided for the adoption of a decision from the Commission
to have further comprises one national of each Member State after 2014. The Treaty Lisbon creates also a
new function within the Commission High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security
Policy. This replaces both the Commissioner responsible for External Relations and senior police one
European Council of 11-12 December 2008 foreign and security policy. Its role is to conduct foreign policy
of the Union. High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy chairs Foreign
Affairs Council but is also one of the Vice Commission. This It is appointed by the European Council,
7

acting by a qualified majority, with the agreement President of the Commission. In parallel with the
President and other members of the Commission, appointment is subject to Parliament's vote of approval.
From 1 December 2014, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security is
occupied by Federica Mogherini. Previously, this function was performed Catherine Ashton. Treaties of
Amsterdam and Nice have expanded greatly credentials.
President of the Commission. Therefore, it should define policy guidelines college and also to determine
the internal organization of the Commission. President gives, therefore, Commissioners different tasks and
responsibilities may change during his tenure. The members of the Committee shall appoint Vice except
High Representative Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Since the entry into force of The Lisbon
Treaty, it can also requiring a commissioner to quit Depending without having to seek the approval of the
college. From 1 November 2014, for a period of 5 years, the European Commission president is JeanClaude Juncker.
Operation. Daily activity of the Commission is provided by the staff (about 33 000 employees) - directors,
lawyers, economists, translators, interpreters, secretaries etc. - Organized into departments called
"directorates-general" (DGs) or Commission services. Each DG is responsible for a particular policy area
and is headed by a Director General who shall report directly to the President. DGs draft legislative
proposals, but they do not behave official character than the College of Commissioners when they adopt in
the weekly meetings. The Commission manages a number of executive agencies.
The term "Commission" means both "college" of Commissioners and staff of the subordinated function,
which operates mainly in Brussels. The Commission has also an office (a "representative") in each EU
Member State. The Commission meets in Brussels once a week, usually on Wednesday. When Parliament's
plenary sessions held in Strasbourg, the College of Commissioners is also meet in Strasbourg. Agenda
meetings are based on the work program of Commission. Each item on the agenda is presented by the
Commissioner responsible for the area concerned. Then the whole college takes a collective decision. The
public does not have access meetings and debates, but may consult at any time, agenda and processes
verbal. Extraordinary meetings are held in situations that require urgent intervention or discussions with the
Council of Ministers, on some major issues.
The Commission operates according to the principle of collegiality. Decisions are taken jointly by the
College of Commissioners responsible, collectively, to the European Parliament. The principle of
collegiality ensures:
the quality of decisions, as each proposal must be consulted on all Commissioners;
independence of the institution, because the decisions are taken without partisan pressures;
political accountability by all Commissioners, even when decisions are taken by majority vote.
Commissioners have no decision-making power of its own, only if so empowered by Commission to act on
its behalf in their respective fields. In this case, its legal and political responsibility of the Commission. The
President plays a major role: defining the political guidelines, assign a portfolio each Commissioner
(internal market, regional policy, transport, environment, agriculture, trade, etc.) and may, at any time, to
alter their powers. College secures strategic objectives and annual work program. Commissioners submit
proposals to the College, which deliberates generally by consensus. At the request of the commissioner, the
college may initiate a vote. In this case, decisions are taken by simple majority. Two other European
institutions play a vital role:
European Court of Justice ensures compliance with European law;
European Court of Auditors checks the financing of the Union's activities.
The duties and responsibilities of these institutions are laid down in the Treaty, they is the basis of
everything the EU does. Treaties also establish regulations and procedures that the EU institutions must
follow. They are adopted by the Heads of State and / or the Prime Ministers of the Member States and
ratified by national parliaments.
THE EUROPEAN COURT OF JUSTICE
8

