EU Executive Branch and European Council

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Questions and Answers

What is the main responsibility of the administrative part of the executive branch?

Implementing and enforcing EU law (correct)

Taking political decisions and setting the legislative agenda

Exercising political leadership and taking initiative

Dealing with crises and unforeseen events

What is the role of the European Commission in the EU's executive branch?

To deal with crises and unforeseen events

To administer EU law and manage the public domain (correct)

To assist the European Council in its decision-making process

To take political decisions and set the legislative agenda

What is the main difference between the political and administrative parts of the executive branch?

The administrative part takes decisions, while the political part implements them

The political part takes decisions, while the administrative part implements them (correct)

The political part deals with crises, while the administrative part manages the public domain

The administrative part is responsible for EU law, while the political part is responsible for national law

What is the role of Member States in the implementation of EU law?

They are mainly responsible for administering EU law Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the political part of the executive branch?

Taking responsibility, action, and initiative Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about the administrative part of the executive branch in the EU?

It is relatively small compared to the political part Signup and view all the answers

What is the term in office of the President of the European Council?

2.5 years, renewable once Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the European Council?

To set the agenda and facilitate consensus Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of each European Council meeting?

A conclusion adopted by consensus Signup and view all the answers

What is an exception to the European Council's lack of legislative functions?

Appointing the High Representative Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of informal meetings of the heads of state or government?

To have exchanges of views Signup and view all the answers

Who does not participate in a vote when the European Council takes legally binding decisions?

The President of the European Council Signup and view all the answers

What role did the European Council play in the EU's institutional framework before the Lisbon Treaty?

It was an informal institution with a significant factual role Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the European Council's membership?

It consists of the heads of state or government from each EU country Signup and view all the answers

In what year was the European Council created?

1974, by common agreement among the heads of state or government Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason the European Council was created?

To establish a centre of political authority in the EU Signup and view all the answers

What is a common theme among the European Council's key roles?

Addressing internal and external crises and challenges Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the European Council's factual role?

It is more significant than its formal role Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the European Commission according to Article 17(1) TEU?

To promote the general interest of the Union Signup and view all the answers

How many commissioners are there in the European Commission?

One per member state, with a total of 27 Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Article 17(2) TEU in relation to the European Commission?

It grants the Commission the right of initiative in proposing legislative acts Signup and view all the answers

What influences the content and timing of an initiative from the European Commission?

The European Council's conclusions Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Directorate-General in the European Commission?

To provide administrative support to the commissioners Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'High Authority' in the context of the European Commission?

It is an early name for the European Commission Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic of the relationship between the European Council and the European Commission?

They have a fruitful relationship when they stick to their respective areas of expertise. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the European Commission's initiative in the EU's response to Corona?

It led to the development of a coordinated approach to purchasing vaccines. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the recovery plan for Europe, branded as NextGenerationEU?

It was a major stimulus package worth 750 billion in loans and grants for member states. Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the European Commission in implementing the NextGenerationEU funds?

It was responsible for managing the funds and monitoring the Rule of Law conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 14 and 15 December 2023?

It was a key milestone in the implementation of the NextGenerationEU funds. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the workshop instructions provided?

To prepare students for a workshop on the EU's response to Corona and the implementation of the NextGenerationEU funds. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Executive Branch in the EU

The executive branch in the EU consists of both a political and administrative part.
The political part is responsible for taking responsibility, action, and initiative, determining the direction of the body politic, and dealing with crises.
The administrative part is responsible for executing the laws and day-to-day management of the public domain.

The European Council

The European Council is an institution of the EU, composed of heads of state or government.
Members of the European Council have a dual role, both nationally and at the EU level.
National elections determine European Council membership, which has political and constitutional consequences at the national level.
The European Council was created in 1974 to provide a centre of political authority, give political direction, and take decisions on matters that could not be solved at a lower level.
The European Council plays a key role in enlargement, international relations, treaty amendments, and major new initiatives.
The European Council's factual role is more significant than described in the Treaties, similar to national constitutions.
The European Council has become more visible and prominent in recent years, with increased meetings and politically sensitive matters.

The Permanent President of the European Council

The permanent President of the European Council was established by the Lisbon Treaty.
The President is elected by the members for a 2.5-year term, renewable once.
The President sets the agenda, chairs meetings, and provides external representation of the European Council.
The President also facilitates internal cohesion and presents a report to the European Parliament after each meeting.

Decision-making in the European Council

The European Council meets at least twice every six months, with the option to convene more frequently.
Conclusions are adopted after each meeting, reflecting the main agenda points, political decisions, and priorities set.
Decisions are typically taken by consensus, although some legally binding decisions can be made based on specific Treaty provisions.
The President of the European Council and the President of the Commission do not participate in voting for certain decisions.

The European Commission

The European Commission represents the general interest of the Union and ensures the application of EU law.
The Commission is an independent body, consisting of commissioners and a president.
Each commissioner has a portfolio with a corresponding Directorate-General.
The Commission has the right of initiative, proposing Union legislative acts, and is responsible for external representation, budgetary and management functions, and other coordinating functions.

The European Commission's Tasks and Responsibilities

The Commission promotes the general interest of the Union and ensures the application of EU law.
The Commission has the right of initiative, proposing Union legislative acts, except where the Treaties provide otherwise.
The Commission's right of initiative is often influenced by the European Council's conclusions.
The Commission plays a key role in managing EU funds, external representation, and coordinating functions.

The EU and Corona

The European Commission initiated a coordinated approach to purchase vaccines.
The European Council reached a political agreement on a recovery plan for Europe, branded as NextGenerationEU.
The plan includes 750 billion in loans and grants, with conditions attached, including Rule of Law.
The Commission plays a crucial role in monitoring the Rule of Law conditions and managing the NextGenerationEU funds.

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Description

This quiz covers the executive branch in the EU, its political and administrative parts, and the role of the European Council. Test your knowledge of the EU's governing bodies and their functions.