Since its creation in 1952, the mission of the Court of Justice of the European Union is to ensure
"compliance with the law in the interpretation and application of" treaties and has jurisdiction to hear
disputes involving the governments of Member States, EU institutions, companies or individuals in space
EU. Within this mission, Court of Justice of the European Union:
review the legality of acts of the institutions of the European Union;
ensure that Member States fulfill their obligations under the Treaties
interprets EU law at the request of national courts.
Thus, it is the judicial authority of the European Union, in collaboration with the courts of the Member
States, ensure uniform application and interpretation of Union law. Court of Justice of the European Union,
whose headquarters is in Luxembourg, consists of three courts:
Court of Justice, Court (created in 1988 to help the Court of Justice cope with the large number of cases
brought before it, and to offer citizens better legal protection. It deals with actions brought by private
individuals, businesses and some organizations, and cases relating to competition law) and the Civil Service
Tribunal (created in 2004, which adjudicates in disputes between the European Union and its officials).
Since their creation, they were delivered by the three courts, approximately 28 000 judgments.
Composition. Currently, the Court is composed of 28 judges, one judge per Member State. The Court has
the support of nine "advocates-general 'whose task is to present views on cases brought before the Court.
Each judge and attorney general are appointed for a term of six years which may be renewed. Governments
need to agree on nominees. Judges of the Court of Justice shall appoint, in turn, the president and the vice
president, for a period of three years which may be renewed. President shall direct the Court of Justice and
chair meetings and deliberations in the case of larger panels of judges. The Vice-President shall assist the
President in the exercise of his duties and replace him in case of foreclosure.
Operation. The Court may sit in full, the Grand Chamber (fifteen judges) or in chambers of three or five
judges. The Court shall sit in plenary in cases provided for in the Statute (among others, when you must
decide the dismissal of the Ombudsman or to order, ex officio, the dismissal of a Commissioner who has
not complied with its obligations) and where it considers that a question of exceptional importance. The
Court shall sit in a Grand Chamber when a Member State or an institution that is part of a process, and in
cases of particularly complex or important. The other cases are heard in chambers of five or three judges.
The Presidents of Chambers of five judges are elected for a period of three years, and the chambers of three
judges for a period of one year. Court judgment on cases notified. The five common types of case are the
following1:
1) aciuni pentru pronunarea unei hotrri preliminare cnd instanele naionale i cer Curii de Justiie
s interpreteze un act legislativ european;
2) aciuni n constatarea nendeplinirii obligaiilor intentate guvernelor care nu aplic legislaia
european;
3) aciuni n anulare cnd se consider c anumite acte legislative ale UE ncalc tratatele europene sau
drepturile fundamentale;
4) aciuni n constatarea abinerii de a aciona cnd instituiile UE nu acioneaz pentru a lua deciziile pe
care au obligaia de a le lua;
5) aciuni directe intentate de persoane fizice, ntreprinderi sau organizaii mpotriva
deciziilor sau aciunilor UE. ntruct fiecare stat membru i are propria limb i un sistem juridic specific,
Curtea de Justiie a Uniunii Europene este o instituie multilingv. Regimul su lingvistic nu are
echivalent n nicio alt instan din lume, deoarece fiecare dintre limbile oficiale ale Uniunii
poate fi limb de procedur. n ceea ce privete aciunile directe, limba utilizat n cererea
introductiv (care poate fi una dintre cele 24 de limbi oficiale ale Uniunii Europene) va fi
limba de procedur a cauzei, adic limba n care aceasta se va desfura2. n ceea ce privete
cererile de pronunare a unor hotrri preliminare, limba de procedur este cea a instanei
judectoreti naionale care se adreseaz Curii de Justiie. Dezbaterile care au loc n timpul
edinelor sunt traduse simultan, n funcie de necesiti, n diferite limbi oficiale ale Uniunii Europene.
9

Judectorii delibereaz fr interprei, folosind o limb comun, care este, n mod tradiional, franceza.
Astfel, Curtea are obligaia s respecte un multilingvism integral, ca urmare a necesitii de a comunica cu
prile n limba procesului i de a asigura difuzarea jurisprudenei sale n toate statele membre.
EUROPEAN COURT OF AUDITORS
European Court of Auditors (CEC) was established in 1975 and is based in Luxembourg. European Court of
Auditors was established to carry out the audit of EU finances. The starting point for its audit activity is the
EU budget and EU policies, mainly in areas related to economic growth and employment, added value,
public finance, environment and climate change. The Court's audit on the implementation of the budget for
both revenue and expenditure. CEC checks how they are managed EU funds and its role is to review the
legality of operations of the Community budget and matches the annual program its management,
improving EU financial management and to submit reports on the use of money servants. In order to
guarantee European taxpayers that public money is well spent effectively, the Court is empowered to audit
(to audit) any person or organization that manages European funds. To this end, frequently carries out on
land. Included in his written reports to the European Commission and Governments of the Member States.
The auditors Court frequently carries out in the EU institutions, Member States and the European countries
receiving aid. Court activity aimed mainly European Commission responsible funds, but in practice,
national authorities manages 80% of revenues and expenses. One of the most important tasks of the Court
of Auditors is to submit to Parliament and the Council an annual report on the previous financial year
("annual discharge"). Parliament examines the Court's report thoroughly before to decide whether or not to
approve the Commission's handling of the budget. The Court must issue an opinion on EU financial
legislation and the possibilities for combating fraud. So ECA mission is to contribute to improving EU
financial management, promote accountability and transparency for document management and act as the
independent guardian of the financial interests of EU citizens. As an independent external auditor of the
European Union, the Court's role is to check that EU funds are correctly accounted for, if they were
collected and spent in compliance with rules and relevant legislation and whether to obtain the best costbenefit in their use.
Composition. ECA is independent of other Community institutions (but at the same time, we must remain
constantly in contact with them) and has full freedom in the organization and its audit planning and
reporting. The Court consists of 28 members (independent and experienced in auditing public finances)
from the 28 member states, with a term of six years. In turn, members of the Court shall elect a chairman
with a term of three years. The Court of Auditors has approximately 800 employees, not only auditors, but
also translators and administrators. Auditors. They are divided into groups of audit. They prepare draft
reports on which the court takes decisions.
Operation. Court can not grant sanction the discovery of irregularities or fraud, but only inform the
competent Community bodies (European Anti-Fraud Office - OLAF). CEC can be organized into "rooms"
in order to adopt certain categories of reports and opinions.

Other institutions and bodies of the specialized inter-institutional framework of the EU

European Central Bank (ECB) ECB was established in 1998 when the euro was introduced, to
manage monetary policy in the euro area. Based in Frankfurt, Germany, the ECB administers the single
European currency, the euro and ensure price stability in the EU. The ECB is also responsible for defining
and implementing the EU's economic and monetary policy. European Central Bank aim is:
to maintain price stability (ie to keep inflation under control), especially in countries that use the euro;
to maintain the stability of the financial system, ensuring that the institutions are properly supervised
markets. ECB cooperates with the central banks of all 28 Member States. Together, they form Eurosystem.
The ECB also establishes cooperation between the central banks of the 19 Member States (from 1 January
2015, Lithuania became the 19th member state), which together constitute the single currency and the euro.
The existing cooperation at the level of the small group called the "Eurosystem". The objectives of the
scheme are:
defining and implementing the monetary policy of the euro area;
10

 defining and implementing the monetary policy of the euro area;

conducting foreign operations;
preservation and management of the reserves Member States;
promoting an efficient payment system.
The ECB also:
fixed interest reference rates for the euro area and the money supply under control;
manages the currency reserves of the euro area buys and sells currency, when necessary to maintain the
balance of exchange rates; ensure that financial institutions are properly supervised and markets by the
national authorities and the payment systems functioning properly;
authorize the central banks of the euro area countries to issue banknotes;
monitors price trends and assessing the risk that it might pose to the stability of the euro area. The ECB
decision-making bodies of the following: conducting foreign operations;
preservation and management of the reserves Member States;
promoting an efficient payment system.
The ECB also:
fixed interest reference rates for the euro area and the money supply under control;
manages the currency reserves of the euro area buys and sells currency, when necessary to maintain the
balance of exchange rates; ensure that financial institutions are properly supervised and markets by the
national authorities and the payment systems functioning properly;
authorize the central banks of the euro area countries to issue banknotes;
monitors price trends and assessing the risk that it might pose to the stability of the euro area. The ECB
decision-making bodies of the following:
The Executive Committee manages the daily activity. It consists of 6 members (president, vice president
and other 4 members) appointed by euro zone leaders for a term of 8 years.
Governing Council shall formulate the monetary policy of the eurozone and sets interest rates at which
commercial banks can obtain money from the Central Bank. It consists of 6 members of the Executive
Board and the Governors of the 18 central banks of the euro area.
The General Council contributes to the actions of the ECB for consultation and coordination and provide
support to countries preparing to join the euro area. It comprises the President and Vice-President of the
ECB and central bank governors of all 28 member states. The ECB is an independent institution. Neither
the ECB nor the national central banks of the Eurosystem and no member of the court responsible decisions
can not ask for or accept instructions from any other body. All EU institutions and national governments
must respect this principle.
European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) representatives of employers, employees and other
interest groups can express their views on EU actions by European Economic and Social Committee. This
is a consultative assembly which issue opinions to the larger institutions - especially the Council,
Commission and European Parliament. European Economic and Social Committee was established in 1957
as a forum for discussion on issues related to the single market. The EESC gives lobbyists in Europe unions, employers, farmers - the opportunity to formally express about the proposed EU laws. The role of
the Committee is:
to advise the Council and the Commission's decision-making process;
to ensure greater involvement of civil society in the European initiative and promote social dialogue;
to strengthen the role of civil society organizations and associations in non-member countries of the EU.
On average, the Committee shall, annually, 170 advisory opinions and documents. All opinions are
forwarded to the Union's decision-making bodies and then published in the Official Journal. The Committee
consists of 353 members, representatives of economic and social interest groups across Europe. They are
nominated by national governments and appointed by the EU Council for a term of 5 years, renewable.
Committee members are not paid, but receive allowances to cover their travel and accommodation expenses
incurred in attending meetings. The areas where the Committee is consulted are: the internal market,
11

education, consumer protection, environment, regional development and social affairs - last on specific
issues, such as employment policy labor, public health, gender equality, and so on Also, the Committee may
issue opinions on its own initiative. Nice Treaty did not SM changed the number and distribution of seats at
CES, but has clarified the eligibility criteria for membership.
Committee of the Regions (CR) The Committee of the Regions is a consultative body that represents local
and regional authorities in the European Union. The role of the Committee of the Regions is to raise
awareness of local and regional points of view on EU legislation. In this regard, the Committee issues
reports ("Opinions") on the Commission proposals. Commission, Council and Parliament should consult the
Committee before taking decisions in areas affecting local and regional (eg., Employment labor,
environment, education, public health). CR consists currently of 353 members (and an equal number of
alternates) from all 28 Member States. Members and alternates are appointed by the Council, the proposal
home countries for a term of 5 years. Each country is free to set their own criteria for appointing members
but delegations should reflect a balanced distribution of political, geographical and regional / local.
Committee members are elected members or stakeholders within local and regional authorities in the area
of origin. Committee of the Regions meets five times a year in plenary session, to define general political
guidelines and to adopt opinions. There are six 'commissions' to deal with the different policy areas and
prepare the opinions to be debated in sessions plenare1:
Territorial cohesion;
Economic and Social Policy;
Education, Youth and Culture;
Environment, Climate Change and Energy;
Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs;
Natural resources. CR activity reflects three basic principles of EU activity:
1) the subsidiarity principle: the EU should not take on tasks which are better suited to national, regional or
local;
2) the proximity principle: all levels of government should aim to bring citizens closer through a proper
organization of their work;
3) the partnership principle: collaboration and involvement in decision-making authorities at European,
national, regional and local level, to achieve a strong European governance. Under the Lisbon Treaty, the
European Commission is obliged to consult with local and regional authorities and their associations as
early as possible in the pre-legislative stage. Committee of the Regions, as the mouthpiece for local and
regional authorities, is deeply involved in this procedure.
Once you submit a legislative proposal, the Commission must consult again with the Committee, if that
proposal aimed at one of the policy areas with direct impact on local and regional authorities.
European External Action Service (EEAS) European External Action Service shall assist the High
Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, a post he held for Federica
Mogherini. This leads the Foreign Affairs Council and outlines policy direction Foreign and Security
Policy, ensuring at the same time, consistency and coordination of actions undertaken by the EU externally.
European Investment Bank (EIB) European Investment Bank belonging to the 28 Member States. EIB
finances investment projects the EU and supports small businesses through the Fund
European Investment Fund (EIF). EIF provides venture capital for small and medium enterprises
(SMEs), particularly for newly established companies and those with technological orientation. It also
provides guarantees to financial institutions (eg banks) to cover loans to SMEs. EIF is not a lending
institution: does not lend or grant nor invests directly in any society. Instead, acting through banks and other
financial intermediaries, using either its own funds or those entrusted by the EIB or the European Union.
The Fund is active in the Member States of the European Union, Turkey and three EFTA countries (Iceland,
Liechtenstein and Norway). The task of the European Investment Bank is taking borrow from markets
capital and to provide low-interest loans for projects improving infrastructure, electricity or improving
environmental standards in both countries EU and in neighboring countries or in developing countries.
12

European Investment Bank support projects and invests in future EU Member States and partner countries.
Overall, the EIB borrow on the capital markets for not seeking EU budget. This money is provided on
favorable terms projects that are in line EU policy objectives. In 2008, the EIB raised an amount of about
60 billion euros. The Bank does not operate in for profit but grants loans at an interest rate close to the cost
of the loaned money. EIB services can be grouped into:
Loans: granted to viable programs and projects, both in the public and private sectors. Recipients can be
very different from large corporations to municipalities and small businesses.
Technical assistance: provided by a team of economists, engineers and experts to complement financing
facilities.
Guarantees: a large number of bodies, eg banks, leasing companies, guarantee institutions, mutual
guarantee funds, special purpose vehicles.
Venture capital: requests for venture capital should be addressed directly to an intermediary. About 90% of
loans go to programs and projects developed in the EU. EIB grants loans under six priority objectives listed
in the Bank's business plan:
cohesion and convergence;
Support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs);
Environmental sustainability;
implementing the "Innovation 2010 '(i2i);
The development of trans-European transport and energy networks (TEN);
Renewable energy sustainable, competitive and secure. Outside the EU, the EIB supports EU development
policy implementation and cooperation with partner countries. The EIB's shareholders are SM Union Bank
is administered by a Board of Governors, composed of 28 finance ministers (the equivalent number of
Member States). Council's responsibilities are to: establish lending policies, approval of the balance sheet
and annual report, authorizing financing operations outside the Union and making decisions on capital
increases. The Board of Governors appoints the members of the Board of Directors, of the Management
Committee and the Audit Committee.

European Ombudsman
European Ombudsman (or Ombudsman) is equivalent to an Advocate People at Community level, and is
appointed by Parliament for a term of five years. The European Ombudsman investigates complaints from
citizens, businesses and organizations in the EU who report cases of maladministration in the institutions,
bodies, offices or agencies - infringements, failure to comply with the principles of good governance,
human rights abuses. Office of the Ombudsman carries out investigations after receiving a complaint or on
its own initiative. As an independent body, it does not support any intervention by governments or other
entities. Once a year, we shall present a report to the European Parliament. Complaints vis--vis the
dissatisfaction activity carried out by an institution, body, office or agency of the EU, it must be submitted
to the Ombudsman within two years of the date on which it was found maladministration. The complaint
must be specified from whom a complaint is received (also the complaint to remain confidential), the
institution or body against which the complaint and the problem is. However, the Ombudsman can not
investigate:
complaints against national, regional or local authorities in Member States (government departments, state
agencies, local councils), even when the complaints aimed at European issues;
tribunals or bodies activities of existing national ombudsman. European Ombudsman receives requests for
appeal of decisions taken by these entities;
complaints against businesses or individuals. It is possible that the Ombudsman can solve the problem
simply by informing the institution, body, office or agency concerned. If you need more, try to find an
amicable solution, leading to remedy the situation reported. If they fail, the Ombudsman can make
recommendations to the institution concerned. If it does not accept the recommendations, it can make a
special report to the attention of Parliament, because it can take the necessary political steps. If you can not
13

examine the complaint (for example, because it has been already dealt with the matter), the Ombudsman
strives to identify the body which can help EU citizen.

The European Data Protection Supervisor

The position of European Data Protection Authority was created in 2001. The responsibilities of the
Authority are to ensure that EU institutions and bodies respect the right to privacy when processing
personal data. When processing personal data about a person who can be identified, EU institutions and
bodies are obliged to respect the privacy of the person concerned. The Authority shall ensure that this
happens. 'Processing' covers activities such as collecting data, recording and storing them, retrieving them
for consultation, sending them available to other people, blocking, erasure or destruction.
There are strict rules regarding privacy, which apply to these activities. For example, in general, EU
institutions and bodies are not allowed to process personal data that communicate information about racial
or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs or trade union membership. The
authority is working with officials in charge of data protection in each EU institution or body to ensure that
the rules on privacy.

Publications Office
EU Publications Office is an interinstitutional bodyIt aims to provide editing the publications of the EU
institutions, in accordance with Council Decision 2009/496 / EC, Euratom. Publications Office responsible
for the daily appearance of the Official Journal of the European Union in 23 languages (or even 24, when
required and published in Irish) - unique phenomenon in the publishing world. It is also editor or co-editor
of the publications in the context of institutional communication activities. In addition, the Publications
Office provides various services online that offer free access to information on EU law (EUR-Lex), EU
publications (EU Bookshop), public procurement EU (TED) and research and development EU (CORDIS).

The European Personnel Selection Office

The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) became operational in January 2003. His responsibility is
to organize competitions for recruitment for employment in all EU institutions. This centralization is more
effective than if each institution would organize their own competitions. EPSO's annual budget of around
21 million euros is lower by 11% than the expenses that it incurs in the past the EU institutions for
recruitment.

European Administrative School

European School of Administration was established on 10 February 2005. Its mission is to provide training
in specific areas for EU staff. The courses, attend all staff working in EU institutions SEA thereby
contributing to the dissemination of common values, promoting better understanding among EU staff and
achieving economies of scale allowing. She works closely with the training departments of all the
institutions to avoid submitting a double effort.
Numerous specialized agencies and decentralized bodies carrying out a series of activities for technical,
scientific or management. EU Agencies are distinct bodies of institutions - separate legal entities, created to
fulfill specific tasks, under European legislation. There are over 40 agencies, divided into 4 groups:
A. decentralized agencies;
B. Executive agencies;
C. Euratom agencies;
D. European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). The European Union is an entity with an
international vocation with many of the attributes of a nation state. EU member states harmonize laws, the
executive body with numerous responsibilities in implementing legislative measures. EU diplomatic
relations with various third party entity, becoming a signatory to all international treaties and agreements
more. However, the EU is far enough from the attributes of a state entity, for AC1:
No government in the true sense of the word;
Do not exercised in a manner a range of skills election;
manages not only partial affairs, justice and defense;
In foreign policy, there are still many attributes is exercised only intergovernmental basis.
14